Open Water Swim

Swim with Pride

dsWOW - Different Strokes Wellington Open Water

Sunday 9 March 2025
Freyberg Beach, Oriental Bay, Wellington

This is an event for everyone who'd like an Open Water swim the day after the Capital Swim Meet.

Meet at 8:30 by the tree at Freyberg beach. All abilities welcome. 

We will suggest some routes depending on the weather conditions. There are short options such as floating around at the beach, or aiming for the first pontoon and back (about 200m). A medium option would involve swimming to Wellington’s famous fountain, adding a further 600m. For those wanting a longer swim, we can head to the first or second buoy before returning, or from there swim around the fountain.

Changing rooms and cold showers are between the parking lot and the beach, or you can pay for a hot shower at Freyberg pool. If you are paying to use Freyberg Pool’s facilities you can bring a lock and use the storage poolside. Alternatively we will probably have family waiting on the beach who can watch gear bags.

Safety: Towfloats are recommended for swimmers going out to the buoys. The organisers will try to have a few extras for visitors. No tow float? Bring a whistle if you have one.  

Make sure you only swim within your limits - although we have organisers present, you are swimming at your own risk.

After our swim we can grab a cuppa at either Gelissimos (on the beach) or if the weather is worse at Lola Stays just across the road, maybe 50 meters towards town.

For early birds who want to start at 7:30 and potentially swim longer, the Washing Machines set off from the Beach around 7:30am and go potentially further (1-3km). 

Please let us know ahead of time if you are planning to join us: complete the registration form below so we can know numbers - and so we have your contact details (in case of cancellation). 

Email questions to admin@dsw.org.nz