My tribe: a story of belonging and loss

“But how do you know that?” she asked me, exasperated, as we stood on the poolside peering…

Fear and dread of the cold(ish) water

I’m getting soft in my old age. When the alarm goes off at 8am, I groan, open my eyes just…

All things bright and beautiful

My August lido roadtrip, in which I swam home from Lincolnshire

Cold water swimming: why do I do it?

Parliament Hill lido was 14C today. The coldest water I’ve ever…

Swimming: the place where I belong

Friday night at work. From a safe distance away I watch your easy conversations, your laughing…

Flevoparkbad: Swimming at the end of the line

A satisfyingly thick hand drawn felt tip circle marks the spot on my tourist…

Creatures I’ve encountered while swimming…

The water is inhabited by a myriad of colourful creatures.

I will not be defeated (244m swum)

Four years. Four bloody years. I’m not about to break my record, I will not let it happen!

Cold comfort: above and below the water

I stayed out too late at some party last night, where twenty years of my life caught up…

Autumn’s last hurrah: a battle of wills

“When will you come back to the Cally and start swimming indoors with us again?” my…