Judging at the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF) last year, one of my favourite films was a short of a day’s wild swimming in the Lake District. The film starred Kate Rew, who’s the author of Wild Swim and the founder of the Outdoor Swimming Society (OSS). I’ve been lucky enough to have swum with Kate and her enthusiasm for this wonderful outdoors activity is truly contagious. The OSS has gone from strength to strength so, if you fancy a swim on the wild side, check it out.
Swimming map
The Outdoor Swimming Society have devised a new map showing all their favourite swimming locations. It's a beautiful interactive thing that gives you the chance to add the details of your local watering hole. It has been put together by their brilliant new map editor Jonathan Joyce. Jonathan says that it is a work in progress so please get involved: you can email him at wildswim@outdoorswimmingsociety.com.
Get open water swimming advice from Olympic hopeful Ross Davenport
CORDA (the heart disease and stroke charity) are running a couple of training sessions with 2012 Olympic hopeful and two-time Commonwealth gold medallist Ross Davenport in the coming weeks. Places are still available for anyone who wants to get involved – all you need is basic but competent swimming ability as full guidance will be given. Those taking part will get expert tuition from Ross in the open water of the lakes, including developing better strokes and improving breathing techniques. In return, CORDA ask that you raise some money in sponsorship for the charity. Choose from sessions at Leyborne Lake in Larkfield Kent on Thursday 4 August and Gosfield Lake Resort near Halstead, Essex on Tuesday 9 August. Find out more here.
Unfogetable... That's what it is
Kate Rew recently shared the story of how she developed a passion for open water swimming, with Speedo, as part of its new "Unforgettable Swims" initiative. This is a new website aimed at celebrating all types of swimming through the memories of those who take part. The Speedo team caught up with Kate at her dad's farm on the River Culm in Devon, where she first swam outdoors as a child. Check out the films here and if you would like to contribute your own you can fill in your details at the site.
Make a splash this summer with the WWF's Blue Mile
The Blue Mile is back. This year the World Wildlife Fund is organising the event on Sunday 4 September at Stoke Newington West Reservoir Centre. The event consists of a one mile open water swim at this undiscovered London venue. You can also take part by kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. The intrepid amongst you can take on all three disciplines in the "triple challenge", and if you can't make it to London you can organise your own challenge or event. All money raised will go towards WWF's vital work wtih freshwater and marine environments. To find out more and register for The Blue Mile visit the WWF website or call 02392 312008.
Take part in a rivers survey
Our Rivers campaign, run by WWF-UK, the RSPB, the Angling Trust and the Salmon and Trout Association, has launched a new website to find out what we Brits think of our rivers. They are running a national online survey that you can take part in here.
