About Us
Welcome to Rainbow Waves Swim Club, a masters swim club in Ōtautahi Christchurch that brings together swimmers of the rainbow community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Takatāpui, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Questioning, Trans & Allies) in a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether you’re looking to improve your technique, build endurance, or simply enjoy the water with like-minded people, we have a place for you.
We offer structured, coach-led training sessions that run on a “4 weeks on, 2 weeks off” repeating schedule. These sessions provide the expert guidance and structured workouts needed to help members refine their skills—all while maintaining the friendly, inclusive spirit that defines our club.
Golden Girl: Ōtautahi Rainbow Waves’ Annie Jones Conquers Gay Games Valencia 2026!
The waters of Spain have treated one of our very own incredibly well! We are absolutely thrilled to share that Ōtautahi Rainbow Waves swimmer Annie Jones has put on a spectacular performance at the XII Gay Games in Valencia, bringing home a truly magnificent medal haul for Aotearoa.
Annie proved her incredible versatility and elite endurance, mastering both the intense strategy of the outdoor pool and the grueling demands of the open sea.
A Triple-Medal Masterclass
Competing under the Spanish sun in the outdoor 50-meter pool at Parc de l’Oest, Annie went head-to-head with a fiercely competitive international field to lock in a brilliant Bronze medal in the 50m Freestyle, showcasing her explosive speed. She followed that up with an absolute masterclass in the 200m Individual Medley (IM), navigating all four strokes with precision to capture her first Gold medal of the games.
But she was far from finished. Trading the lane lines for the vast Mediterranean Sea at Cabanyal Beach, Annie took on the grueling 5k Open Water Swim. Showing elite pacing and tactical brilliance against the coastal currents, she broke away from the pack to claim a stunning second Gold medal, cementing a truly historic campaign for both herself and the club.
Embracing the True Spirit of the Games
While the medals are a fantastic bonus, Annie’s journey perfectly embodied the three overarching values that define the Federation of Gay Games: inclusion for all, participation at any level, and achieving one’s personal best through competition.
Whether racing for gold or cheering from the stands, the event was a beautiful reminder that the Gay Games are about celebrating who you are through the universal language of sport.
Kiwi Support in the Water
Annie wasn’t the only Kiwi making waves under the Spanish sun. A passionate group of other LGBTQ+ swimmers from across New Zealand—including representatives from prominent clubs like Team Auckland Masters Swimmers (TAMS) and Different Strokes Wellington (DSW)—also made the long journey to Valencia. The wider Kiwi contingent put on a fantastic showing across the board, clocking up multiple personal bests, securing top-tier age-group finishes, and bringing a proud, vibrant Kiwi spirit to the international mixed and all-gender relay events.
Welcoming Our Champion Home
As the games wrap up and the flag prepares to head to Perth for 2030, we couldn’t be prouder to have Annie representing Ōtautahi Rainbow Waves on the world stage. She returns home as an inspiration to everyone in our local Christchurch lanes.
Swim With Us
We welcome swimmers of all backgrounds who want to stay active, improve their technique, and be part of a friendly swim community. To ensure everyone gets the most out of our sessions, we have a minimum swimming requirement:
- You should be able to comfortably swim at least 1.5km within a 1-hour session.
- We don’t require competitive experience, but you should be confident swimming multiple lengths in a pool.
- If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirement, feel free to come along and give it a try!
What to Expect in a Typical Session
Our sessions are structured to balance endurance, technique, and fun. Here’s an example of what a workout might look like:
- 2 × 300m (30s rest) – 2× (100m easy freestyle / 50m backstroke DPS)
- 4 × 150m (30s rest) – 100m easy freestyle / 50m backstroke drill
- 8 × 75m (20s rest) – 25m hard backstroke / 50m easy freestyle
- 2 × 300m (30s rest) – 2× (100m easy freestyle / 50m easy backstroke)
Why Join Us?
- Inclusive & Supportive – Open to swimmers of all backgrounds and skill levels. To ensure a comfortable pace for all, we ask that swimmers are able to swim at least 1,000 meters within an hour.
- Coach-Led Training Starting Soon – Join us for structured coaching to refine your technique and boost your performance.
- Social & Fun – Meet new people, stay active, and be part of a welcoming swim community.
- Flexible Participation – Whether you’re training for an event or just swimming for fun, you’re welcome here.
Contact
We currently swim at Linwood Pool, Christchurch, every Thursday from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
📍 Linwood Pool
141 Smith Street, Linwood, Christchurch 8062
Have questions or want to swim with us? Use the form below to get in touch, or register your interest directly at join.rainbowwaves.nz. We’d love to hear from you!