THE DIP | It's time to start preparing for winter swimming | Best changing robes 2024

THE DIP | It's time to start preparing for winter swimming | Best changing robes 2024 | Swimmer's guide to Lausanne

Published: Sat, 08/31/24

Updated: Mon, 09/02/24

Your weekly edit from

Dear fellow swimmers

Have you got that 'back to school' feeling? When September rolls around many of us want to hold onto those last days of summer for as long as we can. But even with warmer winters and extra days of sunshine, there are some things we have to face. Daylight hours are going to be shorter, weather conditions are more turbulent and water will get colder (eventually).

As we dive into the changing season in our new issue – on sale now – in The Dip this weekend, we reveal nine tips to help you get ready for cold water swimming, read the heartwarming story behind September's cool blue and bracing cover photo and review the best changing robes for 2024.

To find out what our number one word of advice is for swimming into the cold water season, scroll down for editor Ella's 'tip of the week'.

COLD WATER SWIMMING

It’s time to start preparing for winter swimming

In the next few weeks, inland water temperatures in the northern hemisphere will likely start tumbling. Read our nine tips to get you ready for cold water swimming.

GEAR

Best changing robes for 2024

With autumn water temperatures approaching, now is a good time to invest in or update your changing robe.

(Premium content)

OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

Finish the season strong

Paul Newsome looks at how to perform your best in end-of-season events and challenges.

(Sponsored content)

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CHALLENGE

Meet the Channel swimmers

If you’re thinking of swimming the English Channel, then prepare to be inspired as we catch up with two relay swimmers who completed the challenge for SwimTayka. (Sponsored content).

NEWS

The story behind our September cover

The stunning front cover image on our new Changing Seasons issue was captured by a 13-year-old with an iPhone.

EXPLORE

Fit for a poet: a swimmer’s guide to Lausanne and Lake Geneva

Jo Tinsley hops on the train to Lausanne, Switzerland, to explore its lakeside beaches and open-air pools.
Read more...

EXPLORE

Top 6 wild swimming walks in Eryri

Emma Marshall, author of a new guide book Wild Swimming Walks Eryri/Snowdonia shares six of her favourite swim-hikes in the National Park.

NEWS

Beyond The Breakers Open Water Swim Conference

Endurance Swimming LLC is hosting its first open water swim conference, Beyond the Breakers, 9-10 November 2024 at Bentley University in Massachusetts.

Outdoor Swimmer – the magazine for adventurous swimmers

Expand your swimming horizons and achieve your swimming dreams.

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SEP 2024 - CHANGING SEASONS

What can we learn from the Olympics?
History of English weather terms
How changing weather patterns impact Channel swimming
The best pool sets and drills for outdoor swimmers
Plus, the largest range of changing robes we’ve ever tested!

ORDER THE ISSUE

(Contains affiliate content)

TRIED & TESTED

THE BEST RACING WETSUITS

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

BROWSE OUR EXPERT GEAR REVIEWS

EVENTS COMING SOON

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

Until 24 October | Various location

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: BE CONSISTENT (WHATEVER YOUR SWIM STYLE)

Consistency is key when it comes to swimming through autumn and winter. If you have yet to dip your toe into winter swimming, perhaps this year is your chance to try? Our advice for wannabe winter swimmers is to keep outdoor swimming consistently as summer gives way to autumn and autumn falls into winter. Just one swim a week in open water is enough to get you acclimatised to changing temperatures and conditions.

Swims don't have to be long, nor far or fast. Use these swims to learn about your body in different conditions. Make a note of the temperature and weather, then note how long you swam for, how you felt, what you wore, what stroke you did, whether you ate before swimming, how you slept afterwards. Over the season you will create a picture of how you respond to changing conditions. If you can be swimming two to three times a week outdoors throughout autumn and winter, you can embrace the seasons and learn a lot about yourself and your swimming.

Ella, Simon and the Outdoor Swimmer team

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