Someone once said to us, “you never regret a swim”. And they were right! So with long summer days still here, we say make the most of any moment to take a dip.
We all have a favourite swimming spot or two, whether a local city beach or a surf spot that conjures nostalgic memories of a childhood summer.
For friends Bailey Meredith and Anna Fahey, the creators of those check towels that you see all over your Instagram feed and at inner city beaches, their top spots span across Aotearoa. The founders of luxury towelling brand Baina have just released their latest range titled ‘Underwood’, named after what is claimed to be the oldest public swimming complex in the US (Underwood Pool in Massachusetts, opened in 1912). Fittingly, their latest drop has been photographed by Rob Tennet at Auckland’s Parnell Baths, one of our own famous swimming spots, opened in 1914.
Where to go swimming this weekend? Bailey and Anna share their favourite swimming spots, for a little outdoor inspiration. Don’t forget your towel and your sunscreen…
Piha Beach, West Auckland
Bailey: The rugged and roaring sea at Piha is the perfect backdrop for our early Saturday morning walk, a ritual we adopted when we got our dog Gruff. Often dotted with surfers, we take in the roaring waves as we walk along the shoreline. This process is oddly calming.
Parnell Baths, Auckland
Bailey: A spot that's close to my heart, filled with nostalgia and happy childhood memories. These public baths are an Auckland institution, perfectly preserved with its mid century facade, multi coloured loungers and changing rooms.
Blue Lake, St Bathans
Bailey: I discovered this magical spot on a recent south island road trip after a recommendation from a friend. The icy blue water is piercing against the sand coloured stone cliffs and olive tinted hills. In Winter the lake is enveloped in snow.
Lake Tarawera
Anna: My second home. Growing up we were fortunate to have a bach at Lake Tarawera. For those that haven’t been, Tarawera is 15 minutes from Rotorua, and as you wind away from the city you are overcome with calm. It feels remote, untouched, and has a spiritual energy. The mountain is rooted at the other side of the lake, dormant and knowing. The combination of fresh water swims, and limited cell phone coverage, is an instant reset for me.
Mount Maunganui
Anna: Over the bridge from where I grew up in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui Beach feels very nostalgic. Memories of endless days rolling about in the surf, followed by coating our bodies in hot sand, an extra gritty bite to my chips and washed away with warmed cold drinks. Now that I am a mother, I look forward to seeing my son experience it that same way.
