Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone join the Bondi Salties?

Yes. We are a community group who welcome all ocean swimming lovers. 

Please note that we do not provide any water safety during the swims. Every swimmer should be confident in navigating open water and able to swim 1km of continuous freestyle or more - a Bondi bay swim is 1.3kms. Swimmers should also be confident getting in and out of the surf.

If the weather is bad are you still on?

Salties is always on - we don't miss a Friday. 

We will always run but depending on the weather (swell, wind etc.) we will shorten the swim or opt for a teabag (light dip) and early coffee.

What time do you meet and where?

We meet at the North Bondi Ramp in front of the North Bondi RSL at 6:15am every Friday.  

How far is the run? Do I have to run?

The run is not compulsory but encouraged. The run is a lap of the soft sand and roughly 1.8kms. The run is a great opportunity to meet others in the group and especially important in winter to warm up prior to the swim.

How far is the swim?

The swim is 1.3kms and usually kicks off at about 6:30am after the run. We swim from the north end of Bondi to the south, stopping just outside of Icebergs and in line with the last big pine tree of Campbell Parade. At Icebergs we wait for >85% of the group to arrive before swimming back to the North. We are all done by 7:10am.

Do I need a wetsuit?

The majority of the Salties wear a wetsuit from June-late November.

What kind of wetsuit do I need?

If you already have a surfing wetsuit these are fine to swim in, otherwise, you can purchase a swimming wetsuit. Most of our swimmers wear 2XU wetsuits. You can purchase 2XU wetsuits online or in their Paddington store. We usually negotiate a bulk discount each year around April/May...keep an eye on emails.

Do you have any recommendations for building my swimming confidence?

Swimlab - Reach out to Claire - https://swimlab.com.au/

SaltyFit - Reach out to Joanna - www.saltyfit.com.au

OceanFit - Reach out to Andre - www.oceanfit.com.au

Bondi Surf Swim (BOSS) - Reach out to Talbot - 0401 842 910

I don't know anyone, who do I introduce myself to?

Salties are friendly...weirdly friendly. Just say hi and let someone know that you're new.

Where do I get a yellow cap?

Once you've completed a swim you'll be rewarded with the iconic Salties swim cap courtesy of our partner Santa Vittoria. 

After the swim look out for someone handing out caps or ask whoever takes the group photograph. 

Unfortunately we sometimes run out of caps, so just keep showing up and you'll get one eventually!