Every outdoor swim is an opportunity for adventure. In fact, we're tempted to say that every outdoor swim is an adventure. Each time you enter the sea, river or lake, there will be something to surprise or delight you. It could be as simple as noticing how the sunlight pierces the water, lighting up your hands in front of you. Or maybe you find yourself discovering a part of the world you've never visited before and experiencing it from the water. Then there are those heart-stopping moments when something unseen brushes against your leg... if you're anything like me, you think "shark!", even when you're in a lake miles from the ocean.

Outdoor Swimmer is the magazine for adventurous swimmers. It's for swimmers who meet strangers in muddy car parks and jump into rivers with them, for swimmers who see a body of water and wonder what it would be like to swim across and for swimmers that feel a sense of gratitude and wonder that they just can.

Our theme for January is "New Year, New Adventure", to get you started on your 2020 swimming adventures, here are a few tips from us:

 

- Take a swimming costume, towel and goggles with you whenever you travel.

- Be more than alert to swimming opportunities - actively seek them out.

- When you visit somewhere, make a point of connecting with local open water swimmers (local groups can often be found on Facebook)

- Be mindful every time you swim outdoors, even if it's somewhere you often swim. Notice what is the same and what is different. Notice how the water tastes and looks, how it feels on your skin and how it sounds.

- Remember that adventure will sometimes take you out of your comfort zone but you should always stay aware of and manage risks. See our website for swimming safety advice.

- Finally (and obviously) read Outdoor Swimmer magazine.

 

Wishing you a Happy New Year, with lots of swimming adventures.