Dear fellow swimmers

In The Dip this week, we review the best racing wetsuits, explore how to do a self analysis of your swimming to discover where there are opportunities for improvement and hear from a reader who took part in an all-night lido swimming challenge. As always, please scroll to the end for our tip of the week.  

COACH

How to do a self analysis of your swimming

Simon Griffiths plans out a training session that finds out more about how you swim and where there are opportunities for improvement.

Read more...

GEAR

The best racing wetsuits 2024

New technical materials, increased range of motion and dynamic flexibility, we review the fastest wetsuits on the market.

Read more... 

(Premium content)

OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

How to stay fit between races and on holiday

A bit of preparation and flexibility will go a long way to maintaining your fitness, says swim coach Paul Newsome.

Read more... 

(Contains affiliate links)

Get 20% off Sumarpo wetsuits

 
We’ve been speaking with Sumarpo, who have been designing wetsuits since 2008, and we're pleased to share an exclusive 20% off discount for The Dip subscribers.

 Originally launched in the UK, the company is now based in California, and prides itself on its innovative and high performing wetsuits along with their environmental credentials.
 

Don’t be put off by the triathlon-heavy imagery. Sumarpo wetsuits are perfect for performing your best in any open water event. Also, check out their range of goggles and other accessories.

STAY INFORMED & SWIM RESPONSIBLY

GEAR

Discover Sumarpo 

We spoke with Brand Manager, Farid Alizada about Sumarpo’s high-performance, eco-friendly wetsuits for swimmers and triathletes. (Sponsored content). 

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EVENT REVIEW

Swim the Night

Swim the Night is a 12- or 24-hour swimming challenge where you swim 1km or 1 mile on the hour, every hour, until your time is up. Naomi Constable took part in this all-night lido swimming challenge.

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FEATURE

Swims that shaped me: Ali Couch

From her first event at Bournemouth’s Pier to Pier to her adventure in the Isles of Scilly, Ali Couch shares the swims that stand out in her lifetime of swimming.
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NEWS

The Swimming Alliance calls for a fresh approach

The Swimming Alliance has called on the new government to put sport, recreation, and physical activity at the heart of its mission.

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READERS' SWIMS

Islas Desertas: a 60km swim through the Atlantic Ocean

We spoke with Mayra Santos shortly after she completed this epic marathon swim to Islas Desertas and back again.

Read more... 

Outdoor Swimmer – the magazine for adventurous swimmers

Expand your swimming horizons and achieve your swimming dreams.

AUG 2024 - THE 'SWIM SAFE' ISSUE

• Race faster. Hit the right balance of open water and pool training. 
• Meet the record-breaking Merthyr Mermaid training for polar swims. 
• The best gear for kids, lightweight towels and sunglasses for wild swimmers. 
• Bog swimming in Estonia 

(Contains affiliate content)

TRIED & TESTED 

SWIMMING TOWELS & TOWEL ROBES 

Whether you prefer a lightweight and quick-drying travel towel that fits easily in your kit bag or a cosy and roomy towel robe for warmth and quick changes, a good swimming towel is an essential part of your kit.

EVENTS COMING SOON 

SWIM MARATHON (swim 26 or 13 miles in 12 weeks)

Until 24 October | Various location

Find out more...

WHAT IT'S LIKE SWIMMING THE ENGLISH CHANNEL IN A RELAY TEAM (and How to Join) – Webinar

22 August, 8-8.30pm | Online event

Find out more...

SWIM PARTY ALGARVE (10km)

24 August | Carvoeiro, Portugal

Find out more...

GO SWIM LOCH LOMOND (250m, 750m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, 10000m)

31 August | Balloch, Scotlan

Find out more...

BEAT THE TIDE (4km)

8 September | Adberdyfi, Wales

Find out more...

GAELFORCE GREAT FJORD SWIM (3.9km, 2km, 750m)

14 September | Leenane, Co. Galway, Ireland

Find out more...

SWIM SERPENTINE (half mile, 1 mile, 2 miles, 6 miles)

14 September | Hyde Park, Londo

Find out more - charity places only available...

GO SWIM LOCH MORLICH (250m, 750m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, 10000m)

14 September | Aviemore, Scotland

Find out more...

Browse our full list of events. To promote your event here, please email stuart@outdoorswimmer.com. 

TIP OF THE WEEK: SURROUND YOURSELF WITH CHEERLEADERS
 

When I speak with swimmers who have spent hours battling through waves, and fending off cold and fatigue, the recurring theme is that swimming is never a solo endeavour even when you’re alone in the water. They couldn’t even get to the start line alone, let alone struggle through to the finish. Mayra Santos, who recently completed a 60km swim in the Atlantic, told us the support of her husband was “paramount”. When she was struggling, she thought about all the people supporting and watching her journey. Nick Adams has just completed his 18th crossing of the English Channel and posted on Facebook about his bottomless gratitude for those who supported him, including his family, the crew on his boat and his regular training partner. But remember, your team needs to be nurtured. Let them know how much you appreciate their support, whether that’s with a private thank you note or publicly on social media.
 
p.s. If you’re interested in exploring what swimming can do for you and how you can make more of the water, check out Swim Mentoring.
 

Simon, Ella and the Outdoor Swimmer team

Main image: Orca, 'The Best Racing Wetsuits'

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