From Goa, India to Oregon on the West Coast to Sydney, Australia, an increasing number of women have been taking to the open water.
Goa, India
The Goa Open Water Swimming Club is located in Goa in West India that borders the Arabian Sea. Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture, Goa is site of the Women’s Day Swim. The club touts their group as an opportunity to enter the saltwater and gain strength.
The club states, “We believe the best way to meet the waves is with a clear mind and a steady heart. Our gathering begins on the sand with a guided pre-swim breathwork session, led by Tulsi Menon. Use conscious breathing to calm the nervous system and prepare the body for the water, set a personal intention for the swim ahead. Following the breathwork, we will head into the water together. Whether you’re an avid ocean swimmer or a casual wader, the goal is to embrace the salt, the sun, and the shared laughter of the women beside you.“
Intrepid Water
Shannon Keegan of Intrepid Water Adventure Swimming [see here] offers a wide variety of inspirational and coaching services, from paid sessions to free conversations for swimmers who want to pause and reflect honestly on what’s working, what feels heavy, and what might be asking for attention. Her goal is to enable swimmers to gain comfort and confidence in the open water. She explains, “Discover insights from the water that go beyond the pool where we explore the mindset, challenges, and breakthroughs that swimming teaches us about life.”
Sea Shells Teabaggers
The Sea Shells Teabaggers in Perth, Australia are led by Shelley Taylor-Smith, a dual International Swimming Hall of Fame and International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame inductee. Learn more here and here.
The Teabaggers are about connecting with the ocean, community, and each other through the power of the sea. People who didn’t know each other are now really good friends, and often meet to do other activities, and swim.
© 2026 Daily News of Open Water Swimming
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