Make a splash: LGBTQ swim club Wett Ones host bootcamp for new swimmers - Australia Gay News Network

LGBTQ swimming club Wett Ones are holding a boot camp during the Mardi Gras Festival and everyone is welcome. Reg Domingo reports. Love the water but not sure how to get back in? In search of other gay and lesbian swimmers? Keen to improve your technique in a safe and inclusive environment? Or just want to have fun in the pool and make new friends?

Then come along to an introductory boot camp hosted by the Wett Ones at Surry Hills this Saturday, February 25. It’s the LGBTQ+ swimming club’s first ever boot camp to be held during the Mardi Gras season.

Wett Ones President Tristan Bray said the boot camp is the perfect way to get to know the club and its members.

“We love seeing new faces at the pool and growing our club, but we realise that coming along to that first swim session, when you don’t really know what to expect, can be a tough leap of faith,” Bray says.

“Boot camp is all about making that first interaction with the club as fun, social, and informative as possible. We will take the new swimmers step by step through the basic principles of swimming with a squad and provide plenty of opportunities for everyone to get to know each other and our current members in an informal setting.”

Founded in 1991, the Wett Ones is one Sydney’s longest-running sporting groups catering to the LGBTQ+ community.

“Wett Ones is now in its 26th year, and has a rich history of community engagement and swimming accolades,” Bray says. “We were originally formed as a lesbian and gay group of Australian swimmers, the first such group in the country, and held our first swim meet during Mardi Gras in 1992. Now, we have a very diverse membership covering the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum, with around 100 members, a third of whom are women, and many are allies who enjoy our excellent swim coaching and friendly approach.

“We accept new swimmers of almost any ability and work with them to help them to achieve their fitness and swimming goals – whether that’s for health, fitness, or a competitive target. Many people think swimming is an individual sport, but at Wett Ones we make it a team sport through our excellent coaching and social events.”

Bray urged anyone thinking about getting back in the water or giving swimming a go to come along and hang out with the Wett Ones.

“Our boot camp is the ideal way to try out swimming with a club, to learn something new, and to meet some friendly people. It’s very low cost and there’s no ongoing commitment required, just a few hours of your Saturday arvo spent at the beautiful Prince Alfred Park,” Bray says.

“We’re running separate women’s and men’s sessions so you’ll be surrounded by similar people, all new to swimming but keen to give it a go. Plus, if you love it – we know you will – we’re offering a special 20-swim discount if you join Wett Ones as a result of the boot camp.”

Image: The Wett Ones training at Sydney Uni Aquatic Centre. Photo: Reg Domingo

#GetWett for Mardi Gras Boot Camp is on Saturday, February 25, at Prince Alfred Park Pool, 105 Chalmers St, Surry Hills. Visit www.wettones.org/mardigras for times and more information.

Author Reg Domingo