Rutland Bathing Beach: An Update
The OSS has been following the creation of the new bathing beach at Rutland Water for some time now, and we recently caught up with Robert Aspley, of the RASLA, to see how the current drought had been affecting it's progress. Due to draught conditions, th... More >
The OSS has been following the creation of the new bathing beach at Rutland Water for some time now, and we recently caught up with Robert Aspley, of the RASLA, to see how the current drought had been affecting it's progress. Due to draught conditions, th... More >
Understanding Marathon Swimming at London 2012
Longtime friend of the OSS and Marathon Swimming Technical Operations Manager for London 2012, Colin Hill joins us to tell all about the event and it's place at the upcoming Olympics. What is Marathon Swimming? FINA (world aquatics governing body) open... More >
Longtime friend of the OSS and Marathon Swimming Technical Operations Manager for London 2012, Colin Hill joins us to tell all about the event and it's place at the upcoming Olympics. What is Marathon Swimming? FINA (world aquatics governing body) open... More >
Daniel Start's Ten Favourite French Swims
Following on for Daniel's article yesterday, today we're sharing his favourite swim's from his new book Wild Swimming France... We're also offering a special 40% discount off the book's RRP for OSS readers, valid for a week (from 1st May.) Chen... More >
Following on for Daniel's article yesterday, today we're sharing his favourite swim's from his new book Wild Swimming France... We're also offering a special 40% discount off the book's RRP for OSS readers, valid for a week (from 1st May.) Chen... More >
Wild Swimming in France
It's time to start planning the summer holiday! We caught up with Daniel Start, the author of the OSS May Book of Month, Wild Swimming France, to hear a little more about the experience of mapping the most amazing wild swimming spots of France. Check back... More >
It's time to start planning the summer holiday! We caught up with Daniel Start, the author of the OSS May Book of Month, Wild Swimming France, to hear a little more about the experience of mapping the most amazing wild swimming spots of France. Check back... More >
Swimming Feels Great. Swimming For Mind Feels Even Better.
We've all experienced that wonderful post-swim buzz - the glow that can last for hours after you've dried off. We spoke to the charity Mind to discover how swimming can be great not only for your own mental health, but also for that of others, vi... More >
We've all experienced that wonderful post-swim buzz - the glow that can last for hours after you've dried off. We spoke to the charity Mind to discover how swimming can be great not only for your own mental health, but also for that of others, vi... More >
Why We Love The Water...
Lynn Sherr, the author of our April Book of Month, Swim: Why We Love The Water, spoke to the OSS to share her thoughts on "the lore and lure" that water holds to all of us, through historical and personal reflections. Why, my fr... More >
Lynn Sherr, the author of our April Book of Month, Swim: Why We Love The Water, spoke to the OSS to share her thoughts on "the lore and lure" that water holds to all of us, through historical and personal reflections. Why, my fr... More >
Bled Winter Swimming Cup
Jonathan Knott reports on the Bled Winter Swimming Cup 2012 in Slovenia Talking about swimming in cold water and actually doing it are two different things. When I arrive in Bled in Slovenia, where the air temperature is minus eleven, and hear the news t... More >
Jonathan Knott reports on the Bled Winter Swimming Cup 2012 in Slovenia Talking about swimming in cold water and actually doing it are two different things. When I arrive in Bled in Slovenia, where the air temperature is minus eleven, and hear the news t... More >
Openwaterpedia
A new online reference resource for swimmers, Openwaterpedia, described as 'Wikipedia for Open Water Swimmers', was launched in September and now has 11,517 open water swimming-related entries - on swimmers, definitions, records, events, and anything ... More >
A new online reference resource for swimmers, Openwaterpedia, described as 'Wikipedia for Open Water Swimmers', was launched in September and now has 11,517 open water swimming-related entries - on swimmers, definitions, records, events, and anything ... More >
Swimmers: Natural Explorers?
Tristan Gooley, the author of The Natural Navigator, one of the world’s only books on natural navigation, has written the following article exclusively for the OSS. His new book, The Natural Explorer, is our Book Of The Month, and is publis... More >
Tristan Gooley, the author of The Natural Navigator, one of the world’s only books on natural navigation, has written the following article exclusively for the OSS. His new book, The Natural Explorer, is our Book Of The Month, and is publis... More >
The Swimmers Essential Costume of Disguise
How has our society's cultural attitude to swimming been reflected in the way that we dress when we take to the water? Many thanks to OSS Member Chris Ayriss for this article. On a sultry summer’s day, what could be more natural and l... More >
How has our society's cultural attitude to swimming been reflected in the way that we dress when we take to the water? Many thanks to OSS Member Chris Ayriss for this article. On a sultry summer’s day, what could be more natural and l... More >
The Life Amphibious...
Diane Hope, a sound recordist and radio producer, is currently looking to find someone who has discovered a joy in swimming or being in water a lot at some point in their lives, for a potential new BBC Radio 4 programme. Interested in being feat... More >
Diane Hope, a sound recordist and radio producer, is currently looking to find someone who has discovered a joy in swimming or being in water a lot at some point in their lives, for a potential new BBC Radio 4 programme. Interested in being feat... More >
On Yer Bike, Wild Swimmers!
Dedicated Outdoor Swimming Society member, Gary Anderson, has set up, in his own words, "a group dedicated to combining two of the three real pleasures in life... biking and swimming!" We caught up with Gary to learn more about the new Easy Riders&nbs... More >
Dedicated Outdoor Swimming Society member, Gary Anderson, has set up, in his own words, "a group dedicated to combining two of the three real pleasures in life... biking and swimming!" We caught up with Gary to learn more about the new Easy Riders&nbs... More >
Love your Favourite Swimming Spot this Valentine's Day!
This Valentine's Day, why not show a little love to your favourite swimming spot? The OSS recently spoke to Dan and Gabby of Gone Swimming, who offer guided swimming holidays around North Wales, to talk about completely rubbish swimming... "Rubbish swimmi... More >
This Valentine's Day, why not show a little love to your favourite swimming spot? The OSS recently spoke to Dan and Gabby of Gone Swimming, who offer guided swimming holidays around North Wales, to talk about completely rubbish swimming... "Rubbish swimmi... More >
Saving Bude Sea Pool
In the last OSS Newsletter, we reported that the Friends Of Bude Sea Pool were excitedly awaiting the legal paperwork which will see them take over a long lease of the pool, and manage it from the this Easter. Since the threat of closure, this amazing... More >
In the last OSS Newsletter, we reported that the Friends Of Bude Sea Pool were excitedly awaiting the legal paperwork which will see them take over a long lease of the pool, and manage it from the this Easter. Since the threat of closure, this amazing... More >
Rutland Water: An Update
Robert Aspey, The OSS Inland Access Officer, gives an update on the progress being made with the Rutland Water campaign. Read on for more information about the proposed public bathing beach. The Outdoor Swimming Society, Anglian Water, The Royal Lif... More >
Robert Aspey, The OSS Inland Access Officer, gives an update on the progress being made with the Rutland Water campaign. Read on for more information about the proposed public bathing beach. The Outdoor Swimming Society, Anglian Water, The Royal Lif... More >
The River Trent Challenge 2012
This June, OSS member Sarah Lewis is heading up a team of intrepid swimmers who are setting out to swim the length of the Trent. In this article, she shares some of the history of the river, and the thinking behind The River Trent Challenge 2012. From Lor... More >
This June, OSS member Sarah Lewis is heading up a team of intrepid swimmers who are setting out to swim the length of the Trent. In this article, she shares some of the history of the river, and the thinking behind The River Trent Challenge 2012. From Lor... More >
So Sparth, So Good
Hell hath no fury like a swimmer scorned. When British Waterways put "No Swimming" signs up around the popular Sparth swimming spot, the local community rallied round to try to reverse the decision. "Save Sparth Swimming" Campaign Leader, Fiona Weir, kind... More >
Hell hath no fury like a swimmer scorned. When British Waterways put "No Swimming" signs up around the popular Sparth swimming spot, the local community rallied round to try to reverse the decision. "Save Sparth Swimming" Campaign Leader, Fiona Weir, kind... More >
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 >