Earlier this week we spent a good chunk of time going through the entries to our newly launched open water swimming photo competition sponsored by Selkie. We're not complaining, but you didn't make our job very easy! It was a joy to look through the pictures but deciding on a winner was really hard.

We were looking for two things really. Firstly, we wanted a picture that would look great on a double page spread in the magazine. Secondly, we were after an image that somehow captured the essence of open water swimming - and that's where we came a little unstuck because open water swimming means so many different things to different people.

We had pictures showing the solitude of the long distance swimmer, the resilience of cold water swimmers, the joy of wild swimming and the excitement of mass participation racing. We had pictures of swimmers of all ages, from all around the world.

We've posted the entries on our Facebook page and you can view them here.

We'll be revealing the winner in our Feb/Mar 2016 fifth anniversary issue, which we're sending to the printer later this week. If you're not yet a subscriber and want to make sure you receive a copy, you can sign up here.

Simon Griffiths

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Swim Oxford's Lock to Lock swim series builds on the success of last year's 4k event with more great events planned for 2016. This year the 10k, 6k and 4k will take you through the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, semi-ancient woodlands and 12th century abbey ruins at Godstow.

You will be supported all the way and pampered at the end at the Swim Oxford Cafe. Homemade cakes and fresh teas and coffee are all included.

The chance to complete an Ironman 4k distance or longer 6k or 10k Thames swims is now open for entries. Please be aware that there are restrictions on participant numbers and places fill up very quickly.