Float Like A Butterfly: Crossing The English Channel
In September 2013, Sylvain Estadieu will attempt to become the first man and third individual to swim butterfly across the English Channel. We asked him if he'd write a piece for the Outdoor Swimming Society, about his inspiration, motivation and training.... More >
In September 2013, Sylvain Estadieu will attempt to become the first man and third individual to swim butterfly across the English Channel. We asked him if he'd write a piece for the Outdoor Swimming Society, about his inspiration, motivation and training.... More >
Kit Review: Changing Robes
Changing robes provide a warmer and more discrete alternative to trying to get changed in public under a towel.With the help of the Seabrook Seals who have been swimming through the winter while they train for their upcoming Channel relays, the OSS tested ... More >
Changing robes provide a warmer and more discrete alternative to trying to get changed in public under a towel.With the help of the Seabrook Seals who have been swimming through the winter while they train for their upcoming Channel relays, the OSS tested ... More >
Going Wild In The West Country
If you are heading for the South West this summer, and would like to explore the region’s idyllic swimming holes and secret covers, then you might be interested in the new Wild Guide from the authors of Wild Swimming. Covering Cornwall, Devon, Dors... More >
If you are heading for the South West this summer, and would like to explore the region’s idyllic swimming holes and secret covers, then you might be interested in the new Wild Guide from the authors of Wild Swimming. Covering Cornwall, Devon, Dors... More >
Pondlife - Al Alvarez & The Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds
For the best part of his life Al Alvarez – poet, critic, novelist, rock-climber and poker player – has swum in the ponds of Hampstead Heath almost daily. In his new book, Pondlife, Alvarez - an athlete in his youth, now in his eigh... More >
For the best part of his life Al Alvarez – poet, critic, novelist, rock-climber and poker player – has swum in the ponds of Hampstead Heath almost daily. In his new book, Pondlife, Alvarez - an athlete in his youth, now in his eigh... More >
Kit Review: Measuring Water Temperature
If you are swimming outdoors and the people watching are in coats, it is a sign you are in chilly territory. The key reason for knowing the temperature of water you have swum in is to demonstrate your prowess. Even non-swimmers are impressed... More >
If you are swimming outdoors and the people watching are in coats, it is a sign you are in chilly territory. The key reason for knowing the temperature of water you have swum in is to demonstrate your prowess. Even non-swimmers are impressed... More >
Beyond the Beach: The Secret Wild Swims of Torbay
Torbay – made up of the three seaside towns of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham in Devon - used to be known as “Queen of the Watering Places”. Its crystal-clear waters are among the safest and shallowest in the UK, and yet in recent d... More >
Torbay – made up of the three seaside towns of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham in Devon - used to be known as “Queen of the Watering Places”. Its crystal-clear waters are among the safest and shallowest in the UK, and yet in recent d... 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 >
The Pleasures Of Marathon Swimming
Got the swimming bug – and wondering whether you’ll swim the Channel? Karen Throsby is a lecturer at Warwick University, and is researching people’s experiences of marathon swimming, including her own. Here she describes why, fa... More >
Got the swimming bug – and wondering whether you’ll swim the Channel? Karen Throsby is a lecturer at Warwick University, and is researching people’s experiences of marathon swimming, including her own. Here she describes why, fa... More >
Media Intern Opportunities
The Outdoor Swimming Society (OSS) is a groundbreaking not for profit organisation that has been a key player in the establishment and explosion of the wild swimming movement since 2006. Using the media (radio, TV and print) and social media the ... More >
The Outdoor Swimming Society (OSS) is a groundbreaking not for profit organisation that has been a key player in the establishment and explosion of the wild swimming movement since 2006. Using the media (radio, TV and print) and social media the ... More >
OSS Dart 10K 2012 - The Swim Before the Storm
Saturday 22nd September saw over 650 brave swimmers taking to the River Dart in Devon for the 3rd annual OSS Dart 10K. Although the weather was fair, the waters were cold and choppy measuring just 14 degrees at Totnes. A few couldn't quite take the cold a... More >
Saturday 22nd September saw over 650 brave swimmers taking to the River Dart in Devon for the 3rd annual OSS Dart 10K. Although the weather was fair, the waters were cold and choppy measuring just 14 degrees at Totnes. A few couldn't quite take the cold a... More >
Calling All Peak District Swimmers!
Photo taken from Wild Swim Map - taken by EV & TV Words below - Kate Rew This month, we're placing a special focus on swims marked on our Wild Swim Map in and around the Peak District. If you've swum in the area, we'd love you to add the location t... More >
Photo taken from Wild Swim Map - taken by EV & TV Words below - Kate Rew This month, we're placing a special focus on swims marked on our Wild Swim Map in and around the Peak District. If you've swum in the area, we'd love you to add the location t... More >
BBC Radio 4: In Praise of the Lido
In their heyday, Britain's lidos attracted thousands upon thousands of visitors every week. Dreamt up in the 1930s as a "poor man's Riviera" - the rich were going to the South of France for the summer, but on a good day at the Lido, you could almost beli... More >
In their heyday, Britain's lidos attracted thousands upon thousands of visitors every week. Dreamt up in the 1930s as a "poor man's Riviera" - the rich were going to the South of France for the summer, but on a good day at the Lido, you could almost beli... More >
Olympic Inspiration: The Next Generation of Wild Swimmers
Thanks to Chris Ayriss for the following article. The 2012 summer has been typically British; short blasts of hot sunshine, damp around the edges and a determination on the part of the nation’s swimmers to make the very best of it. When the sun shon... More >
Thanks to Chris Ayriss for the following article. The 2012 summer has been typically British; short blasts of hot sunshine, damp around the edges and a determination on the part of the nation’s swimmers to make the very best of it. When the sun shon... More >
OSS Book Of The Month: The J. M. Barrie Ladies' Swimming Society
It's not often that we feature a work of fiction as our OSS Book of The Month, but if you're heading off on holiday this month, here's one for your beach bag - The J. M. Barrie Ladies' Swimming Society, the first novel from Barbara J. Zitwer. Th... More >
It's not often that we feature a work of fiction as our OSS Book of The Month, but if you're heading off on holiday this month, here's one for your beach bag - The J. M. Barrie Ladies' Swimming Society, the first novel from Barbara J. Zitwer. Th... More >
We Know Where You Swam Last Summer: The OSS Team Share Their Favourite Swimming Spots...
With some glorious summer weather just around the corner (surely...) the OSS team decided to share some of their very favourite wild swimming spots, by recording them on our amazing Wild Swim map. Just click on the link to be taken to the swim's full profi... More >
With some glorious summer weather just around the corner (surely...) the OSS team decided to share some of their very favourite wild swimming spots, by recording them on our amazing Wild Swim map. Just click on the link to be taken to the swim's full profi... More >
OSS Book Of The Month: Caught By The River - A Collection Of Words On Water
This month, we're reading the very first paperback edition of Caught by the River's acclaimed collection of essays on British rivers. Featuring a brand new cover by James Lewis and a new introduction by Charles Rangeley-Wilson, the book includes Irvin... More >
This month, we're reading the very first paperback edition of Caught by the River's acclaimed collection of essays on British rivers. Featuring a brand new cover by James Lewis and a new introduction by Charles Rangeley-Wilson, the book includes Irvin... More >
Dartmoor Lake Becomes Pop Up Lido
A beauty spot on Dartmoor was turned into a 'pop-up lido' for a group of Devon's hardy wild swimmers - complete with an art installation consisting of a lifeguard's chair, a red flag and a large beach parasol. The chair narrowcasted safety information and... More >
A beauty spot on Dartmoor was turned into a 'pop-up lido' for a group of Devon's hardy wild swimmers - complete with an art installation consisting of a lifeguard's chair, a red flag and a large beach parasol. The chair narrowcasted safety information and... More >
Wild Swimming Code of Conduct - BBC Radio Wales
For the next week you can listen again to a wild swimming feature on BBC Radio Wales program Country Focus. In the section, the show's Community Reporter, Huw Jenkins, speaks to Dan Graham of Gone Swimming about the legality of accessing water, and the tru... More >
For the next week you can listen again to a wild swimming feature on BBC Radio Wales program Country Focus. In the section, the show's Community Reporter, Huw Jenkins, speaks to Dan Graham of Gone Swimming about the legality of accessing water, and the tru... More >
Extreme Preconditioning: Cold Adaptation Through Sea Swimming As A Means To Improving Surgical Outcomes
Keen sea swimmer and consultant anaesthetist, Dr Mark Harper, contacted the Outdoor Swimming Society regarding his recently published medical hypothsis that people who are due for surgery should take up sea swimming while they wait if they want t... More >
Keen sea swimmer and consultant anaesthetist, Dr Mark Harper, contacted the Outdoor Swimming Society regarding his recently published medical hypothsis that people who are due for surgery should take up sea swimming while they wait if they want t... More >
OSS Book Of The Month: Taking the Waters: A Swim Around Hampstead Heath
Our OSS Book Of The Month for June is Taking the Waters: A Swim Around Hampstead Heath, written by Caitlin Davies, with photography by Ruth Corney. Ruth joined us to tell us about her ongoing love for, and relationship with, the wonderful swimmin... More >
Our OSS Book Of The Month for June is Taking the Waters: A Swim Around Hampstead Heath, written by Caitlin Davies, with photography by Ruth Corney. Ruth joined us to tell us about her ongoing love for, and relationship with, the wonderful swimmin... More >
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 >