Making Waves Fat Swim

A Bay Area tradition since the 1980s, Making Waves Fat Swim is a volunteer run weekly swim created by and for self identified fat people. Held most Sundays throughout the year, this longstanding community space brings people together for movement, play, connection, and support in a fat positive environment.

Making Waves is more than swim time. It is a respectful, supportive space where fat people gather without judgment to exercise, float, splash, train, laugh, and build community. All genders and LGBTQIA+ fat folks are welcome.

This is a fat positive space. Discussions of dieting or weight loss are not allowed. The intention is to maintain an environment centered on body autonomy, joy, and affirmation.

Participants have exclusive use of the indoor pool during swim time. The locker room, showers, changing areas, and ADA bathrooms are shared with the general facility.

Cost

Suggested minimum contribution is $10 and up, payable in the pool area, not at the front desk.

Accepted forms of payment:
• Cash
• CashApp: $MAKINGWAVESFATSWIM
• Zelle: fatswim@gmail.com

Venmo is no longer accepted.

Those who are able to contribute more than the suggested minimum are encouraged to do so. The cost to rent the pool and maintain liability insurance remains the same regardless of attendance. Contributions help sustain the swim. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Sign In

There is a sign in sheet located on the bench against the windows nearest the pool door. All participants are asked to sign in, even if unable to contribute financially. Those who cannot pay are encouraged to speak with the host. Sign in records help sustain the program.

About the Community

Since the Coordinating Committee began managing the swim in late 2015, there have been ongoing conversations about what makes Making Waves so meaningful. At its core, the swim is rooted in cultivating a respectful and supportive community that centers fat people and keeps diet talk and weight loss discussions outside the pool.

The Fat Swim continues because of the energy, care, and financial support of its community.

Who It’s For

All self identified fat people are welcome.

Organizers have addressed questions about the use of a 200 pound definition of being fat. They acknowledge that it is an imperfect measure, as 200 pounds can look very different on different bodies. After exploring various approaches over the years, they have not identified a clearer alternative and ask participants to honor the spirit and intention of the space.

Questions

For questions about cost or payment, contact Making Waves via Instagram at @makingwavesfatswim or email fatswim@gmail.com.

Those in the Bay Area looking for joyful, affirming movement in community will find Making Waves to be a welcoming space to dive in.

For more information visit https://makingwavesswim.com/.

For more events like this, visit TCF’s event calendar.