NEW Women's Wave, inspiring guest speakers, SUP sessions and more!

Published: Fri, 05/01/26

Updated: Fri, 05/01/26

💦 What's NEW at the CBS Great North Swim this year? 💦

You can expect new SUP sessions, a Women's Wave and an inspiring line-up of guests at this year's Lake District swim festival on 12-14 June

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The Great North Swim in the Lake District has been a favourite event of ours ever since we launched the magazine. Why? It welcomes swimmers of all abilities, takes place in a breathtaking setting, and offers a lively festival atmosphere – a true celebration of outdoor swimming.

We’re particularly excited for this summer’s Great North Swim because they have some wonderful new elements featuring in the line-up of that special summer weekend.

Keep scrolling to find out's coming at this swim festival for everyone.

The Outdoor Swimmer Team x

P.S By the way, tickets prices for the event go up on 11 May, so make the most of the current prices and sign up now!

NEW women-only wave

The women-only wave offers the opportunity to swim alongside other women in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Whether you’re new to open water swimming or simply prefer the atmosphere of an all-female wave, this swim provides a space to take on the challenge together.

The women-only is a half mile swim that takes place on Friday at 6pm.

FREE copies of Outdoor Swimmer

As many of you know, Outdoor Swimmer Magazine is filled with inspiring swimmer stories, stunning photography and expert tips on technique, training and cold water swimming: the perfect companion for your open water journey.

Head to the Outdoor Swimmer stand in the event village to collect your free copy, courtesy of EarCalm.

Amazing guest speakers

The Swimfest Stage will be hosting a series of inspiring talks and practical sessions designed to help you feel more confident, motivated and ready for your swim.

Gilly McArthur
Cold water swimmer and author of The Beauty of Cold, sharing her personal journey and the powerful mental and physical benefits of open water swimming.

Emma Simpson
BBC journalist and author of Breaking Waves, exploring stories of resilience, adventure and what draws people to the water.

10IronWomen
A community of female endurance athletes talking all things swimrun, training and how to get more women involved in the sport.

Catch Live Masterclass: The Leap to 1 Mile+: Technique, Training & Mindset to Swim Further with Confidence

Join official training partner Catch for a practical session packed with tips on technique, training and building the confidence to take on longer distances.

NEW stand-up paddleboarding sessions

For the first time ever, the Great North Swim is introducing stand-up paddleboarding sessions on Windermere.

SUP has quickly become one of the UK’s favourite outdoor activities, and it’s easy to see why. It’s accessible, social, and a great way to experience being out on the water.

These sessions are designed to be relaxed and inclusive:

• Non-competitive
• Fully safety managed
• Open to those with their own equipment

Whether you’re a regular paddler or looking to experience Windermere in a different way during the Great North Swim weekend, this is your chance to get out on the water alongside the event.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Swim with the Outdoor Swimmer team

Yes, the Outdoor Swimmer team will be swimming the 1-mile wave at the Great North Swim this year! We're thrilled to have 100 swimmers already joining us and there are still places left. If you fancy swimming alongside editor Ella, founder Simon and the rest of the team, sign up for the 1-mile wave at 11.30am on the Saturday.

JOIN OUR WAVE

A SWIM FESTIVAL FOR EVERYONE

As always at the Great North Swim you’ll find festival vibes, a friendly atmosphere and distances for all abilities of swimmer.

You can choose anything from Swim250, Half Mile, 1 Mile, 2 Miles, 5k and 10k, or why not take on a SwimRun? Just pick your event and join thousands of like-minded people at the UK’s biggest open water swim event.

We can’t wait to see you there!

The magazine for outdoor swimmers by outdoor swimmers.

#swimwildandfree

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