Dear fellow swimmers

If you want to be a lifelong swimmer, it’s a big help if you love swimming. That might sound obvious, but not everyone who swims loves it. People start swimming for all sorts of reasons: triathlon, to get fit, to take on a challenge. Swimming is something they have to do to achieve their goal. Some of those people may then discover that they enjoy swimming, which is great. But not all do. Other people start off loving swimming but somehow fall out of love with it. For our Tip of the Week, we thought we’d share a few suggestions about how to fall and stay in love with swimming. Scroll to the end for our ideas.

In The Dip this week, watch our video guide to putting on an open water wetsuit, discover how to choose the right prescription goggles and catch up on all the latest outdoor swimming news. Meanwhile, with the Kinder anniversary date now a fixture on the “Right to Swim” calendar, the Outdoor Swimmer Society are looking ahead to this year’s Kinder Swim Trespass 2024 – find out how you can get involved here. 
 

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SOMERSET SWIM RETREATS

Somerset Swim Retreats is the ultimate getaway for swimmers. Nestled in the picturesque setting of Manor Farm, this idyllic destination welcomes you to bask in nature's wonders.

Whether you're a novice or an open water enthusiast, the retreats can cater to all. Situated on two acres of land at the crossroads of Somerset, Devon, and Dorset, you'll be just 30 minutes from the renowned Jurassic Coast. It's the perfect weekend of relaxation and open water exploration. 
 

TOP TIPS

How do I put on a wetsuit?

A decent wetsuit is an investment, so you will want to look after it. Often it is when you are putting on and taking off a suit when accidents happen! Watch our step-by-step process of putting on the suit.

Watch our video...

GEAR ADVICE

How to choose prescription goggles plus we put six to the test

Whether it’s clearly sighting a course, deciphering the lido clock or enjoying the scenery, having the correct prescription goggles is an essential part of your kit.

Read more... 

OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

“I feel dizzy when swimming”

Swimming coach and Olympian Cassie Patten has advice for if you find yourself feeling dizzy when swimming – and how to rebuild your confidence in open water. (Premium content).

Read more... 

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STAY INFORMED & SWIM RESPONSIBLY

Outdoor Swimmer – the magazine for adventurous swimmers

Expand your swimming horizons and achieve your swimming dreams.

APRIL 2024 - THE TRAVEL ISSUE

• Something to declare! We celebrate 21 years of swimming holidays and find out how they can bring you more joy than ever before. 
• Explore Split in Croatia, Guernsey, Exmoor and North Devon, Loch Linnhe in Scotland – plus, our pick of thermal pools around the world. 
• On test: open water and prescription goggles, period swimwear. 
• Mercedes Gleitze’s historic 1927 Gibraltar Strait crossing.

(Sponsored content)

WIN GREAT PRIZES

WIN a 3-day swim retreat for you and a friend (worth £800)

This fantastic prize from Somerset Swim Retreats includes a 3-day swim retreat for two people, with breakfast and dinners, unlimited access to the natural swimming pond, wood-fired sauna and jacuzzi, plus guided sea swims with qualified coaches.

Enter now... 

WIN a team entry to a 24hr Swim Relay

Level Water are giving you the chance to win a free team entry, for four people, to a 24hr Swim Relay of your choice with six nationwide events to choose from.

Enter now... 

(Sponsored content)

EVENTS COMING SOON 

SWIMATHON 2024 (400m to 30.9km)
26-28 April | various location
Find out more...  

KESWICK MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL (750m, 1.5km, 3.6km)
17-19 May | Derwentwater, Lake District
Find out more...  

ULTRASWIM 33.3 #3 CROATIA (33.3km over 4 days)
17-20 May | Stari Grad, Croatia
Find out more...  

GAELFORCE GREAT RIVER SWIM (5.8km, 3.1km, 800m)

18 May | Lanesborough, Co. Longford, Ireland
Find out more...  

GREATER MANCHESTER SWIM! (500m, 1 mile, 3 miles)

18 May | Dock 9, Salford Quays
Find out more... 

BEST Fest 2024 (7 swims over 7 days: 5k, 1.9/3.8k, 1.5k, 2.5k, 3k, 7/10k and 4x500m)
25 May | Colonia Sant Jordi, Mallorca, Spain
Find out more...  

Great North Swim (250m, half male, 1 mile, 2 miles, 5km, 10km)

7-9 June | Windermere, Lake District
Find out more...  

24-hr Swim Relays (24hr challenge)

8 June | Shepperton

15 June | Clevedon

22 June | Bedford
Find out more... 

Browse our full list of events. To promote your event here, please email [email protected]. 

TIP OF THE WEEK: HOW TO FALL IN LOVE WITH SWIMMING

• Swim frequently: The more often you swim, the better it becomes (within reason).
• Be mindful: Notice how the water cools your skin and buoys you up, listen to the sounds it makes, savour how it supports and embraces you.
• Don’t fight it: Swim serenely. Caress the water rather than pummel it.
• Enter a flow state: Find a rhythm that feels effortless and you could maintain for hours. Let time drift away.
• Be grateful: We have access to a unique and special activity.
• Read more ideas and what to avoid. 
  
   

Simon, Ella and the Outdoor Swimmer team

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