About Ocean Swim Club Inc.

Discover our passion for ocean swimming in our community. Auckland's premier ocean swim club. We're dedicated to building a vibrant community and helping swimmers of all levels thrive in the open water.

Our inspiration and unique approach

Ocean Swim Club Inc. is an incorporated club specifically for ocean swimmers in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Our unique structure creates a welcoming community, offering a focused and enriching experience for members and new members.

The joy of ocean swimming

What we love most about ocean swimming is the freedom and connection with nature it provides. We hope our members gain more than just swimming skills; we aim to build an inclusive community where people love to swim together, fostering lasting friendships and shared experiences.

Who should join up?

The club is ideal for everyone! Whether you are a complete beginner looking to take your first dip in the ocean or an experienced swimmer wanting to refine your technique, we cater to all levels. We pride ourselves on turning beginners and new swimmers into confident ocean swimmers.

"Joining the Ocean Swim Club has been a game-changer! The community is incredibly supportive, and I've gained so much confidence in the water."

Sarah M., proud member

Our story

The club was set up to help build a stronger open water swimming community on the Hibiscus Coast.

The catalyst was Seti's vision to create a swimming community in the centre of the Hibiscus Coast. At the time, there was no organised swimming group based in Ōrewa, despite it being the main beach and central gathering place on the Coast.

Our history

In 2020, during the pandemic, Seti Afoa moved to Ōrewa and started O Swim and the weekly Ōrewa Ocean Swims on Thursday evenings at the Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club. Alongside the midweek swim series, O Swim also organised small open water events across Tāmaki Makaurau, including the Estuary to Arundel Swim, Wenderholm Swim, Bluff Swim at Waiwera, Armour Bay Swim in Waitākere, City Winter Series in Kohimarama and the Maraetai Swim on Anniversary Weekend. It became clear that the events depended heavily on Seti being present to organise them. To create a stronger and more sustainable swimming community that could organise activities independently, the club was formed at a meeting at Driftwood Cafe on the 2nd of February 2025.

Move to Wed & north end

The midweek swim series was moved to the northern end of Ōrewa Beach for the 2024/25 season. For the 2025/26 season, the series was changed to Wednesday afternoons to avoid clashes with existing swims at Red Beach and Hibiscus Coast Tri Club activities on Thursday evenings.

Sat Squad 

The Saturday regular weekend swim group finally came together once the club was formed. Now, Ōrewa has its own open water swim community that meets mid-week in the summer and on weekends throughout the year. The Saturday squad is based at Moana Reserve in the Ōrewa CBD with alternative venues at Hatfields Beach and Wenderholm Regional Park.

Our City Club

O Swim launched the City Winter Series in 2021. Over time, city-based swimmers came together to continue and grow the Sunday winter swims under the leadership of Russell Troy and other members, demonstrating the club concept is sustainable. The series was originally based at St Heliers before finding its permanent home at Kohimarama Beach. The series runs from May to the end of September. Photo - City Winter Series Aug 2021 

Next goals

Main goals for the 2026/27 season.

  1. We want to bring back the kids Swim-Run series. We ran it for one season in 2024/25. 
  2. The Club has sent a proposal to the Harbour Master to install 5-knot swim markers at Ōrewa Beach and Hatfields Beach. 
  3. Grow the community and club membership. 
  4. What other goals should we aim for?  

Images from the first two seasons of the Ōrewa Ocean Series - 2020-2021. Photos Vanessa Rogers & Sāmoa Events.


Become a member

Membership period is 1 June to 31st May each year.

Current membership fees: $20 individual and $50 family. 

Contact us for membership, we look forward to hearing from you.