Programme resources (sign-in required)
SWIM THROUGH WINTER WITH OUTDOOR SWIMMER
HAVE FUN, STAY SAFE & SHARE THE EXPERIENCE
Do you want to swim through winter with confidence, support and accountability?
With our winter swimming package, you will learn how to access the benefits of winter swimming while staying safe and having fun. We’ll also help you make the most of winter swimming events. And you’ll be part of a community of like-minded swimmers and dippers going through the same thing at the same time.
Dates: 15 Oct 2026 to 31 March 2027 (with lifetime access to online resources). WhatsApp group and resources available as soon as you join.
The package includes:
- Our four-part live online winter swimming course (plus free access to the recorded version)
- Monthly online group support events (via Zoom or similar)
- A dedicated WhatsApp group to ask questions and share your experiences
- Six-month subscription to Outdoor Swimmer magazine + full member benefits (or discounted price for existing subscribers)
- A free “Swim Wild & Freezing” bobble hat
Online course contents
(Dates are provisional. Times are UK. Sessions will be recorded for those who can’t make them live)
Part 1 – Thu 15 oct 6pm
- Why swim through winter
- What happens to your body in cold water
- How to get winter-ready (incl. mental preparation)
Part 2 – thu 29 oct 6pm
- Your first cool dip
- How to acclimatise
- Cold water shock, hypothermia and afterdrop – how to recognise them and reduce your risks
part 3 – thu 12 nov 6pm
- How long should you stay in?
- Dealing with extreme winter conditions
- The importance of changing quickly, and top tips
- What to eat before and after a winter swim
part 4 – thu 26 nov 6pm
- Winter swimming events – what are they and how to prepare
- Winter swimming challenges
- Community building: sharing, journaling and connecting
Price
Non-subscribers: Single payment of £149 or 6 monthly payments of £27.95
Outdoor Swimmer magazine subscribers: Single payment of £99 or 6 monthly payments of £17.95 (check your email for discount code)
worth knowing
This is more than a course. It’s a full package of support to help you make the most of winter swimming. The live sessions are intended to be fun and interactive. We’d love to hear about your experiences and questions as we go along (but you’re also welcome to just listen). It’s aimed at people who are new to winter swimming or have limited experience, but swimmers with winter swimming experience are very welcome to join – there is always more to learn. Plus, there is the motivation and accountability of being part of a group.
warm welcome
We’re looking to create a warm and welcoming community group, where everyone can feel relaxed and able to contribute or ask questions.
on-going support
Our closed WhatsApp group and online Q&A sessions will give you plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get support.
long-term benefits
You will build the skills and knowledge to take your winter swimming wherever you want it to.
About Simon Griffiths and Rowan Clarke (Course leaders)
Simon is the founder and publisher of Outdoor Swimmer magazine, head coach at Renaissance Swimmer, and author of Swim Wild & Free: A Practical Guide to Swimming Outdoors 365 Days a Year. He swims year-round in the Thames and was part of the team that created STA’s Open Water Coaching Qualification.
Rowan is an experienced open water and winter swimming coach, and a core member of the Outdoor Swimmer team. She has more than 10 years’ experience swimming through winter and has taken part in winter swimming events around the world.
what other people thought of the course
“A great course giving an wide overview of the ‘principles’ of cold water swimming and how to undertake the necessary steps to stay safe, and warm, whist doing it and progression onto cold water swim events.” Marjorie
“I joined this course to find out more about cold water swimming before I took my first plunge into cold water. I’m glad I did becuase the course gives a very good introduction for anyone who is new to this.. It covers all the important things that you need to know before and after entering the water. Simon and Rowan are experienced cold water swimmers, but they create a welcoming vibe in the sessions, and answer any questions that arise, no matter how basic.” Pam
“Informative classes and great camaraderie with the WhatsApp chats” . Abby