EIDER DUCK

Editor’s letter

As I sit in my tracksuit bottoms, spooning baked beans

Reader Photo Contest

in association with SwimQuest Holidays

FOLLOW-UP FILM TO ‘BLACKS CAN’T SWIM’ ANNOUNCED FOR MAY 2021 RELEASE

Ed Accura, the producer behind the feature film documentary

NEWS IN BRIEF

SWIMMERS IN ENGLAND URGED TO “TAKE CARE AT THE COAST”

NEW STATISTICS SHOW THE DEMAND ON RNLI LIFEBOAT CREWS SOARED AS THE SUMMER LOCKDOWN WAS EASED

Volunteer crew members at the Royal National Lifeboat

5 Things to do in December

This year more than ever, it’s important to support

ART OF SWIMMING

For me, this painting encompasses everything that open

BATHURST POOL, LYDNEY

Bathurst pool keeps a fairly low profile, but those

THE MISSING SILVER ROSE BOWL TROPHY: A TRUE STORY

A delightful young lady from Gloucester – this is not

Write in… Have your say

My friend Pat and I climb up to Gaddings Dam, Todmorden

#SWIMWILDANDFREE

Share your photos on Instagram with the hashtag #swimwildandfree

Sarah Thomas

ONE YEAR OUT FROM MY LAST SURGERY, I FEEL STRONGER THAN EVER. FOR ALL OF THE LOSS IN 2020, THERE IS MATCHING JOY

View from the water

SIMON GRIFFITHS WONDERS IF COLD WATER SWIMMING IS LIKE CHOCOLATE: HE WANTS MORE!

Murie’s World

SWIMTREK FOUNDER SIMON MURIE CHOOSES FIVE FILMS FOR A SWIMMER’S LOCKDOWN

UnstoppaBull: A death-defying quest to swim in the highest lake on earth

Earlier this year, extreme adventurer Daniel Bull completed his most challenging mission to date: swimming 6,370 metres above sea level in a semi-frozen crater lake on top of the world’s highest volcano.

Hattricks

After taking up adult swimming lessons Michael Chapman and Toks Ahmed were inspired to start a swimming business. Ella Foote finds out more…

Wading into political waters

Politicians don’t just swim with diplomatic sharks. Here’s a roundup of some noteworthy, aquatically-inclined heads of state.

SWIMMING SUSTAINABLY

Ella Foote meets ethical entrepreneur and swimmer Lou Jones

TOUGH IN NAME AND IN NATURE

Ella Foote chats with global adventurer Jenny Tough about travelling alone as a female and her new book, Tough Women Adventure Stories

COACH CASSIE

Olympic medallist Cassie Patten answers your swimming questions

2020 MIND GAMES

In difficult and ever-changing circumstances, Keri-anne Payne explains how to focus on your health and wellbeing

FIND YOUR SIGNATURE STRENGTHS

Celebrate your unique strengths to boost your open water confidence

CLEAR(ER) SKIES AHEAD

Sometimes it feels like we’re all kids at the back

Misadventures in the Peak District

Haunted pools, Mr Darcy and a leap of faith. Jonathan Cowie explores the Peak District

What’s in our kit bag?

From stocking fillers to extra-special presents – our favourite festive swim kit this month

BIG SKY COUNTY

Pete Kelly finds solace from the trials of pandemic life in the wilds of Northumbria

Patron Page

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

Push your boundaries

Audrey Hellen isn’t going to let cancer rule her life