About GSA
Gay Swim Amsterdam is perhaps one of the nicest LGBTI sports clubs in the Netherlands. Founded in 1995, the club now consists of around 80 members. Our members have the unique opportunity practice in an open, friendly, respectful and serious atmosphere. Just to swim, to practice for swimming- or triathlon competitions or, as long as there is no ice on the water, for open water swimming.
A lot of our swimmers participate in competitions, domestic and abroad. During regular practice they have the opportunity to fully focus on technique and fitness. In good and bad weather, another group does open water swims: from the Amstel to the IJ to the Nieuwe Meer. Swimsuits are put on everywhere and they swim open water fanatically.
Of course there is more to life than just practicing. GSA therefore finds it very important to stimulate contact between members, both in the pool and outside. For that reason, social drinks are organized on a regular basis in one of Amsterdam’s most favorite gay hotspots, the Taboo Bar in the reguliersdwarsstraat. Besides that the enthusiastic activities committee also organizes 4 to 5 fun and non-swim related activities. Think of a pleasant walk or a bike ride, but also an evening of hysterical bowling or singing karaoke. GSA caters to all.
GSA in numbers
- 80 fanatic swimmers
- 10 enthusiastic coaches
- 4 training sessions per week
- 1 annual training weekend per year
- 1 annual team championship per year
- Annual organizer of the LoveSwim
- 2 Blubblad issues per year
- 10-20 social drinks at the always cozy Taboo Bar
- 4-5 fun and non-swim related activities
Commission board
The commission board of GSA consists of 6 board members, each with his or hers own position.
| Board position | Name |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Etienne Coerwinkel |
| Secretary | Danny van Zuijlen |
| Treasurer | Romke van der Wal |
| PR & Communication | Koen Vasse |
| Competition & Practice committee | Ruud Endenburg |
| Triatlon & Outdoor swimming | Leonie Kamps |
Love Swim
For a number of years, GSA has also been organizing the LoveSwim. A fun and fanatic open water event in the Amstel and a permanent part of Pride Amsterdam. This event was organized for the 5th time in 2019 and attended by over 200 participants. Starting from the Berlage Rowing Association and supported by music and entertainment, various distances (250m to 1500m) are swum in the Amstel. There is also the possibility to participate in a fun triathlon or the relays. Opened every year with a dazzling performance of fantastic singers and the swimming is alternated with dazzling entertainment such as a real gay swimwear catwalk and a synchronized swimming demonstration.
2020
This year, the LoveSwim and Fun-triatlon were scheduled to take place as well. Unfortunately, due to the corona-crisis, both events were cancelled. GSA plans to organise both event next year, so stay tuned!