EDITOR'S LETTER ISSUE 5 AUG/SEPT 2011 Editor Simon Griffiths simon.griffiths@h2openmagazine.com


Deputy Editor Sarah Warwick sarah.warwick@h2openmagazine.com


Designer Mat Detmar


Advertising and partnerships Stuart Churchill, +44 (0)7764 473168 marketing@h2openmagazine.com


Contributors Rick Kiddle, Kate Rew, Simon Murie, Joel Enoch, Paul Newsome, Jonathan Knot, Nicola Joyce, Joel Enoch, Rebecca Miles, Gerald Smith, Steven Munatones and Graeme Green


Photography and Images With thanks to all providers of images, particularly Blueseventy, Zoggs, Nova International/British Gas, Swim Trek, Speedo and Arena


Cover image © iStockphoto


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H2Open magazine is published by ZG Publishing Ltd, 20 Burnell Avenue, Richmond TW10 7YE Phone: +44 (0)7958 312607 Email: info@h2openmagazine.com


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© ZG Publishing Ltd 2011. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the writen permission of the publisher. ZG Publishing Ltd (Company registration no. 3799982) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 20 Burnell Avenue, Richmond TW10 7YE. All content is provided for information only and, while we take reasonable efforts to ensure its accuracy, we cannot guarantee it. ZG Publishing Ltd is not an expert provider of medical advice. You are advised to seek professional medical advice before swimming if you have any injuries or medical conditions. Open water swimming does involve a level of risk and you are advised to take appropriate precautions.


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WELCOME TO H2OPEN MAGAZINE


We recently posted a story from Brian Kinsella in the readers’ swims section of our website. He tackled


the Epic Events 3.8km swim at Ullswater and finished last – coming in well over an hour behind the winner – yet he described his day as “perfect” and admited he struggled to hold back tears as he staggered up the beach to applause. For Brian, an accomplished marathon runner, swimming 3.8km in open water was a tremendous challenge and achievement. His fellow competitors recognised this, wanted him to succeed and cheered his efforts. Similarly, on the Google group for Channel Swimmers, the postings are full of praise and encouragement for other swimmers. It seems as if anyone involved in marathon swimming wants everyone else to achieve their dreams. While Penny Palfrey was tackling her record-breaking swim between the Cayman Islands, the emails from the members of this group, requesting updates or offering words of encouragement, were flying. Even at the sharp end of the sport – the ultra-competitive world of 10km marathon swimming, where World Championship medals and Olympic qualifying slots are up for grabs – it seems, judging from competitors' comments and post-race interviews, that swimmers have a great deal of mutual respect and admiration for each other. So, while we’ve themed this our Record Breakers’ issue, with our interview with Penny Palfrey (on page 20), review of the ultimate swimming challenge (p24) and our guide to how champions are made (p. 36), we shouldn’t forget that records can be set on many levels and simply the act of immersing yourself in open water is an achievement worth celebrating.


Simon Griffiths, editor MAGNIFICENT SEVEN ○ P24


Steven Munatones is an open water swimming guru, spanning the roles of swimmer, coach, advisor, writer and race


director. He is the founder of Open Water Source (openwatersource.com) and came up with the idea of the Ocean’s Seven – the ultimate long-distance swimming challenge – which he explains in the magazine this month..


PUMP IT! ○ P28


Gerald Smith is an ASA level 2 swimming teacher and has a bachelor’s degree in Exercise, Nutrition and Health


from Roehampton University. He is also a member of the register of exercise professionals. He has worked in the fitness industry for more than ten years and has many years of experience in both personal training and swim teaching.


NEVER TOO OLD TO SWIM ○ P40


Swimmer and triathlete Dan Bullock has been coaching since 1990, helping thousands get fiter and faster – from


novice triathletes to Channel veterans. Dan held the title of National Masters Champion, both in the pool and open water (2008-10), and has been a European Masters Medallist and a Double-Ironman finisher.


SWIM THE WORLD ○ P44


Graeme Green is a freelance journalist, travel writer and photographer. His work has appeared in National


Geographic Traveler, Wanderlust, The Guardian, Metro and others. He's worked in more than 65 countries, including Colombia, Iceland, Nepal, USA, Zambia and Mexico. He's also a keen swimmer, kayaker and free diver.


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