Do I need to wear a wetsuit?

No, wearing a wetsuit is optional, but it can help you stay warm in cooler water conditions.

Can I hire wetsuits at Pinkston Watersports?

No, wetsuits are not available for hire for swim sessions; bringing your own is recommended.

Is there free parking available?

Yes, there is free parking on-site and additional free street parking nearby on Boron Street.

Are showers and changing rooms available?

Yes, the facility provides changing rooms with hot showers but no hair dryers.

How cold is the water generally?

As the basin is outdoor and unheated, water temperatures vary and can be quite cold, especially in winter.

Is there a coffee or refreshment area on site?

No, there is no coffee machine, so bringing your own hot drink in a flask is advised.

Open Water Swim Sessions with Pinkston Watersports in Glasgow

Located in Glasgow, Scotland, Pinkston Watersports offers a rare chance to experience open water swimming without leaving the city limits. Their one-hour swim sessions take place in a clean, filtered canal basin at 75 North Canal Bank Street, designed for swimmers aged 12 and up who are comfortable in the water. The basin stretches roughly 130 meters long and 20 meters wide, providing enough space to enjoy the flow and feel of wild swimming with none of the typical safety concerns.

This urban aquatic setting is a standout facility in the Glasgow outdoor scene, blending the city's industrial canal heritage with modern recreational needs. The filtered water undergoes regular cleaning, ensuring a hygienic environment uncommon in open water venues. What sets Pinkston apart is its provision of safety cover throughout the sessions, offering swimmers peace of mind so they can focus purely on the exhilaration of swimming freely in the open basin.

The canal basin itself holds a unique position in local watersports, capturing the essence of wild swimming while maintaining accessibility and safety. The shallow depth means that even swimmers around 5ft 5in can occasionally stand up if needed, making it approachable for many who have the basic confidence to navigate open water.

Pinkston Watersports doesn’t provide coaching during these swims, so you’ll want to come prepared with your own wetsuit and swimming gear. Changing rooms, showers, and free parking are available on site, creating an inviting and well-supported experience. These swim sessions also serve well as cross-training or preparation for triathlons and long-distance swims.

For Glasgow locals and visitors, these sessions open a door to urban wild swimming that bridges nature and city life. Pinkston Watersports has carved a niche by making open water swimming accessible, safe, and refreshing for competent swimmers seeking a regular outdoor challenge within Scotland’s vibrant largest city.

About Pinkston Watersports

Pinkston Watersports is a Glasgow-based watersports centre operating on Scotland's only artificial whitewater course. The centre runs a wide range of paddlesports and water activities including whitewater tubing, whitewater kayaking taster and progression courses, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) tasters, rolling clinics, swim sessions, and family splash zones. Sessions are offered for different ages and abilities, with many junior and family activities listed for ages 7 and up and several whitewater sessions suitable for ages 12 and up. Birthday party packages, holiday activity camps, student nights, and specialist sessions such as cold water swims with sauna access are also available.

Professional instructors lead coached sessions and safety briefings, and several beginner courses state that equipment is provided; participants are often asked to bring a towel and suitable footwear. Progression courses include multi-week formats for beginners and intermediate paddlers, plus club-style monthly sessions focused on skill development and themed activities. The venue supports learning across flat-water and artificial whitewater environments and hosts community and family-focused events. Pinkston Watersports emphasises safe, supervised access to paddlesports for newcomers and developing paddlers, delivers structured coaching, and provides a versatile programme of activities suitable for families, youth groups, adults, and students in Glasgow and the surrounding area.

Booking options include single-session tasters, multi-week progression courses, club membership and group or family packages for birthday parties and holiday camps. Sessions run across seasons and include student nights. The programme supports skill progression, confidence on the water and repeat visits to develop technique. Suitable for beginners and families.