THE DIP | How to swim in a wetsuit | Best jammers, shorts and trunks

THE DIP | How to swim in a wetsuit | Best jammers, shorts and trunks | Invent your own drills

Published: Sat, 05/04/24

Updated: Sat, 05/04/24

Your weekly edit from

Dear fellow swimmers

Recently, open air pools are enjoying a surge of popularity and we often cover stories of campaigns to re-open formerly neglected lidos, of decades long renovations and communities united over the threat of losing their cherished local pool. But what about those unassuming open air pools that are simply trying to get by, perhaps without the dazzling Art Deco facades or bougie wooden saunas and pool-side tapas that might have them featured in Sunday supplement round ups. In this week’s newsletter, read about the new cold water swimming trial happening at Shepton Mallet Lido.

Also in The Dip this week, we review men’s swimwear, find out what salt and chlorine does to our skin and how we can protect it, and speak to American Olympic hopeful Ivan Puskovitch about how to train in the pool for open water success. Plus, don’t forget to scroll to the end for our Tip of the Week.

We’re also delighted to share the fifth and final part in our video guide to wetsuits ‘How to swim in an open water wetsuit’. To celebrate the series, Zoggs are offering Outdoor Swimmer readers an incredible 25% off their wetsuits with code ‘DIP25’ – hurry, the offer ends 11 May!

Finally, if you missed the chance to read a copy of the April 'Travel' edition, we're now offering 40% off!

(Sponsored content)

SWIM THE SOLENT WITH ASPIRE

Join the Aspire swim team crossing The Solent to The Isle of Wight in 2024. A distance of 2 ½ to 3 miles (tide dependent) this swim is ideal if you are looking to push your swim boundaries.

At Aspire, we are as passionate about swimming as you are and will be with you all the way. Dive in and help support people paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury. For further details email our event co-ordinator, Andrew.

SWIM THE SOLENT

GEAR

Best jammers, briefs and shorts for outdoor swimmers

Whether you’re after a flexible fit for training, thermal fabric for core warmth or a lightweight hybrid short for impromptu dips, we’ve got you covered.

FEATURE

What does swimming do to your skin?

What are the effects of chlorine, sun and salt on your skin? And how can you take better care of your skin when swimming regularly in pools, lidos and open water? (Sponsored by TRIHARD).

OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

Wetter by design

The fascinating evolution of our swimming kit. How these humble items can go way beyond their function and become instrumental in changing minds, attitudes and lives. (Premium content)

STAY INFORMED & SWIM RESPONSIBLY

SHEPTON MALLET LIDO NEWS

Shepton Mallet Lido announces new cold water swimming opening, extending the season by eight weeks with plans for more providing they can prove its popularity.

BIG RIVER WATCH THIS WEEKEND

During one of your swims over the Bank Holiday weekend (3-6 May) you can help provide a large-scale picture of river health by taking part in the Big River Watch.

INVENT SWIMMING DRILLS

We use drills to help us focus on and improve our technique. Sometimes you can’t find one that exactly fits what you want to work on. No problem. Just make one up.

POOL TRAINING FOR OPEN WATER

Sarah Kim Bonner spoke to American Olympic hopeful Ivan Puskovitch about the training regime that earned him his place in the Paris Olympics.

(Sponsored content)

HOW TO SWIM IN AN OPEN WATER WETSUIT

Swimming in a wetsuit isn’t very different from swimming without one, but if you have never worn a wetsuit before, it will take some getting used to. Watch our latest video for tips on how to swim in an open water wetsuit.

There are common concerns or misconceptions about swimming in a wetsuit – often they are seen as restrictive, uncomfortable or for wimps! Modern wetsuits are not only a brilliant piece of kit they are also for every kind of swimmer and many open water swimmers wear wetsuits for events, long distance swims, to keep warm or to help them swim faster.

To celebrate the release of our fifth and final video, Zoggs are offering Outdoor Swimmer readers an incredible 25% off their wetsuits with code ‘DIP25’. Offers expires 11 May.

WATCH THE SERIES

GET 25% OFF ZOGGS WETSUITS

Outdoor Swimmer – the magazine for adventurous swimmers

Expand your swimming horizons and achieve your swimming dreams.

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MAY 2024 - THE GEAR ISSUE

16 pages of gear reviews from swimwear to wetsuits and shorties.
“Help! I don’t understand training jargon" Olympian Cassie Patten has your guide.
How to plan ahead and make the most of event this season.
The history of swimming kit and Channel grease.
Learn how to swim in challenging conditions with confidence.

ORDER THE ISSUE

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WIN GREAT PRIZES

WIN an adventure bundle from Seashell – worth £450

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WIN a team entry to a 24hr Swim Relay

Level Water is giving you the chance to win a free team entry, for four people, to a 24hr Swim Relay of your choice! There are six events to choose from, all at beautiful lakes across the UK.

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EVENTS COMING SOON

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...

24HR SWIM RELAYS (24hr challenge)

8 June | Shepperton

15 June | Clevedon

22 June | Bedford
Find out more...

BHF BOURNEMOUTH PIER TO PIER SWIM (1.4 miles)

29 June | Bournemouth
Find out more...

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

TIP OF THE WEEK: INVENT YOUR OWN DRILLS

We use drills to help us focus on and improve our swimming technique. There are lots to choose from but sometimes you can't find one that exactly fits what you want to work on. No problem. Just make one up. Or combine parts of drills you already know. That way, you can make it specific to your needs. Plus, by forcing you to think more about your swimming, it will help your swimming development.

Simon, Ella and the Outdoor Swimmer team

Main image: Coots

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