THE DIP | Thames swimmers wanted | Reader smashes Catalina Double

THE DIP | Thames swimmers wanted | Reader smashes Catalina Double | Clever ear protection

Published: Sat, 08/23/25

Updated: Sat, 08/23/25

Your weekly edit from

Dear fellow swimmers

Long swims week

Shortly after we sent out last week's The Dip, I spoke with Sidney Russell, who earlier this summer completed a double crossing of the Catalina Channel - so we're sticking with a long-distance swimming theme for a second week.

Sidney wasn't shouting about her achievement. In fact, it was one of her support crew who got in touch and said, "you need to share this woman's story. She's amazing."

A double Catalina Channel crossing is amazing - but context matters. Sidney isn't a full-time sponsored athlete. She's a busy mum and a swim coach, and a frequent volunteer kayaker helping other people achieve their swimming dreams. That's the bit I found amazing.

🌊 You can read our interview with her here.

Closer to home, editor Ella and feature writer Rowan completed the Dock2Dock 5km swim last weekend. Not a long swim by Sidney's standards, but still a significant effort. They will be sharing a full report in a future issue of Outdoor Swimmer. But for now, look how much it made them smile.

Ella said, "I definitely didn't do as much training as I wanted to or should have - and I paid for that in the final 500m when I'm sure my arms looked like Mr Tickle from the Mr Men series. They were all over the place."

Also this week in The Dip, find out about a unique study exploring swim communities along the River Thames, how to keep that "swim fit" feeling, a warming winter swim in Oman, and discover a clever pair of swimmer ear plugs that keeps water out but lets sound in.

Also for subscribers, look out for our long-distance themed September issue, which will be landing any day now.

👉 Find out how you can get every issue of Outdoor Swimmer magazine.

Happy swimming!

Simon Griffiths

Founder, Outdoor Swimmer magazine

PS. Thanks to this week's newsletter sponsor Own The Adventure. To put your brand in front of 40,000 swimmers, please email stuart@outdoorswimmer.com

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RECOMMENDED FROM OUR WEBSITE THIS WEEK

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Designed to keep water out while allowing sound in, SurfEars new ear plugs are built to last with minimal impact, made from recycled ocean plastics. We spoke to founder Christian Dittrich. (Sponsored)

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How to keep that swim fit feeling!

After a swim event, it’s easy for training to slide. Engaging in active recovery, working on technique and trying something new can help keep you motivated.

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