Open Water Swimming at the Quays

Join us as we take the plunge into the world of open water swimming at Dock 9 at Salford quays! 

There are organised open water swim sessions at Salford Quays each week throughout the summer so we thought we'd give it a go! The event organisers, Üswim, run an online membership scheme or you can simply pay them (not ODL) on the day (non-members £10) see their website for more info. This is becoming a really popular activity so there's often a bit of a queue to pay and hire your wetsuit. 

Open water swimming is a truly different experience to the pool, and one all swimmers should try at least once! Without the confines of lane ropes or walls, it’s liberating, adventurous and unique. Technically speaking, open water swimming takes place anywhere that isn’t a swimming pool. This means no man-made sides and bottom, and no lane ropes or black lines to follow. You might also see open water swimming referred to as wild swimming or outdoor swimming. Open water venues include:

• Lakes
• Rivers
• Lochs
• Seas
• Reservoirs

Don't have your own kit? Not a problem. At the venue, they will be able to sort you out with the open water essentials to get you swimming! Look and feel the part by wearing a special swimming wetsuit (that also helps keep you afloat), silicone swim cap and crystal clear goggles. There are changing "rooms" and bag storage. 

Oh, and don't worry about water quality...Dock 9 is separated from the main River Irwell and is aerated to ensure quality is high! 

We'll be going straight from this event to the kayaking session next door. Join us! 

For the avoidance of doubt, this is an event organised by, and the responsibility of, an outside agency, not OutdoorLads. The leader of this event is not a swimming coach or lifeguard, and is only responsible for arranging the activity and gathering the group together, not for safety or for the swimming itself. You should check out the organiser's website above for full details of the facilities which they are providing.