What is the Social Swim Series?
The Social Swim Series is our fortnightly social swim club at the West Reservoir, bringing together young social swimmers from across London.
The format? It’s pretty simple.
Twice a month we come together for a social swim followed by coffee, pastries and a well earned chit chat. There are also regular side quests — midweek sauna evenings, wild swimming day trips and the occasional frothy knees-up.
Our mission? To build a welcoming community of likeminded, city-dwelling social swimmers who are up for making some new friends and generally keen for a good time.
How do I join?
Follow us on TikTok and/or Instagram and drop us a DM, or visit our sign up page, and we will add you into the Social Swim Series WhatsApp group chat.
You can also sign up to our Bobbing Along newsletter for the latest on our upcoming swims, side quests and other events.
AUTUMN/WINTER SOCIAL SWIM CALENDAR
Social Swims
Sun, 12 Oct • Sun, 19 Oct • Sun, 2 Nov • Sun, 23 Nov • Sun, 7 Dec • Sun, 14 Dec • Sun, 11 Jan • Sun, 25 Jan • Sun, 8 Feb • Sun, 22 Feb • Sun, 8 Mar • Sun, 22 Mar
Side Quests
- Fri, 24 Oct (GROOVES FOR GOOD) (BUY TICKETS)
- Sat, 8 Nov (CHILLY DIPPERS)
- Sat, 15 Nov (WAYPOINT CREW)
- Wed, 10 Dec (CRIMBO SAUNA EVE)
- + more TBA
Key deets...
Dates
See above for our full calendar of social swims and side quests for AW ’25-26. Regular reminders are posted on our Insta / TikTok and our WhatsApp group chat.
Location
West Reservoir Centre, Green Lanes, Hackney, London, N4 2HA (Google Maps).
Time
Kick-off is usually at 10:30am but sometimes we do later. All info will be in the group chat including which swims slots to book (see How to book below).
Cost
Our swim club is free to join. In order to swim however you do need to book a swim slot at the West Reservoir, which costs £6.30 for Better Health members / £13.50 for non-members.
How to book
Open water swimming slots at the West Reservoir must be booked in advance on the Better Health website.
The booking link will be posted in the group chat (with information on which slots to book) when bookings open. Better Health members can book at 6pm on the Sunday before the swim. Non-members can book the following day (Monday) at 6pm.
Swim caps
Please remember to bring a red, orange or pink swimming cap (or hat / beanie) — the lifeguards won't let you swim without one. They do sometimes have swim caps you can borrow at the front desk.
Do I need a wetsuit?
No, you do not need a wetsuit to swim at the West Reservoir — even during winter — but please wear whatever you feel comfortable swimming in! Some people do choose to wear wetsuits even during the warmer months, especially if they are planning on swimming longer distances. There are no rules — it’s totally up to you.
How far do we swim?
Our vibe is very very chill — there is absolutely ZERO pressure to swim a particular distance or stay in for a certain amount of time.
During the winter it is important that you listen to your body and only stay in for as long as feels right. I will explain the different length courses that are available and you can decide which one is right for you!
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We have received funding from Hinge's One More Hour initiative!! A big thank you to Hinge for helping us do more cool thangs.
