Editor’s letter

If this past year has taught us anything it’s that

HOME AWAY FROM HIBERNATION

It’s been over a year since we battened down the hatches

READER PHOTO CONTEST

WHETHER WILD SWIMMING, DIPPING IN AN URBAN LIDO, OR EXPLORING WARM FOREIGN SEAS… IF YOU’VE CAPTURED A GREAT SWIMMING IMAGE, ENTER IT INTO OUR MONTHLY READER PHOTO CONTEST.

OPEN WATER NEWS ROUND-UP

Albert Avenue lido in Hull to reopen 25 years after

THE RETURN OF ELITE SWIMMING

FINA Special Correspondent Colin Hill reports from leg 1 of the FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2021 in Doha

AFTER SCHOOL COLD WATER SWIMMING

The Mencap Marvels, a team of schoolchildren aged 12 to 16, spent the winter cold water swimming in training for an English Channel relay.

VENTURING INTO NEW WATERS

While British waters are not as warm as those of the

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# SWIM WILD AND FREE

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Sarah Thomas

Part two of my Molokai Channel crossing adventure

Murie’s World

Simon Murie celebrates SeaLanes and the goal of a National Open Water Swimming Centre

View from the water

Simon Griffiths speaks to the APPG for the Waterways about outdoor swimming

Bright future for outdoor pools

Emma Pusill on why lidos offer so much opportunity for their local communities

MUTE SWAN

Our biggest birds.

THE IDES OF MARCH

Kayaking, swimming and watching the birds under a bright, mackerel sky.

Patron Page

Thank you to the following individuals who have joined the Outdoor Swimmer Family as Patrons and Super Patrons

From the depths to lengths

Alison Wooding is living the length and breadth of her life, honouring her sister Jen and friend Annie.

Pool revival

After a 17-year campaign, Britain’s oldest lido The Cleveland Pools is set to reopen in summer 2022. Ella Foote visits the site before restoration begins on the highly anticipated project

Legends of the Selkies

Tales of part-seal-part-human ‘seal folk’ have long been part of northern European folklore. Elaine K Howley explores the enchanting stories of selkies and Finfolk that dwell mostly under the sea

My swim story

In part three of this new series, double world champion and Olympic silver medallist Keri-anne Payne tells the story of her home games at London 2012 and overcoming the initial disappointment of her 4th-place-finish

Poolside

Soo Burnell’s photo series was created by chance but is now bringing the passion of pools to life. Ella Foote finds out more…

COACH CASSIE

Olympic medallist Cassie Patten answers your swimming questions

BACK TO THE WATER

Simon Griffiths's tips for returning to swimming after lockdown

HOW TO…

Swimmers come in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes it can be difficult to find a wetsuit that not only fits but also supports your swimming goals. Angus Greenwood of Yonda explains how to choose a wetsuit that is the right fit for you - whether you are an apple, pear or breaststroker

IMAGERY

Prepare for getting back in the water by visualising swimming

LET'S TALK KIT

What kit do you need for outdoor swimming? Rowan Clarke looks at ways to get creative and keep costs down

HOW GREEN IS YOUR WETSUIT?

Natural rubber has been used as a green alternative to neoprene by some surfing wetsuit brands since 2016 - so why are swim brands yet to make the switch?

The Spanish slow road

Do you dream of spending summer days swimming through clear waters and relaxing on unspoiled Spanish beaches? Lola Culsán and John Weller spent a year campervanning, walking, swimming and exploring Spain’s secret coast to bring you their new guide book Hidden Beaches Spain. Join them on the slow road, with diversions along paths least travelled to remote shores, pristine coves and secluded swimming spots. Here they share some of their favourite beaches for swimming