What are the best tow floats for open-water swimming? Swim coach tests 9 top options for safety and visibility
Tow floats are vital pieces of kit for open water swimming. Want to know why and which one to go for? Here’s our guide…
open water swimming
open water swimming
What are the best swim goggles? Coach tests the best options for pool and open-water swimming
Swim with clarity and in comfort with a set of these tried-and-tested swimming goggles. I’ve reviewed the 10 best for triathlon, pool training and open-water swims.
Build your confidence and strength in the water with our free 8-week open-water swim training plan
In just two months, coach Dermott Hayes will have you swimming with confidence and skill with this open-water swim training plan. Let’s dive in…
Overcome your open-water swimming fears with me, one stroke at a time
Ultra triathlete Claire Smith of Brutal Events shares how she battles her fears of the open water when tackling some of the world’s toughest events, and how you can too.
How to warm your cold body up after open-water swimming
It’s important to warm your body up safely after open-water swims. Here’s our step-by-step guide, plus some essential items of kit to help get you warm again
How to adapt to cold-water swimming and extend your open-water swimming season into winter
Want to keep open-water swimming throughout the winter? Here’s Professor Greg Whyte with key advice so you can stay safe
Best swimskins reviewed for fast and aero triathlon racing in 2025
Planning to race in sunnier climes? If it’s too warm for a wetsuit, a swimskin can still shave plenty of seconds off your swim split. Jack Sexty and Helen Webster test 15 of the best swimskins
How to sight and breathe in open water according to an Olympic medallist
Olympic open-water swimmer Keri-anne Payne explains how to incorporate your sighting into your breathing so you waste less energy
How to spot currents and stay safe when open-water swimming
There are a wide range of factors that can cause different kinds of currents. These include wind, tidal movement, river and estuarine flow…and of course, rip currents. Swim England has this advice…
How to prepare for a non-wetsuit triathlon swim
When temperatures soar and water temperatures rise, there’s a chance your triathlon may be non-wetsuit. But what does this mean for you – and how can you make sure you perform to your best without your trusty wetsuit on?
Why do I feel out of breath when I swim in a wetsuit?
Find it difficult to breathe when you swim in a wetsuit? It could be due to a number of factors says John Wood
How to train and prepare for your first Ironman swim
Top triathletes Josh Amberger, Michelle Vesterby and Adam Bowden explain how to successfully train and prepare for your first Ironman swim
What to wear open-water swimming: your essential kit guide to wild swimming
Find out the seven most important pieces of wild swimming kit for a safe open water swimming experience, and what you should be aware of when you’re out in the water.
How to start open-water swimming if you’re nervous, and build up confidence
Nervous about just being in open water, never mind swimming in a pack and racing? Mel Berry has this confidence-building advice for wannabe open-water swimmers
How to overcome your fear of deep water
Is a fear of deep water stopping you from starting, or enjoying, open water swimming? Tri coach Philip Hatzis explains how you can safely develop your confidence
10 of the best ways to lose your dignity when entering water
Is it possible to enter water with poise and precision? asks Martyn Brunt Or should you just accept all dignity will be lost?
How do you prepare for open-water swimming?
Open-water swimming is good for your triathlon fitness, your state of mind and your soul. James Witts explains how to safely make the most of every different body of water now the current restrictions have been lifted in England
Norseman publish swim safety code with video Q+A
The iconic race has published a ‘swim code’, designed to keep open-water swimmers safe and have released a video Q&A to explain more about it.
Can you go open-water swimming in England?
Yes you can go open water swimming in England, says Swim England, now the government has eased some lockdown restrictions. They, along with the BTF and the Royal Life Saving Society UK, have released this statement with key safety advice
Cold-water swimming: How to acclimatise for an extreme triathlon or late-season swimming
Want to race – or train – in cold water? Here’s the science behind what happens to your body when you’re immersed in cold(er) water — and how the right kit can help you cope with the extreme conditions
How to adapt your breaststroke for open water
Swim breaststroke? John Wood explains how to develop an effective stroke for open water
Extreme triathlons: How to train for a tough and cold swim leg
Top age-grouper Janine Doggett explains how to prepare for tough, cold and choppy swims
Sea swimming for beginners: how to swim in the sea
Tri coach Andy Bullock explains the unique challenges seas present to swimmers, and what you can do to give yourself the best chance of successfully mastering the waves
Open-water swimming: How to get faster from the pros
Wondering how to get faster in open water? Pros Jack Rex Burnell and Jess Learmonth have this advice…
