Celebrating Open Water: The Merpeople of Penberth
Chris Ayriss, OSS member and author of "Hung Out To Dry - Swimming and British Culture," recently contacted us to share the story of his chilly Chirstmas swims at St Ives - and the memories of his host's 1950s childhood, growing up in the golden age of swi... More >
Chris Ayriss, OSS member and author of "Hung Out To Dry - Swimming and British Culture," recently contacted us to share the story of his chilly Chirstmas swims at St Ives - and the memories of his host's 1950s childhood, growing up in the golden age of swi... More >
Petition: Better Public Access To Our Waterways
A fellow member of The Outdoor Swimming Society has set up a petition calling for improved access to be placed as a priority for the "New Era for Waterways." The petiton states that, "People in England and Wales do NOT currently have a clear le... More >
A fellow member of The Outdoor Swimming Society has set up a petition calling for improved access to be placed as a priority for the "New Era for Waterways." The petiton states that, "People in England and Wales do NOT currently have a clear le... More >
Another Brrr-illiant December Dip!
Last Saturday saw a record breaking number of December Dippers take the plunge at Parliment Hill Lido. Over 300 tickets were sold, 600 mince pies were eaten and the water was a bracing 8 degrees. Radio 1 DJ extrodinaire and outdoor swimming fan, the lovel... More >
Last Saturday saw a record breaking number of December Dippers take the plunge at Parliment Hill Lido. Over 300 tickets were sold, 600 mince pies were eaten and the water was a bracing 8 degrees. Radio 1 DJ extrodinaire and outdoor swimming fan, the lovel... More >
Winter Training: An Insider's Guide to a Smoother, Easier, Happier Swim
Whether you have your heart set on the Dart 10K, a channel crossing or a more serene full moon swim, winter can be the perfect time to make peace with your local indoor pool and improve your technique and fitness for more exciting outdoor swimming expediti... More >
Whether you have your heart set on the Dart 10K, a channel crossing or a more serene full moon swim, winter can be the perfect time to make peace with your local indoor pool and improve your technique and fitness for more exciting outdoor swimming expediti... More >
Susie Parr: What Compels Me To Swim...
In her new book, "The Story of Swimming," passionate outdoor swimmer Susie Parr sets out to trace the social history of British swimming, from the earliest references in Roman and Anglo Saxon literature to the decline of British seaside resorts and traditi... More >
In her new book, "The Story of Swimming," passionate outdoor swimmer Susie Parr sets out to trace the social history of British swimming, from the earliest references in Roman and Anglo Saxon literature to the decline of British seaside resorts and traditi... More >
2011: any progress on access?
Will 2011 be seen as the year that outdoor swimmers turned the corner on inland water access? The news that British Waterways sought to ban swimming in Sparth reservoir, Yorkshire this summer will have sounded depressingly familiar to many swimmers, as wi... More >
Will 2011 be seen as the year that outdoor swimmers turned the corner on inland water access? The news that British Waterways sought to ban swimming in Sparth reservoir, Yorkshire this summer will have sounded depressingly familiar to many swimmers, as wi... More >
Swimming in Slovenia with Martin Strel
Amazon swimmer Martin Strel has started a new swimming holiday company with his son. Jonathan Knott joined them on a trip in Slovenia. "You are going to meet Martin Strel?" a woman says to me in Ljubljana. "You know who he is?" I ask. "Yes, of cou... More >
Amazon swimmer Martin Strel has started a new swimming holiday company with his son. Jonathan Knott joined them on a trip in Slovenia. "You are going to meet Martin Strel?" a woman says to me in Ljubljana. "You know who he is?" I ask. "Yes, of cou... More >
Swimming with the 'Belles of Penzance'
"When the sea is as smooth as this, it seems a crime to use anything other than the breast stroke" Swimming historian and author of Hung Out to Dry Chris Ayriss joins the veteran outdoor swimmers at Penzance As the first signs of a new day shone thr... More >
"When the sea is as smooth as this, it seems a crime to use anything other than the breast stroke" Swimming historian and author of Hung Out to Dry Chris Ayriss joins the veteran outdoor swimmers at Penzance As the first signs of a new day shone thr... More >
Wild swimming in Wellington
"It takes more than the weather to stop the kiwis" Lara Hayward's red OSS hat draws attention as she explores wild swimming in New Zealand As I touched the end of the lane after completing a pool set at Freyberg Pool in Oriental Bay, Wellington, the seco... More >
"It takes more than the weather to stop the kiwis" Lara Hayward's red OSS hat draws attention as she explores wild swimming in New Zealand As I touched the end of the lane after completing a pool set at Freyberg Pool in Oriental Bay, Wellington, the seco... More >
The OSS Wild Swim map
The OSS has launched a brand new map for swimmers to recommend their top swimming spots across the country, as featured in the Guardian's recommendations for the bank holiday weekend. Visit the map to see the UK's top swim spots and to add your own.... More >
The OSS has launched a brand new map for swimmers to recommend their top swimming spots across the country, as featured in the Guardian's recommendations for the bank holiday weekend. Visit the map to see the UK's top swim spots and to add your own.... More >
Swimming in Sunshine
Outdoor swimming writer Chris Ayriss, author of the book Hung out to Dry, looks at our changing attitudes to the sun. What could be more attractive than plunging into cool clear water on a hot summer's day? The thought must have appealed to al... More >
Outdoor swimming writer Chris Ayriss, author of the book Hung out to Dry, looks at our changing attitudes to the sun. What could be more attractive than plunging into cool clear water on a hot summer's day? The thought must have appealed to al... More >
How do you pronounce 'lido'?
After a century of using the word, we're still none the wiser about how to pronounce 'lido', finds Jonathan Knott H2Open magazine, July 2011 If you've never been quite sure how to pronounce the word ‘lido', or even exactly what it means, rest... More >
After a century of using the word, we're still none the wiser about how to pronounce 'lido', finds Jonathan Knott H2Open magazine, July 2011 If you've never been quite sure how to pronounce the word ‘lido', or even exactly what it means, rest... More >
Two new watery websites
Two websites have recently been launched which allow outdoor swimmers to share their experiences online. Speedo's 'Unforgettable Swims' website features stories from Great Swims founder Colin Hill, among many other lido and outdoor swimmers - and people a... More >
Two websites have recently been launched which allow outdoor swimmers to share their experiences online. Speedo's 'Unforgettable Swims' website features stories from Great Swims founder Colin Hill, among many other lido and outdoor swimmers - and people a... More >
Wild Swimming in Cornwall
Jonathan Knott visits some of Cornwall's beautiful outdoor swimmming spots As I walk through a persistent drizzle past the masts of the tall ships moored in the harbour of Charlestown, near St Austell, I pass a group of triathletes making their way up the... More >
Jonathan Knott visits some of Cornwall's beautiful outdoor swimmming spots As I walk through a persistent drizzle past the masts of the tall ships moored in the harbour of Charlestown, near St Austell, I pass a group of triathletes making their way up the... More >
Tenerife's top swim spots
The Canary Islands have a great deal to offer the wild swimmer, finds Chris Ayriss With historic swims, majestic cliffs and vistas, the Canary Islands take Wild Swimming to new heights. Tenerife is the most popular and urbanised of the Islands: its mounta... More >
The Canary Islands have a great deal to offer the wild swimmer, finds Chris Ayriss With historic swims, majestic cliffs and vistas, the Canary Islands take Wild Swimming to new heights. Tenerife is the most popular and urbanised of the Islands: its mounta... More >
European bathing data reveals some worrying trends
The latest data on the cleanliness of European bathing waters reveals some worrying trends. But maintaining clean lakes and rivers is essential in more ways than one, writes Rob St John. Wild swimming in rivers, lakes and streams is increasing in po... More >
The latest data on the cleanliness of European bathing waters reveals some worrying trends. But maintaining clean lakes and rivers is essential in more ways than one, writes Rob St John. Wild swimming in rivers, lakes and streams is increasing in po... More >
Record 12-way Windermere crossing completed
A relay team of six swimmers has completed a record 12-way crossing of Lake Windermere, swimming an incredible total of 126 miles over 75.5 hours, in temperatures of 9-11 degrees C. Congratulations to Thomas Noblett, Liane Llewellyn, Keith Bartolo, ... More >
A relay team of six swimmers has completed a record 12-way crossing of Lake Windermere, swimming an incredible total of 126 miles over 75.5 hours, in temperatures of 9-11 degrees C. Congratulations to Thomas Noblett, Liane Llewellyn, Keith Bartolo, ... More >
Global Open Water Swimming Conference
The Global Open Water Swimming Conference will be held on 17-19 June at the United Nations building in New York City. The speakers include environmentalist and Everest swimmer Lewis Gordon Pugh, English Channel and Catalina Channel world record hold... More >
The Global Open Water Swimming Conference will be held on 17-19 June at the United Nations building in New York City. The speakers include environmentalist and Everest swimmer Lewis Gordon Pugh, English Channel and Catalina Channel world record hold... More >
Coming soon...OpenWaterPedia
Open Water Source has announced the imminent launch of OpenWaterPedia, described as a 'unique, comprehensive, multi-lingual online reference and research tool for the entire open water swimming community.' The pre-launch Openwaterpedia site will be unveil... More >
Open Water Source has announced the imminent launch of OpenWaterPedia, described as a 'unique, comprehensive, multi-lingual online reference and research tool for the entire open water swimming community.' The pre-launch Openwaterpedia site will be unveil... More >
The campaign for fairer inland water access
Just 4% of the 41,000 miles of rivers suitable for recreation currently have public access - and this figure has barely changed in the last 40 years. Seeking to change this, the 'Access Action' website has been launched by the British Canoeing Union, whic... More >
Just 4% of the 41,000 miles of rivers suitable for recreation currently have public access - and this figure has barely changed in the last 40 years. Seeking to change this, the 'Access Action' website has been launched by the British Canoeing Union, whic... More >
Introducing the OSS 'Fraud's Corner'
This summer, the OSS needs your help in naming those responsible for promoting misleading information about the safety of outdoor swimming. Following on from our story about Rickmansworth Aquadrome last month, this month on the OSS website Jean Perr... More >
This summer, the OSS needs your help in naming those responsible for promoting misleading information about the safety of outdoor swimming. Following on from our story about Rickmansworth Aquadrome last month, this month on the OSS website Jean Perr... More >
Branson and Keating set for Irish Sea Swim
Sir Richard Branson, singer Ronan Keating and TV Gadget guru Jason Bradbury will be the celebrities participating in a 56 mile relay swim across the Irish Sea to raise £1m for Cancer Research UK. The 10-person team will swim from Holyhead to Dublin ... More >
Sir Richard Branson, singer Ronan Keating and TV Gadget guru Jason Bradbury will be the celebrities participating in a 56 mile relay swim across the Irish Sea to raise £1m for Cancer Research UK. The 10-person team will swim from Holyhead to Dublin ... More >
Wild swimming authors gather for book launch at Farleigh Hungerford
Britain's only remaining river swimming club at Farleigh Hungerford hosted the launch of a new edition of a wild swimming guide by Rob Fryer of the River and Lake Swimming Association. According to Rob a 'quill - or whatever the collective noun... More >
Britain's only remaining river swimming club at Farleigh Hungerford hosted the launch of a new edition of a wild swimming guide by Rob Fryer of the River and Lake Swimming Association. According to Rob a 'quill - or whatever the collective noun... More >
Hot summer lies - or sensible advice?
Fraud's Corner Authorities should provide sensible safety advice rather than alarmist misinformation, argues Jean Perraton of the River and Lake Swimming Association With summer nearly here, I wonder what fibs our county fire services will dream up to d... More >
Fraud's Corner Authorities should provide sensible safety advice rather than alarmist misinformation, argues Jean Perraton of the River and Lake Swimming Association With summer nearly here, I wonder what fibs our county fire services will dream up to d... More >
Swimming through time at the Serpentine
Chris Ayriss, swimming historian and author of the book Hung out to Dry, looks back on the history of swimming in the Serpentine Lake in London. The Serpentine Swimming Club began with its headquarters beneath an old elm tree on the south side of the lake... More >
Chris Ayriss, swimming historian and author of the book Hung out to Dry, looks back on the history of swimming in the Serpentine Lake in London. The Serpentine Swimming Club began with its headquarters beneath an old elm tree on the south side of the lake... More >
The truth about reservoir swimming
Fraud's corner: what's the real truth about swimming in reservoirs? A great deal of confusion surrounds the issue of swimming in reservoirs. On the one hand, many reservoirs have watersports centres, and hold mass swims and triathlons. (This year Ro... More >
Fraud's corner: what's the real truth about swimming in reservoirs? A great deal of confusion surrounds the issue of swimming in reservoirs. On the one hand, many reservoirs have watersports centres, and hold mass swims and triathlons. (This year Ro... More >
Annette Kellerman documentary on Radio 4
Swimmer and explorer Kate Rew tells the fascinating story of Annette Kellerman, the 1920s Australian vaudeville star and champion swimmer who dived into glass tanks, popularized the one-piece swimsuit and became the first woman to attempt to swim the Engli... More >
Swimmer and explorer Kate Rew tells the fascinating story of Annette Kellerman, the 1920s Australian vaudeville star and champion swimmer who dived into glass tanks, popularized the one-piece swimsuit and became the first woman to attempt to swim the Engli... More >
Win a copy of Sustrans' Cycling in the UK
The Outdoor Swimming Society has teamed up with UK charity Sustrans to put hundreds of our swim spots on their online map at www.sustrans.org.uk/map . We know the free spiritedness of swimming and cycling often goes together, and if you register on the Sus... More >
The Outdoor Swimming Society has teamed up with UK charity Sustrans to put hundreds of our swim spots on their online map at www.sustrans.org.uk/map . We know the free spiritedness of swimming and cycling often goes together, and if you register on the Sus... More >
OSS Thames swim on TV
The BBC filmed OSS Oxford's swim at Port Meadow - watch the footage here. For some OSS members, the swim forms part of a project to swim the Thames in chunks this summer. Buy Michael Worthington's 'I love the Thames' guide to swimming the river in manage... More >
The BBC filmed OSS Oxford's swim at Port Meadow - watch the footage here. For some OSS members, the swim forms part of a project to swim the Thames in chunks this summer. Buy Michael Worthington's 'I love the Thames' guide to swimming the river in manage... More >
Scarborough 'Sea Swim' creative project
A new mass-participation project exploring the links between sea swimming and creativity is in development at Scarborough. 'Sea Swim', whose patron is the poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, 'hopes to bring mass participation in sea-bathing back to ... More >
A new mass-participation project exploring the links between sea swimming and creativity is in development at Scarborough. 'Sea Swim', whose patron is the poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, 'hopes to bring mass participation in sea-bathing back to ... More >