EDITOR’S LETTER

Swimming challenges come in all shapes and sizes. In

OUTDOOR SWIMMER / SELKIE

READER PHOTO CONTEST

I HAD A HEART ATTACK WHILE SWIMMING

Maurice Walton shares his experience to serve as a warning to other swimmers

US to Mexico relay swim for human rights

On 5 May 2017 12 athletes swam across the border from

SWIMMING HELPS YOU LIVE LONGER

A group of public health researchers from Australia

IMSHoF discusses FINA wetsuit ruling

Should the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHoF) recognise wetsuit swims? This was one of the questions raised at an informal congress of the organisation.

Is there a Golden Ticket hidden in this magazine?

Find the Golden Ticket to win a dryrobe – the warmest

WIN! AQUA SPHERE KAYENNE POLARISED GOGGLES

Delivering 100% UV protection, Aqua Sphere’s Kayenne

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ACCLIMATISED

Yes, it is summer (supposedly). But the water is still pretty chilly for the time of year. Jonathan Cowie heads down to the lake…

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MOMENT OF CONTEMPLATION

A busy day at Queenford Lakes. Katia Vastiau

VIEW FROM THE WATER

Outdoor swimming communities are awesome, says Simon Griffiths

WIN AN ORCA OPENWATER RS1 TWO-PIECE WETSUIT

New RS1 Openwater. Two piece wetsuit. No zip. Perfect fit. Perfect Comfort

Meadfoot Beach, Torbay

From rockpooling splendour to adventurous swimming, Ju Lewis explains why she loves Meadfoot Beach in Devon

ENDURANCE ADDICT

In September 2014 recovering alcoholic Paul Parrish attempted to become the oldest person to complete the Arch to Arc triathlon, running 87 miles from Marble Arch to Dover, swimming the English Channel and cycling 182 miles to the Arc de Triomphe, Paris

SWIM SISTERS

Full body suits are allowing a new demographic of women to take to the open water, discovers Becky Horsbrugh

EXQUISITE TORTURE

Ned Denison runs the legendary Cork Distance Week training camp in Ireland, where swimmers contend with whirlpools, jellyfish swarms and dead seagulls – as well as the infamous ‘torture swim’. Crispin Thorold braved the waters of Sandycove

SAND ON YOUR PILLOW AND THE CHANNEL IN YOUR HEART

Ella Foote meets author Gillian Best for a swim and to talk about her new book, The Last Wave

THE LONDON SWIMMING CLUB

Fed up with the nine-to-five grind, Emma Hardy quit her day job and is now reviving a Victorian swimming club

COACH CASSIE

Our resident Olympian answers your swimming questions

MILE OR MARATHON PART 2

Fiona Ford continues her series of training sessions from last issue. This month, we’re working on developing sustainable speed and pacing awareness

ESCAPE THE POOL

Moving from the pool to swimming outside can be daunting. Our brief guide will help you take the plunge.

SHOULD YOU SWIM HARD?

In part of three of his series on mind-body training, Terry Laughlin encourages us to think differently about effort

TAKE THE PRESSURE

Sport psychology is the study of how psychology influences

Develop ways of thinking effectively

Here are some tips to help you develop ways to think more effectively and reduce anxiety-provoking thoughts.

GET READY TO RACE

Ensure you are in tip-top form on race day with these three recipes from nutritionist Kathy Findlay

GO WILD IN SCOTLAND

Kimberley Grant, co-author of the new book Wild Guide Scotland, shares her favourite places for wild swimming

VIENNA’S AUTOBAHN FOR SWIMMERS

Vienna might not be top of your list when it comes to outdoor swimming destinations, but an 18km stretch of open water in the heart of the city – as well as the chance to swim-commute to work – has convinced Blaise Kelly

ROTTNEST CHANNEL SWIM

The 19.7km Rottnest Channel Swim is one of Australia’s most iconic open water events. Ryan Duell braved strong currents and swells to swim his first race over 10km – and found himself on the podium

STRAIT, SOUND SWIMMING

Bert Thomas accepted the challenge of marathon swimming and inspired a tradition that continues today By Elaine K Howley

LET’S SWIM!

UK AND INTERNATIONAL EVENT LISTINGS

TOWELS

From big beach towels to microfibre mini towels, get dry and wrap yourself up in the pick of our favourite towels

ROBES

Getting warm, dry and changed quickly is often imperative after swimming outdoors. There are a number of different products on the market and we checked out a range of towel robes that are great for summer outdoor swimming adventures

BAGS

Holdalls, drybags, ruck sacks and changing bags – whatever your swimming adventure there is a kit bag designed for you

The Challenge of the English Channel: A Spiritual Approach to the Mount Everest of Swimming

The Challenge of the English Channel: A Spiritual Approach