Swimming can be as much a team effort as it is a solo hobby. But, when you finish training, it’s time for a little fun - the swim team social. Whether you’re at school or university, this is an excellent time for everyone on the team to get to know each other better and let their hair down after the hard work in the pool. But what to do? Here are a few ideas you can use as inspiration for your next big social.

Games night

Games night is an excellent way to unwind and have a great time. It’s perfect if you’ve got a hard week of training ahead, or you need to take care of your body so you can be at peak performance.

You can play anything. We recommend whipping out the controllers for a game of Mario Kart or Just Dance. It doesn’t always have to be digital though. Board games are seeing a modern-day resurgence, so there’s no lack of choice! If there are quite a few of you, play a game of Werewolf and sniff out the bad guys. Or have a stand-off with your teammates in a tense game of Cash ‘n’ Guns! These are just our personal favourites.

Games night is always a winner and allows you to get to know your teammates in a comfortable environment. So if you don’t have the time or money to do something big, games night will be a welcome addition to the calendar.

Fancy dress

Maybe more suited to university students, but still something you could try on your next own clothes day: fancy dress! Here are a few ideas for the next time you need to break out the costumes:

  • A rollercoaster ride - everyone dresses like a tourist and wears a foam-fashioned roller coaster seat - you get the idea.

  • A Disney film - We are not just talking the main characters. If there are enough of you, dress like one of the most famous scenes, including minor characters and objects. It will make for an excellent photo when you’re all in the right position.

  • Decades - Each person can dress like they’re from a different decade or, you can decide on a decade together. You can do 1920s flappers, the swinging sixties, or shoulder-pad-inspired 80s. It’s up to you.

  • A TV show or film - The Simpsons, SouthPark, Grease, Game of Thrones; you decide.

These are just a few suggestions, but when you put your minds together, the team can come up with something exciting and original.

Days out

We always welcome a day out where you can try something new. This can be anything you find interesting. A surf trip. Getting together with the equestrian team to give horse riding a go. A real-life game of Cluedo. A trip to the theatre. Whatever your heart desires. This is a great way to ensure your team has a great day out and a way to relax and unwind with friends.

Swimming training can be difficult, especially when you’re young, but if you don’t push yourself, you might not get where you want to be. But it’s always good to have fun and socialise, making sure you have a balance between life and training. At the end of the day, you’re only human, so let your hair down!

When it’s time to get back in the pool, Maru creates colourful, comfortable, competition and training-ready swimming costumes that have you looking chic. We blend intense colour with functionality to make sure you can look great and perform better. Shop our full range here.