Summer League for Adults! The Rise of Grown-Up Swimming with Brian Robbins | Episode 298
5/22/202655 min
Remember the fun of summer league swimming? The relays, the snacks, and hanging out with your friends by the pool? Brian Robbins is bringing that exact energy back to the sport with Grown-Up Swimming, a recreational summer swim league designed specifically for adults.
In this episode of the Social Kick Podcast, Brian, John, and Luke sit down with Brian Robbins to discuss the massive, rapid growth of Grown-Up Swimming—expanding from just 7 leagues in 2023 to over 45 cities nationwide today. We dive into the hilarious origin story behind the league's name (and why Turner Broadcasting's "Adult Swim" forced their hand), the wildly creative team names, and why this format is acting as the "pickleball" of the swimming world by making the sport more accessible, relaxed, and fun.
Whether you are a former elite athlete looking to casually race a 25 freestyle or someone swimming in your very first competitive meet, Grown-Up Swimming has a lane for you. Grab a mystery-flavored Airhead, crack a cold one, and tune in to learn how you can join the adult summer league movement!
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsLuke Paddington· Host0:00
[upbeat music] When we first heard about Grown Up Swimming, I was like, "Well, what is Grown Up Swimming? What differentiates it? Why, why is it exciting? Why is it something new?" And this show on Gant and O'Brien really showed that.
John Mullen· Host0:11
I grew up with Summer League. Um, that's how I got introduced to the sport, like a lot of people. So I was excited to see that it was being offered for adults. And as a grownup, I'm excited to get up there, have a good time, do some sprints. And for those, like Luke, I don't think he had any Summer League growing up at all. I think it's time for him to get back in the water and start swimming again and having fun.
Brian Lundquist· Host0:33
A few years ago, some friends of mine said, "Hey, you gotta try Grown Up Swimming." And I'm like, "What's that?" And they're like, "Well, it's, like, swimming, like Summer League swimming for grown-ups." So I sign up for this league, I show up, I'm able to rock up with a six-pack of beer, and then just go and swim for fun. Just for fun. It was awesome. And anybody who's bringing new and innovative ideas to build community and grow the sport of swimming, we are all about. So, so excited to talk to Brian about his growth as a swimming entrepreneur, and to hear about how Grown Up Swimming has taken off in this next year. [water splashing] Welcome to Social Kick. I'm Brian Lundquist, and for the first time in quite a long time, we actually have the full crew. Luke Paddington is here. I missed the last one. Dr. John is here. And joining us from the adult swimming league for grown-ups, Grown Up Swimming's Brian Robbins. What's going on, Brian? How are you?
Brian Robbins· Guest1:28
Hey, hey. What's