Swim Wild and Free

This is the ultimate practical guide to get you swimming outdoors, 365 days a year.

Outdoor swimming can be enjoyed by everyone and we can all experience the physical and mental benefits it offers. The term outdoor swimming covers a range of activities from wild swimming (swimming in unsupervised, natural locations), open water swimming (often associated with races and events) to winter swimming and marathon swimming (long distance swimming challenges). The Outdoor Swimmer's Handbook provides the essential information every swimmer needs to know to embrace and enjoy all these activities as well as how to access the myriad health benefits of immersion in natural waters.

Learn how to get started, what kit you will need, how to swim in different bodies of water (sea, river lake or pond?) and, most importantly, how to stay safe in the water. There is also dedicated material on cold-water swimming, to enable you to continue swimming in the colder months, which many people say is the best time of year for outdoor swimming. For those wanting to take things further, there is information on swimming adventures plus advice on how to become a stronger swimmer and how to train for your next swimming challenge.

As well as a how-to guide, this book is also a celebration of the joy of outdoor swimming and the wonderful benefits it has for your health and well-being. You will find case studies from people with a wide range of backgrounds who have embraced the outdoor swimming lifestyle, including people living with physical disabilities and mental health challenges, and look at the difference it has made to their lives.

About the Author

Simon Griffiths is the founder and publisher of Outdoor Swimmer magazine, which has been running since 2011. He has previously written for Triathlete's World and the Telegraph online and frequently provides articles and training advice for event organisers and other swimming-related businesses. He was also part of the working group that created the STA's Open Water Coaching Qualification. Simon lives in Richmond, where he swims year-round in the Thames, and is a member of Teddington Masters' Swimming Club.