We recognise that open water swimming can be daunting. The lake can be cold and deep, and sometimes it’s a big step up from swimming in the pool.
We’re running a three week course for people who aren’t confident in open water, or not used to swimming in Lake Whakatipu and the southern lakes.
If you’re looking to get into open water swimming, if you’ve entered Challenge Wānaka, the Ruby race, or the Legend – we are here to help you on your swimming journey.
About Learn the Lake
When: 9am Saturday mornings from 29th November to 13th December 2025 (you can also find out more at out Open Day)
Where: Club Swim Lane, Frankton (Queenstown Marina, between the Scouts and Coastguard buildings)
Prerequisites: You have to be able to swim in the pool. Breaststroke is fine.
What you’ll need: Check out our Swim page. This will give you a list of key items to bring with you.
Do I need a wetsuit?: This is optional, but many members choose to swim in one due to the lake’s fresh temperatures. We do have a few available to borrow; come and talk to us about wetsuits on our Open Day.
What we’ll provide: Swim teachers and experienced swimmers in the water, with Stand Up Paddleboard support
What you’ll learn: We’ll start slowly, with an introduction to open water safety, wetsuits, tow floats, breathing, cold water, getting warm again. You’ll be split into small groups with swimmers similar abilities. We won’t swim far initially, we’ve a marker buoy at 50m, and one at 125m. Later we’ll cover sighting, open water stroke technique and gradually increase our time in the water.
What about getting changed? – We are running this course from the Scout Hut, so you can get changed in there. If you are a private person, we reccommend you invest in a DryRobe or poncho towel, we also have two one-person chainging tents.
How do I sign up for Learn the Lake? – You need to be a member of SLSC to do this course. Sign up for membership here. Contact us to register your interest in Learn the Lake, or let us know at Open Day.
What’s the cost? – Free for SLSC members
Any questions? – Send us a message or email, check out our Contact page
