THE DIP | How to train for an open water mile | Take part in a swimmers' health study

THE DIP | How to train for an open water mile | Take part in a swimmers' health study | The best water sports kit

Published: Sat, 06/29/24

Updated: Sat, 06/29/24

Your weekly edit from

Dear fellow swimmers

We hope you're all enjoying our July issue, which is all about alternative ways to enjoy the water, from paddle boarding to sea biking (yes, that is a thing!). To help you find the ideal water sport for you, we've tried and tested the best water sports kit – which one of these will you try this summer?

Also in The Dip this week, we speak to Steph Wetherell of Every Body Outdoors about how her community group is making wild swimming more accessible to plus-size swimmers, reveal how you can get involved in a swimmers' gut health study, and Olympian Keri-anne Payne shares a simple training plan for your first open water mile.

Don't forget to scroll down to the end for our swim training Tip of the Week!

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COMMUNITY

Experiences for plus-size swimmers

Outdoor community Every Body Outdoors is hosting events for plus-size swimmers in beautiful wild locations, including an intro to outdoor swimming in the Cairngorms.

GEAR REVIEW

The best water sports equipment for outdoor swimmers

Fancy bringing a new water sports element into your outdoor swimmer adventures? We've put the best water sports equipment and clothing to the test.

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OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

How to get back on track after a break

Marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas has advice on getting back on track after an unplanned break from swim training.

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Swim the River Arun with Aspire

Join the Aspire swim team on 22nd September at our River Arun Swim. At around four miles and tidally assisted, this swim is ideal if you are new to open water and looking to build your confidence, or a chance for more seasoned swimmers to enjoy a relaxed swim in the tranquil English countryside.

At Aspire, we are as passionate about swimming as you are and will be with you all the way. Dive in and help support people paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury. For further details email our event co-ordinator, Andrew.

STAY INFORMED & SWIM RESPONSIBLY

READER SWIM

"My first swimming holiday transformed how I swim!"

When a knee injury ruled out Alison’s chances of relying on her usual breaststroke on her swimming holiday in Greece, she learned how to master front crawl instead.

EVENT REVIEW

Studland Swimrun 2024

All the ingredients for a perfect swimrun!" Here's what Simon Griffiths thought of the Studland Swim Run in Dorset.

TRAINING

Training plan for your first open water mile

Take on your first open water mile with this 12-week training plan from Olympic open water silver medallist Keri-anne Payne.

NEWS

Your poo is needed! Take part in a river swimming study

Researchers at the University of Exeter are recruiting participants to shed light on what the risks of carrying antibiotic-resistant bacteria are among outdoor swimmers.

CHALLENGE

Our Climategames challenge for July

This month our Climategames challenge invites you to swim 10km over the course of the month to remove a kilogram of plastic from the ocean.

Outdoor Swimmer – the magazine for adventurous swimmers

Expand your swimming horizons and achieve your swimming dreams.

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JULY 2024 - COMPLEMENTARY SPORTS

How paddleboarding can enhance your swimming.
The art and science of tapering
You Ask, We Answer: what are drills?
On test: watersports gear, suncream and water shoes.
Plus training and technique, swim travel, events and book reviews.

ORDER THE ISSUE

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TRIED & TESTED

BEST ADVENTURE BAGS

Durable, weatherproof and ready for anything: whatever you’re looking for in a new adventure bag, we’ve got you covered.

BROWSE OUR EXPERT GEAR REVIEWS

WIN GREAT PRIZES

WIN a spa break courtesy of Arla LactoFREE

We’ve teamed up with Arla LactoFREE to give readers a chance to win a spa weekend at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa in Lake District. Last chance to enter!

Enter now...

EVENTS COMING SOON

BHF BOURNEMOUTH PIER TO PIER SWIM (1.4 miles)

29 June | Bournemouth
Find out more...

SELKIE HENLEY CLASSIC (2.1km)

30 June | Henley-on-Thames
Find out more...

MEDIACITYUK SWIM CHALLENGE (1.5km, 5km, 10km, 15km)

6 July | Salford Quay
Find out more...

RD5 – ROYAL DOCKS 5K SWIM (5km)

13 July | London Royal Dock
Find out more...

GAELFORCE GREAT LAKE SWIM (3.9km, 2km, and 750m)

13 July | Mountshannon, Co. Clare, Ireland
Find out more...

OUTDOOR SWIMMER HENLEY SWIM FESTIVAL (200m, half mile, mile, 2 miles, 4 miles)

13-14 July | Henley-on-Thames
Find out more...

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

TIP OF THE WEEK: HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE SWIMMER

The recent spell of warm weather has brought thousands of people to the water. Many of those are not regular or competent swimmers. Most will be sensible and swim within their limits. However, you may observe reckless or dangerous behaviour in or around water. Here’s what we recommend.

1. Lead by example. Be extra vigilant with your own safety. For example, with more water users out there, you need to ensure you can be seen.
2. If you can, engage in a constructive way. Invite people to join your swims. Point them to safety resources on our website, the Outdoor Swimming Society’s or the RLSS.
3. If you can’t engage and are concerned someone may come to harm but is not in immediate danger, call the police (if in the UK) on 101.
4. If you see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the fire service if inland or the coast guard if at the sea. Look around for rescue equipment such as a throw-line but do not enter the water yourself.

Enjoy the summer and hopefully see many of you at the Outdoor Swimmer Henley Swim Festival in two weeks!

Simon, Ella and the Outdoor Swimmer team

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