I picked up issue 4 of SWIM from the newsagent last Monday whole I was browsing for a history magazine. It’s one of the things I enjoy about going into real newsagent; you never know what you’re going to find. SWIM bills itself as a lifestyle magazine for swimmers. Anyway, I enjoyed issue 4 so I ordered back issues 1 to 3.
Quality of production: high quality printing, heavy paper, full colour printing.
Quality of content: interviews with interesting people and really helpful advice on different techniques.
I found the technical information really helpful, as I’ve never had coaching and couldn’t afford it anyway (£39.99/month for adult lessons at Grimsby Leisure Centre).
The interviews gave some insight into professional swimming and the personalities involved.
I also enjoyed the articles on wild and open swimming, and the return of the lido. I found out there’s a new one being built in Hull, which I’m considering trying out once it opens. It’ll only take me a couple of hours to get there on the train and bus, and I think a swim session is £4.90. I now have a mental list of swimming pools and spots I want to visit at some point.
General opinion: Interesting content that’s highly readable and well illustrated. There was some repetition in issues 2 and 3. I found that a bit irritating. Hopefully, it’s just because it’s a new magazine and they’ll get better with time.
I’m going to keep buying it for now.
Everything Is Better With Dragons 