About this episode

Brian Robbins discusses the rise of Grown-Up Swimming, a recreational summer swim league for adults.

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!

People in this episode

Hosts: John, Luke

Guest: Brian Robbins

Topics covered

• adult swimming
• summer league
• recreational sports
• community
• swimming culture

Keywords

• Grown-Up Swimming
• summer league
• adult swim
• recreational swimming
• community sports

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Turner Broadcasting

More episodes of Social Kick • Swim Culture & Stories

• Van Mathias on Sprint Swimming, Heavy Lifting & Balancing a Full-Time Job | Episode 301 · June 5, 2026 · 1h 1m
• Anna Peplowski on Pro Swimmer Salaries, The 200 Free Boom & LA 2028 | Episode 300 · May 29, 2026 · 59 min
• Underwater Masterclass & Beyond: Tom Shields on Clinics, Surfing, and Mental Health | Episode 299 · May 27, 2026 · 1h 3m
• Thomas Heilman & Maximus Williamson: UVA’s Lane 8 Titles & The Tattoo Promise | Episode 297 · May 15, 2026 · 1h 3m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Social Kick • Swim Culture & Stories podcast page.