Swimming Books

Book SynopsisThe best-selling Wild Swimming series returns to France for an expanded guide to best places to cool off this summer, including new coverage of Central and Northern France. Over 750 locations, including 300 new locations in Normandy, Ile, Champagne, Burgundy, Centre, Limousin, Auvergne and Aquitaine. Dive into the grand cascades of Auvergne, Jura and the Alps Dip in the emerald-green plunge pools and gorges of Provence Swim beneath the great chateaux of the Loire and Dordogne. Discover the unspoilt crater lakes of the Massif Central Soak in secluded hot springs in the woodlands of the Pyrenees. Bathe, picnic and canoe at willow dappled river beaches in Burgundy, Champagne & Limousin Combining dazzling photos, engaging writing and all the practical information you'll need, from maps, directions, grid references and walk-in times to recommendations for canoe trips, bike rides, riverside campsites and lakeshore restaurants.Table of ContentsIntroduction to Wild Swimming Safety and Directions Corsica Jura and Franche Comte Central Alpes Alpes-Maritimes Haut Var and Verdon Vaucluse and Haute Provence Languedoc Ardeche Cevennes Volcans d'Auvergne & Haute-Dordogne Northern Auvergne Eastern Pyrenees, Corbieres & Roussillon Western Pyrenees & Aquitaine Lot, Cele & Aveyron Dordogne Dronne & Isle in Perigord Charentes & Vienne in Limousin Indre & Creuse in Limousin La Loire Morvan & Bourgogne Normandy, Ile & Champagne

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Book SynopsisIn this stunning and inspiring guide, Kate Rew, founder of the Outdoor Swimming Society, takes you on a wild journey across Britain, braving the elements to experience first-hand some of the country's most awe-inspiring swim spots, from tidal pools in the Outer Hebrides to the white-sand beaches of the Isles of Scilly.Waterfalls, natural jacuzzis, sea caves, meandering rivers - every swim is described in loving detail, taking in not only the gleeful humour of each mini-adventure and the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings, but also practical information about how to find these remote spots.Featuring evocative photography from Dominick Tyler, this is a must-have book for serious swimmers and seaside paddlers alike, and is perfect for the outdoors enthusiast in your life.

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Book SynopsisDISCOVER THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY BEHIND NETFLIX'S BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE NYAD.After four attempts, sixty-four year-old Diana Nyad finally swam from Cuba to the Florida Keys. She swam for fifty-three hours, across one hundred and ten miles. Find a Way is her account of the epic quest which led to that moment – and a galvanizing call to live life boldly, in the moment and with no regrets.In the 1970s, Diana Nyad was widely regarded as the greatest long-distance swimmer in the world. She record after world record, circling Manhattan Island and crossing the 102.5 miles between the Bahamas and Florida. But one record continually eluded her: becoming the first woman to swim between Cuba and the Florida Keys without a shark cage. Finally, in September 2013, Diana completed the crossing.Millions of people watched, cried and cheered for her tenacity and courage. Find a Way recounts this astonishing and hard-won triumph – and DiTrade ReviewWhen you’re facing big challenges in your life, you can think about Diana Nyad getting attacked by the lethal sting of box jellyfishes. And nearly anything else seems doable in comparison -- Hillary ClintonDiana Nyad is a force of personality that anyone who meets her never forgets. This drive and dynamism is well captured in the title of her moving memoir Find a Way. She has – and her book shows us how we all can -- Michael Shermer * The Wall Street Journal *What makes Nyad's story so remarkable, beyond the harrowing trials she faced at sea – unpredictable currents and weather, deadly sea animals – is the strength of a resolve that would not admit defeat and knew no boundaries. “Whatever your Other Shore is,” she writes, “whatever you must do . . . you will find a way.” Inspiring reading for anyone who has ever dared to dream the impossible * Kirkus *Her story reads like a gripping thriller: she braved storms, stinging jellyfish, sharks and hallucinations before staggering onto the beach on September 2, 2013 * People Magazine *

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Book Synopsis'This fascinating history of how, where and why humans swim...is perfect reading for those missing a splash-about during the lockdown.' GuardianFrom the first recorded dip into what's now the driest spot on earth to the recreational swimmers in your local pool, humans have been getting wet for 10,000 years. And for most of modern history, swimming has caused a ripple that touches us all.Splash! dives into Egypt, winds through ancient Greece and Rome, flows mostly underground through the Dark and Middle Ages (at least in Europe), and then re-emerges in the wake of the Renaissance before taking its final lap at the modern Olympic Games. Along the way, it kicks away the idea that swimming is just about speed or great feats of aquatic endurance, revealing how its history spans religion, fashion, architecture, public health, colonialism, segregation, sexism, sexiness, guts, glory and much, much more.As refreshing as jumping into a pool on a hot summer's day, Splash! sweeps across the whole of humankind's swimming history with an irrepressible enthusiasm that will make you crave your next dip.Trade ReviewThis fascinating history of how, where and why humans swim...is perfect reading for those missing a splash-about during the lockdown. -- Katy Guest * Guardian *deeply researched and written in an accessible and humorous style * Times Literary Supplement *Splash! is an incredible book - the most amazing stories of anything and everything you wanted to know about the world and culture of swimming and its history. I loved every page! -- Rowdy Gaines, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Olympic television swimming analystAn exuberant and sweeping cultural history of the sport and a thoughtful meditation on its possible origins and humankind's larger relationship to water itself...Means takes us on a breezy, easily readable journey across time and space to help us even to begin to understand why we took to the water in the first place and why we still insist on splashing about in it today. A great gift for the swimmer in you or in your life. -- Julie Checkoway, New York Times bestselling author of THE THREE-YEAR SWIM CLUBHoward Means' Splash! has raised the bar for the 'swimoir'! He takes masterful strokes through 10,000 years of the cultural and social history of swimming and makes the strongest case yet written on why everyone should swim. -- Bruce Wigo, former CEO & President, International Swimming Hall of FameTable of Contents1: Gods, Humans, and the Aquatic Ape 2: Swimming's Golden Age 3: First There Was Swimming; Then There Was None 4: Rediscovering a Lost Art 5: Swimming 2.0 6: A Frog in Every Tub 7: Diving in for Dollars and Pounds 8: Climb Every Mountain, Swim Every Sea 9: The Great Swimming Cover-Up 10: An Aussie Wrecking Ball Goes Rogue 11: Nylon, WWII, James Bond, and the G-String 12: Swimming Together, Swimming Alone 13: The Last Taboo 14: Growing Pains 15: The Fastest Swimmer Ever 16: Is Enough Ever Enough?

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Book Synopsis''Immersive and compelling. I read it in a single day! Everyone should take a plunge into this book.'' CATHY RENTZENBRINK''The Tidal Year is some of the best writing on wild swimming that I have encountered.'' MARIANNE LEVYFreya is still searching. For four years, she''s been looking for a way to fill the empty space her brother''s death left behind. Ready for another distraction, Freya decides to swim every tidal pool in Britain in a year with her friend Miri. The adventure takes them from a pool hidden in the cliffs of fishing-village Polperro to the quarry lagoon of Abereiddi via the Trinkie where locals meet each year to give the pool wall a fresh lick of paint. As Freya travels further from London, she finds herself closer to memories of her brother. With every swim, and every stranger they meet in the water, the challenge becomes more than just a way to explore the coast, but a journey of self-discovery.The Tidal Year is Trade ReviewImmersive and compelling. I read it in a single day! Everyone should take a plunge into this book -- Cathy RentzenbrinkFunny, sad and honest, but ultimately also hopeful, The Tidal Year is a wonderful and welcome addition to the growing canon of books exploring the restorative power of wild swimming -- Sophie PierceReads like a lusciously languid dream sequence... It's not just about how water can redeem us but how words can too. A powerful debut -- Christopher BeanlandFunny and moving, brimming with bracingly refreshing uncertainty and a salty refusal of resolution, it is a book to float away in -- Polly AtkinA heart-rending depiction of a young woman growing through grief and the healing, restorative power of nature -- Nick BradleyBright and tender-hearted... candid and vulnerable -- Jessica J. LeeA moving and memorable book... Her writing is contained, clear and as powerful as the changing tides she swims in. She is a talent to watch -- Raffaella BarkerAstonishing in its frankness, raw, poignant, bracing, funny; a very human story -- Derek Niemann, Guardian country diaristThe Tidal Year is some of the best writing on wild swimming that I have encountered -- Marianne LevyA beautiful, brilliantly written book on grief, self-discovery and swimming. I loved following along on the tidal pool adventure and thought all the observations, of people and places, were so vividly captured. It's not every day you gobble up a 400+ page memoir in a matter of days -- Emma GannonBeautifully written * Jersey Evening Post *A poignant, funny tribute to the complex, tidal nature of grief. The Tidal Year delivers inspirational waves of hope and renewal to its readers, demonstrating the restorative power of immersion in the natural world -- Jade Angeles Fitton, author of HERMIT

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Book SynopsisAn ode to sea swimming – looking at the architecture, history and social significance of sea pools. The sea can be challenging and changeable. Protected from the dangers of currents, crashing waves and extreme cold, sea pools (also known as tidal or ocean pools) are manmade pools that provide a safe space for swimmers to enjoy the benefits of the sea at all states of the tide and weather. Sea Pools begins with an introduction to sea pools within the history of outdoor swimming, their unique designs and architectural significance and commentary on the resurgent appreciation for sea swimming in the 21st century. Chris Romer-Lee selects 70 of the most beautiful and culturally significant sea pools from around the world, including the 25-metre cliffside Avalon Rock Pool in new South Wales, Australia, the sublime Pozo de las Calcosas in Spain that is shrouded in volcanic rock, and Ireland's historic Vico Baths to name but a few. Sea Pools also includes four insightful essays: Nicola Larkin looks to the next generation of ocean pools in her exploration of how we can conserve, protect and regenerate the coastline; Therese Spruhan testifies to the healing and transformative benefits of ocean swimming; Freya Bromley discusses her odyssey to swim in every sea pool in Britain; and Kevin Fellingham on the importance of sea pools in South Africa. The book is illustrated throughout with beautiful colour photography, as well as fascinating archive material to give an insight into the provenance of these vital sanctuaries.Trade Review'Amongst all the stunning photos are four insightful essays and archive material that bring the importance of sea pools in the future of our planet to the forefront.’ Enki

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLERMeet Rosemary, 86, and Kate, 26: dreamers, campaigners, outdoor swimmers...Rosemary has lived in Brixton all her life, but everything she knows is changing. Only the local lido, where she swims every day, remains a constant reminder of the past and her beloved husband George. Kate has just moved and feels adrift in a city that is too big for her. She''s on the bottom rung of her career as a local journalist, and is determined to make something of it. So when the lido is threatened with closure, Kate knows this story could be her chance to shine. But for Rosemary, it could be the end of everything. Together they are determined to make a stand, and to prove that the pool is more than just a place to swim - it is the heart of the community. ''Feel-good and uplifting, this charming novel is full of heart'' LUCY DIAMONDTrade ReviewThis lovely book is about the power of friendship and community.. Heartwarming and uplifting, The Lido is set to make quite a splash. * SUN ON SUNDAY *This summer's poolside must-read... a timeless tale of friendship, love and chilly swims. It may be about freezing-cold water but it will give you a warm glow. -- Andreina Cordani * DAILY MIRROR *A standout hymn to female friendship and the power of collective action * Stylist *Brimming with charm and compassion... It's tender, thoughtful and above all a feelgood celebration of community and life-changing friendship. -- Garry Bushell * DAILY EXPRESS *A beautifully written testament to unlikely friendship, the galvanising pursuit of common goals and lifelong passions which link individuals with their community * DAILY MAIL *A novel of friendship, love and the importance of community - this is an absolute pleasure * WOMAN AND HOME *A testament to kindness and friendship * RADIO TIMES *a joyful celebration of community and friendship * THE OBSERVER *The next Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine * THE INDEPENDENT *a timeless tale of friendship, love and chilly swims * SUNDAY EXPRESS *What will win you over is the story of two women and the strength of their friendship * GRAZIA *Switching mainly between Rosemary and Kate's viewpoints, we quickly come to see that Rosemary is just as lonely as her new friend, steeped in a lifetime's memories of swimming in the lido * SUNDAY TIMES *Uplifting.. the pool is not just a place to swim - it's the heart of the community * BELLA *a feel-good novel about friendship and belonging * SUNDAY EXPRESS *A joyous and uplifting debut - a testament to kindness and friendship * SARAH WINMAN, author of When God Was a Rabbit and Tin Man *This is a wonderful story of friendship and believing in yourself * PRIMA *Feelgood and uplifting, this charming novel is full of heart * Lucy Diamond *Did I #lovethelido? So much my heart broke a little turning the last page. A stunning debut -- Clare MackintoshThis debut is set to be one of the biggest of the year * GRAZIA *A bright, uplifting tale of friendship and community resilience * IRISH INDEPENDENT *Brimming with charm and compassion * DAILY EXPRESS *A lavish depiction of an unlikely friendship, a London community and life-long love, all charmingly told in rich, yet gentle prose * CATHERINE ISAAC, author of You, Me, Everything *A beautiful book. Sweet and heartwarming but also wise with a strong message about the importance of community and friendship. It reminded me of a Richard Curtis film, life-affirming, romantic and impossible to resist. * Francesca Jakobi, author of Bitter *Heart-warming * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING *Such a kind and lovely novel, The Lido has a heart that shines from every page * AJ Pearce, author of Dear Mrs Bird *This is a tale of loneliness, belonging and reconnecting with the world and people around us * Bath Magazine *A joyous and uplifting debut - a testament to kindness and friendship * SARAH WINMAN, author of When God Was a Rabbit and Tin Man *The next Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine * Independent *This debut is set to be one of the biggest of the year * Grazia *Brimming with charm and compassion * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisObject Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things.As a former world-ranked swimmer whose journey toward naturalization and U.S. citizenship began with a swimming fellowship, Piotr Florczyk reflects on his own adventures in swimming pools while taking a closer look at artists, architects, writers, and others who have helped to cement the swimming pool's prominent and iconic role in our society and culture.Swimming Pool explores the pool as a place where humans seek to attain the unique union between mind and body.Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic.Trade ReviewHaving spent most of my life around a pool, no one would fault me taking it for granted. But Swimming Pool tells a unique and compelling story of the swimming pool, allowing me to appreciate that it’s more than just a place to cool off or go back and forth along a black line. Florczyk has done a remarkable job bringing to the surface the potentially unanticipated way that pools have affected us, for the good and the bad. * Rada Owen, USA Olympic Swim Team, 2000 *A beautifully associative work, in which Florczyk makes visible the often-hidden role that swimming pools have long played in the global artistic, cultural, and literary landscape. Whether shaped like kidney beans and back lit or of Olympic dimensions with the perfect gutters and that ever-present black line—whether sighted jewel-like from the air as signs of suburban ‘white flight,’ or drained, abandoned, and re-appropriated by the skateboarders who also surf—swimming pools are emblems of everything from sanctuary, to privilege, to athleticism, to leisure. Florczyk’s language flows around this object, and I encourage all readers to plunge in. * Emily Hodgson Anderson, Professor of English and College Dean of Undergraduate Education, University of Southern California, USA *Table of Contents1. Where Do You Swim? 2. What Is Your Pool? 3. Why Do You Swim? 4. Who Gets to Swim? Afterword: From Pool to Page Acknowledgments Notes Index

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Book Synopsis***As featured on Dr Rangan Chatterjee's FEEL BETTER, LIVE MORE podcast***"Loads of practical guidance, all the scientific studies . . . beautiful photos and illustrations" Dr Rangan Chatterjee A beautifully illustrated exploration of cold-water traditions in Scandinavia and around the world, and a factual, scientific account of why winter swimming gives such a boost to body and soul.Whether in lake, lido, river or sea, we know the benefits of swimming outdoors and in nature - environmentally friendly and accessible, it can influence our happiness, our energy and our inner tranquility, and give us that winter glow.Danish scientist Dr Susanna Søberg leads us step by step into the icy water and explains the "cold-shock response", the massive endorphin rush as our body reacts and adapts to very cold temperatures through the winter season. Not only do our circulation, heart, lungs and skin respond positively, but our immune system, metabolism and mental health too. In particular she explains how our "brown fat" is activated to benefit multiple health conditions.Winter swimming is fast becoming one of our most popular pastimes. This beautifully illustrated exploration of cold-water traditions in Scandinavia and around the world shows how it can have a significant positive impact on our physical and mental health, confidence and well-being, providing such a boost to body and soul.Praise for Winter Swimming:"Full of brilliant insights . . . an inspiring book" Stylist Christmas Gift Guide 2022"It's all the encouragement you need to dip a toe in icy waters" Woman & Home"Packed with stunning photography" Red Magazine"A perfect gift" My Weekly"A blend of how, and why, and what . . . A beautiful celebration . . . Visual inspiration for anyone hovering on the edge" Sunday Independent"Take an uplifting dip into Winter Swimming" Stylist's "Ultra List"Translated from the Danish by Elizabeth DeNomaTrade ReviewFull of brilliant insights on the cold-shock response and its benefits for mood and the immune system, Winter Swimming is an inspiring book that will keep people working out all through the darkest months. * Stylist Christmas Gift Guide 2022 *It's all the encouragement you need to dip a toe in icy waters * Woman and Home *Packed with stunning photography and musings on why it's so good for body and soul. * Red Magazine *A paean to cold water swimming. A blend of how, and why, and what . . . A beautiful celebration of its appeal and benefits . . . Visual inspiration for anyone hovering on the edge -- Emily Hourican * Sunday Independent *Take an uplifting dip into Winter Swimming, which can help our energy and inner tranquillity * Stylist's "Ultra List" *A perfect gift for those seeking the joy of wild swimming in the winter months * My Weekly *Loads of practical guidance, all the scientific studies, it's got some beautiful photos and illustrations. It's really going to shine a light on just how many organs in the body are positively affected -- Dr Rangan Chatterjee * Feel Better, Live More podcast *

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Book SynopsisThe complete, comprehensive guide to swimming for overall fitness and health.

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Book SynopsisA coming-of-age memoir of a young swimmer's triumphs and heartbreaks on the path to winning Olympic gold at age 14. Some 50 years later, author Carolyn Wood embarks on a solo pilgrimage to walk the 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago in an attempt to reclaim her "inner tough girl" as she reflects on coming out as gay in the 1970s after a brief marriage and motherhood, and the disillusionment and loss she experiences when her 30-year relationship suddenly ends. After several failed attempts at learning to swim, young Carolyn Wood finally conquers her fears and dives into unknown waters. By 1958 she sets a goal to make the 1960 Olympic team and, along with teammates and competitors, begins the arduous road to Rome. Losses, pain, fear, and fatigue accompany the rambunctious athlete as she finds her way through athletic training, school, and dealing with social gender expectations as she realizes she's gay. Tough Girl artfully weaves Wood's life story around the tale of her long walk on the Camino de Santiago, an effort to tap into her tough girl resilience so she can begin to accept the end of her long marriage. The ups and downs of Carolyn's childhood road to the Olympics as well as her journey on the Camino, will thrill and inspire readers.Trade Review“An intimate memoir…The life of Carolyn Wood has been a remarkable journey. It began with a fear of water and transformed into an uplifting road to becoming an Olympic swimmer — not just an Olympic swimmer, but a gold medalist…The journey continued as Wood realized she was gay, tried to push that away, married a man, started a family, lost custody of a young child, then even later watched as her 30-year marriage crumbled. It was something she pondered when she walked the 500-mile Camino de Santiago trail in Europe…Wood allows the reader into the intimate details of her entire life, sparing no emotions.”—Swimming World magazine

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Book SynopsisAustralians know Libby Trickett as one of our golden girls of swimming. Winner of multiple Olympic gold medals and setter of world records, Libby wasn't just a champion, she was Australia's girl next door, the humble superstar from suburban Brisbane with the infectious grin and sunny nature. Yet what we saw on the surface - the confidence, competitiveness and warmth that were her hallmarks - belied the very private battles she fought in her own head. Beneath the incredible achievements and that trademark smile, Libby suffered from crippling depression. During her swimming career she managed to keep her demons more or less at bay, but when an injury forced her to retire in 2013 Libby was suddenly thrust into an unfamiliar world. With few, if any, qualifications to handle it, her self-doubts began to overwhelm her. The birth of her first baby added further complications to her fragile mental health, and she suffered intense postnatal depression. When she finally recognised the depression for what it was, and sought help for it, it was a major turning point in her life.Libby's memoir is an extraordinarily candid, revealing and inspiring account of both her public life as one of our greatest swimming champions, and her struggle to overcome her mental health challenges.

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Book SynopsisWhat makes the perfect swim?It's all about the most magical locations (and how to protect them), finessing your kitbag, keeping yourself and others safe ... and maybe discovering a nice place for a warm-up cuppa and cake.Whether you're a seasoned dipper or a fledgling, The Art of Wild Swimming is the ultimate guide to becoming an awesome, joyful and responsible swimmer.From the dramatic Atlantic bays to cascading waterfalls and secret pools, the rugged Causeway Coast to the secluded loughs of the Wicklow Mountains, locals who know the secrets of their patch share over 100 spectacular swim spots across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Now they are yours to explore too.

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Book Synopsis'Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of wild swimming - you won't regret it.'DR RANGAN CHATTERJEEEach of us is just a drop. But together we create ripples.Wild swimming isn't just an activity. It has been a movement, a wave that has surged in popularity across Britain, rippling out and spreading joy. And at the centre of it all are the groups and communities that gather at the water's edge... to dip together, scream together, laugh together, and share stories and support.From menopausal mermaids to student dippers, male mental health groups to Wim Hof enthusiasts, addiction recovery communities to skinny dippers, The Ripple Effect dives into what makes these groups tick and why so many people say it's not just about the water but the marvellous pods of people they find themselves swimming with.

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Book SynopsisShifting Currents is an original and comprehensive history of swimming. It examines the tension that arose when non-swimming northerners met African and Southeast Asian swimmers. Using archaeological, textual and art historical sources, Karen Eva Carr shows how the water simultaneously attracted and repelled these northerners – swimming seemed uncanny, related to witchcraft and sin. Europeans used Africans’ and Native Americans' swimming skills to justify enslaving them, but northerners also wanted to claim water’s power for themselves. They imagined that swimming would bring them health and demonstrate their scientific modernity. This unresolved tension still sexualizes women’s swimming and marginalizes Black and Indigenous swimmers today. The history of swimming is a new lens through which to gain a clearer view of race, gender and power on a centuries-long scale.

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Book Synopsis'Prose written with the pen of a poet' - Desmond Morris, author of The Naked Ape'Full of wisdom and poetry and epic emotion, This is My Sea explores grief, memory and loss through vivid words and striking imagery. It echoes lost summers and the beauty of life, like a shell held to the ear' - Ed O'Loughlin, author of The Last Good Funeral of the YearOver the course of seven difficult years Miriam Mulcahy lost her mother, father and sister, each grief threatening to drown her. But instead of going under she discovered the lessons of the sea, letting the water teach her how to get through anything in life: one breath builds on another, another stroke, another kick and you will get home.THIS IS MY SEA takes our greatest fear, death, and wraps it up in language so fine and beautiful that the reader is carried along and comforted by how completely lost Miriam was and how she found solace in all the things that sustained her: books, music, art, friends, love, swimming, and of course the sea.Shortlisted for the Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards 2023. For fans of The Salt Path by Raynor Winn and I Found my Tribe by Ruth Fitzmaurice.Trade Review'Prose written with the pen of a poet' -- Desmond Morris * author of The Naked Ape *'A beautiful book on grief and recovery' -- Louise Kennedy * author of Trespasses *'Full of wisdom and poetry and epic emotion, This is My Sea explores grief, memory and loss through vivid words and striking imagery. It echoes lost summers and the beauty of life, like a shell held to the ear' -- Ed O’Loughlin * author of The Last Good Funeral of the Year *'a startlingly honest memoir, written with a great depth of emotion and clarity' * Business Post *'Really beautiful, a powerful and impactful piece of writing' -- Niamh Fitzpatrick * author of Tell Me the Truth About Loss *'A profound, richly expansive account of love, loss and the healing power of water. Magical' -- Alison Walsh * author of The House on Seaview Road *'This book made me cry. Which feels appropriate, because grief and the sea go hand-in-hand - saltwater is the place to take sorrow, and leave it, emerging with hope and vigor. It also lifted me. Miriam Mulcahy writes so beautifully, it's impossible not to feels the joy as well as the pain' -- Emily Hourican * author of The Glorious Guinness Girls *

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Book SynopsisDive into 60 of the world's most joyous wild swimming spots and discover a further 120 ideas for uplifting bathing experiences. Packed with inspirational expert insights, immersive photography, and essential trip planning tips, this remarkable book explores the open-water swims guaranteed to exhilarate, rejuvenate, restore and above all, spark joy.Wade into Hawaii's crystal clear sea where tropical fish weave through the coral reefs of the Kona coast; or experience the magnificence of Slovenia's Lake Bled, where swimmers tread through the other-worldly Alpine blue waters to reach the iconic island at its heart. With 60 mesmerising wild-swimming wonders to tour, readers will soon be immersed in the culture, landscape and characteristics of each life-affirming swim.Inside The Joy of Wild Swimming:- 60 in-depth profiles of wild swimming spots, organised by region and accompanied by beautiful photography, plus first-hand accounts from writers who have experienced the joy of each swim- 120 extra must-visit natural water destinations- At-a-glance reasons to go that shed light on the type of experience you can expect to have from serenity to adventure; natural beauty to extreme wilderness- Challenge levels for each destination detail the the types of swimming conditions throughout the seasons as well as the accessibility of each open-water sanctuary- In the know tips and insights that show why each swimming spot is so joyful, plus what to expect from your visit, how to get there, the best months to go, what to take with you, must-do activities and experiences not to be missed- Covers global wild swimming destinations including Africa & the Middle East, Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania- Foreword by Freya Bromley, author of The Tidal Year, which tells the story of her adventure swimming every tidal pool in Britain. Freya has written for publications including Lonely Planet, Financial Times, and National Geographic TravellerDo more of what you love with our uplifting Joy of series and nurture your biggest passions. The Joy of Wild Swimming is the ultimate gift book for the water lover in your life, or a wonderful treat to inspire your next reviving wild swim in a turquoise blue bay, dazzling fjord or relaxing hot spring.About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures Company, is the world's number one travel guidebook brand. Providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973, Lonely Planet reaches hundreds of millions of travellers each year online and in print and helps them unlock amazing experiences. Visit us at lonelyplanet.com and join our community of followers on Facebook (facebook.com/lonelyplanet), Twitter (@lonelyplanet), Instagram (instagram.com/lonelyplanet), and TikTok (@lonelyplanet).'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' – Fairfax Media (Australia)

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Book SynopsisEscape the frantic pace of the everyday, reconnect with your wild side and discover the healing power of swimming outdoorsNature is a balm for both the body and soul - and nothing comes close to the exhilaration of that first stroke in a lake, river or sea. Whether you've already taken the plunge or simply want to dip a toe in, this beautiful book is brimming with all the tips and inspiration you need to harness the invigorating benefits of wild swimming.Within these pages you will discover:· Why we are drawn to water, how it can wash away stress and enhance our well-being· How to plan safe swims, finesse your kit bag and take the perfect underwater photo· A collection of colour photographs of spectacular swim spots for your dip listThe great outdoors is waiting for you, so get out into the fresh air, find your way back to nature and set yourself free.

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Book SynopsisThe story take place in present-day Athens on a beach and adjacent café over two winters. This location, the weather and a love of the sea, bring an eclectic group of people together on Sundays, to pursue their passion for swimming. Sundays revolve around Betty, her café, her son Jacob and Louli, the brindled cat. The swimmers, of all ages, backgrounds and types, have their views on life in Athens as economic, political and social tensions across Europe take effect on Greece. As well as swimming, they relax together, using the café and the beach as their oasis in difficult times. A mysteriously staged suicide sets events in motion which will affect them all to various degrees. Against this clandestine backdrop, the stories unfold about the swimmers’ lives, past and present and their hopes for the future. They experience happiness and joy, tragedy and loss and become close friends who try to help each other wherever possible. For those who have visited Greece and fallen in love with the land and the people, the book may offer a deeper insight into realities of life there and to Greeks, many of the characters and stories may seem all too familiar. The Winter Swimmers’ Club has a message about the positive power of love and friendship and how it can sustain us and offer us all hope in the face of adversity. The story unfolds with a dose of romance, mystery and a passion for life which should entertain readers of all ages.

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Book SynopsisThe Outdoor Swimming Guide features over 400 great places to swim outside in Great Britain. Edited by Kathy Rogers, and covering England, Scotland and Wales, it includes lidos, rivers, lakes and other stretches of water specifically designated for open water swimming. It’s the perfect guide for the travelling swimmer and an essential companion when heading on holiday with the family or children. Discover previously unknown local swimming spots, plan fun days out for all the family, and travel to unfamiliar areas around the country with quality outdoor and wild swimming. Presented in an easy-to-use format and packed with useful information in seven regional sections, it includes descriptions of swimming venues in every part of Great Britain. Alongside an overview of each open air swimming spot, there’s practical information on what to expect, such as facilities and access, as well as safety information – and it’s illustrated with inspirational photography. From novice swimmers looking to dip their toes in the water for the first time, to parents planning safe swims with children, and experienced swimmers looking for somewhere new, don’t leave home without The Outdoor Swimming Guide.

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Book SynopsisSwimming Wild in Scotland by Alice Goodridge is an informative and inspiring book for both new and experienced wild swimmers, featuring over 100 of the best wild swimming spots across the Scottish mainland and islands. Drawing on her vast experience as a long-distance swimmer and open water swimming coach, Alice has hand-picked locations to help you experience Scotland at its wild and rugged best. Scotland has a plethora of choice when it comes to wild swimming – you could take a dip in one of the stunning lochs of the Cairngorms, splash around in the river pools on Arran, step out from a deserted white sand beach on remote Great Bernera, swim right up to a waterfall on the River Pattack, or, for something a little different, swim in flooded quarries on Easdale or delight in the easily accessible tidal pools in Fife. Alice digs into the detail of what makes a fantastic wild swimming location, sharing her in-depth knowledge of exactly where to get in the water, where to safely swim once you’re in, the best time to swim if tides are a consideration, what to expect underfoot as you get in for your swim, and, just as importantly, you’ll be aware of any potential hazards. Armed with all this essential knowledge, you can relax and enjoy your swim, with all the preparation and research taken care of. This is all backed up by clear Ordnance Survey and custom maps, information on parking and public transport, and details of enticing cafes to enjoy a post-swim hot chocolate. Flick through this book, drawing inspiration from the stunning photography, as Alice brings each fantastic swimming location to life. Whether you’re an experienced wild swimmer or just dipping your toes in the water for the first time, you’ll find plenty to inspire your next adventure.Table of Contents Introduction Access rights and wild swimming in Scotland How to get started Equipment Safety – fresh water Safety – rivers and waterfalls Safety – sea swimming Argyll & the Isles Skye & Lochaber Outer Hebrides North-West Mainland Far North Central Highlands The East Perthshire, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs Central & Southern Scotland

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Book SynopsisWhy do so many of us step into the water? Compiled and edited by Rachel Jones, Toes in the Water explores the life-affirming and healing power of wild swimming. With insights from a wide range of swimmers, the book explores the community around wild swimming, interwoven with the mental and physical health benefits which swimmers gain from it. The featured swimmers share the connection they feel with the natural world, and how this can lead to a positive impact on the environment around them. Packed full of inspiring stories, Toes in the Water is a book that could change your life. The featured swimmers include open-water coach and year-round outdoor swimmer Ella Foote, who describes how the swimming community has supported her and given her skills and confidence in the outdoors; meanwhile, Beth Pearson, co-director of the Outdoor Swimming Society, explains the motivation behind and evolution of creating a wild swimming community. Also, Yorkshire-based wild swimming guide Les Peebles reflects on how healing he finds being in the water and how much joy he finds in helping others to discover wild swimming; and Lindsey Cole, mermaid, adventurer and environmental campaigner, explains how she raises awareness of river pollution through storytelling and activism.Table of Contents Introduction COMMUNITY Anna Deacon: A sense of belonging Johnny Hartnell: Wheelie bins and swimventures Beth Pearson: The OSS community Ella Foote: Strength from strangers CP Robinson: The coast is queer Pauline Barker: The Polar Bear Challenge Wendy, Lisa and Julia: Hampshire Open Water Swimmers Colin Hill: The antisocial swimmer Louise Owen: Friends old and new Simon Harmer: The benefits of an outdoor swimming community Katie Richards: Cold-water connection Deb Phillips: Channel swimming Stefan Hargrave: See you next week Sara Barnes: The ghosts of Cow Pool ENVIRONMENT Alice Kloker: River bed Sarah Shreeve: Sewage in our seas Chris Thomas: 365 Sea Swim Challenge Lindsey Cole: The mermaid, the otter and the big poo Emma Harper aka Mischief the Mermaid: Aiming for an ideal – the ghost hunt Susanne Masters: Tastes of water MENTAL HEALTH Catherine White: Waves of freedom Beth French: The glacier Dr Heather Massey: My life through outdoor swimming Jo Clement: Rhythm of the ocean Les Peebles: Helping others discover wild swimming Kate Steels: The Ice Sevens Mikayla Guidera: Freezbrury Kathleen Wotton: The sea saved me Loretta Cox: Discovering open-water swimming Sarah Kennedy Norquoy: Swimming to reset Rachel Ashe: Trying to fit Contributors About the editor

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Book Synopsis'A jewel of a book, a paean to the wonders of water and our place within it' James Nestor, bestselling of author of Breath 'Glorious' The New York Times Take a dive into the deep and discover what it is about water that seduces us, heals us and brings us together.Join writer and swimmer Bonnie Tsui as she explores the unique skill of swimming from the five angles of survival, wellbeing, community, competition and flow. Propelled by stories of polar swim champions, a Baghdad swim club, Olympian athletes and modern-day samurai swimmers, Why We Swim takes us around the globe in a remarkable, all-encompassing account of the world of swimming. This is a joyous meditation on our innate connection to water and a true celebration of the wonders of swimming.Trade ReviewA beautifully written love letter to water and a fascinating story. I was enchanted. -- Rebecca Skloot, bestselling author of The Immortal Life of Henrietta LacksMagnificent. I love this book -- Christopher McDougall, bestselling author of Born to Run

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Book Synopsis'An important, inspiring book by someone that has encouraged million of people to experience the wonders and friendships of Britain's rivers, lakes and seas' ROBERT MACFARLANE'A treasured guide for anyone who wants to venture into rivers, estuaries, lakes and seas for a dip, a moonlit swim or a great adventure. I loved this book!' LYNNE COXCapturing the freewheeling spirit, community and wisdom that defines The Outdoor Swimming Society movement, founder Kate Rew reveals everything you need to know to explore rivers, lakes, seas and estuaries. Sharing tales of her own inspiring swims, Kate explores the rich and varied life of outdoor swimmers, from the physiology of cold to planning lazy hazy downstream swims. An exquisite guide for beginners and enthusiasts alike, The Outdoor Swimmers' Handbook will lead you to the shore and become your trusted companion for the adventures ahead.Trade ReviewA must for your reading lists ... beautiful -- Alexandra Heminsley, author of Leap InA really important, inspiring book, written by someone at the heart of the outdoor swimming movement that -- over the last fifteen years -- has encouraged millions of people to experience the wonders and friendships of Britain's rivers, lakes and seas. Rew's book combines hard-won, deeply researched information on how to swim safely and joyfully out-of-doors, with vivid first-hand accounts of swims in astonishing places and with remarkable people. Read on. Dive in. -- Robert MacfarlaneThe Outdoor Swimmers' Handbook will be a treasured guide for anyone who wants to venture into British rivers, estuaries, lakes, and seas for a dip, a moonlit swim, or a great adventure. I loved this book! -- Lynne CoxJam packed with info ... useful and inspiring to all dedicated outdoor swimmers -- Alastair HumphreysA great book for swimmers especially those who may be relatively new to the water -- Al Mennie

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Book SynopsisA celebration of outdoor swimming – looking at the history, design and social aspect of pools. Few experiences can beat diving into a pool in the fresh air, swimming with blue skies above you. Whether it's a dip into a busy and bustling city pool on a sweltering summer day, or taking the plunge in icy waters, the lido provides a place of peace in a frenetic world. The book begins with a history of outdoor pools – their grand beginnings after the buttoned-up Victorian era, their falling popularity in the 20th century, and the newfound appreciation for the outdoor pool, or lido, and outdoor swimming in the 21st century. Journalist and architectural historian Christopher Beanland picks the very best of the outdoor pools around the world, including the Icebergs Pool on Bondi Beach, Australia; the 137m seawater pool in Vancouver, Canada; Siza's concrete sea pools in Porto, Portugal; the restored art deco pool in Saltdean, UK, and the pool at the Zollverein Coal Mines in Essen, Germany. The book also features lost lidos and the fascinating history behind the architecture of the pools, along with essays on swimming pools in art, and the importance of pools in Australia. In addition there are interviews with pool users around the globe about why they swim. The book is illustrated throughout with beautiful colour photography, as well as archive photography and advertising.Trade Review'Certainly a great book to plunge into' * Mail Online *'[An] invigorating tour of outdoor swimming sites' * Architecture Today *'Swimming stories … alongside enticing photos of outdoor pools around the world' * Literary Review *Architecture critic and water baby Christopher Beanland takes a deep dive into the fashionable outdoor swimming scene with Lido, profiling the world’s best pools with his trademark wit, wisdom and pop culture references. Stylish photography and interviews with fellow lido enthusiasts only further add gloss to Beanland’s delightful new book. -- Steve Pill, Discover BritainChris beautifully encompasses the architectural wonders of lidos around the world while zooming in on the social significance and personal affection towards them – a great book that both inspires and gives insight. -- Tamsin Wressell, National Geographic Traveller UK'Partly a gazetteer of new and classic outdoor pools around the world, partly a reflection of how they inspire us. … The photographs are fabulous.' -- Catherine Croft * C20 Magazine *

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Book SynopsisA remarkable new book in praise of marine fauna. Of Sea takes the form of a poetic bestiary of creatures living beneath, beside and above the water: in wetlands, salt marshes and the intertidal zone. In a sequence of 46 poems, Burnett captures the world of cockles and clams, rare moths and the humble earwig (to name a few) with a precise and dynamic lyric that seems always on the verge of music. 'Burnett is one of the UK's most original poets of the nonhuman world, and of our environmental moment. Innovative, dazzling, affecting poems that shimmer with intellectual acuity and emotional resonance.' - Rebecca TamasTrade Review'Burnett is one of the UK's most original poets of the nonhuman world, and of our environmental moment. Innovative, dazzling, affecting poems that shimmer with intellectual acuity and emotional resonance.'- Rebecca Tamas; '[Burnett's] stunning new collection explores the sea - its creatures, sounds, language. Many pieces are meant to be sung, or clicked (like a beetle) and it cumulates into an epic maritime lyric.' -Sinéad Gleeson

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Book SynopsisShortlisted: TGO Magazine Outdoor Book of the YearSwimming Wild in the Lake District by Suzanna Cruickshank is an informative and inspiring book for both new and experienced wild swimmers, exploring the larger lakes in the beautiful Lake District National Park.The book explores secluded wild swimming locations in the tourist hotspots of Windermere and Derwent Water and takes you to the tranquil hidden gems of Bassenthwaite, Crummock Water and Devoke Water, with the emphasis on taking time to enjoy the stunning surroundings. Imagine yourself gliding through clear, still water, surrounded by rugged fells, with only the sound of birdsong to accompany you. The book is full of useful tips for both new and experienced wild swimmers; it contains sections on getting started in wild swimming, how to look after your own safety and impartial advice on all the essential kit you’ll need, as well as what you don’t need.Illustrated with stunning photography, and featuring overview maps, the book has all the practical information you need to plan your wild swimming adventure, including access to the lakes by car or public transport where possible, thorough information about the best wild swimming locations on all the featured lakes and details of the best pubs and cafes for a much-needed post-swim drink or meal.Suzanna vividly describes her wild swimming experiences and brings the characteristics of each lake to life. Whether you’re an experienced wild swimmer or just dipping your toes in the water for the first time you’ll find plenty to inspire your next adventure.

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Book SynopsisA photographic leap into cooling waters. Dive into the cultural history of artificial ocean As long as already five thousand years ago, the allure of the sea inspired humans to recreate its essence in miniature, artistic forms, as public baths where ancient rituals would take place. Since then, it has become quite normal to immerse ourselves in cooling waters, in the privacy of our homes and without religious incentives. Swimming pools have rapidly become status symbols and the source for many diverse experiences: leisure-time athletics, relaxation, or the simple pleasure of just being in water. It is no wonder then that filmmakers and photographers constantly return to the swimming pool as a subject and setting. Reflections of water and light are captured in countless, unique ways in the more than two hundred compelling images that comprise this catalogue. Also included of course are the images of those who animate it. With works by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gigi Cifali, Stuart Franklin, Harry Gruyaert, Emma Hartvig, Jacques Henri Lartigue, Joel Meyerowitz, Martin Parr, Paolo Pellegrin, Mack Sennett, Alec Soth, Larry Sultan, Alex Webb and others.

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