Open water swimming is more than just a sport—it’s a passion, a lifestyle, and for many, a family. I'm really excited there's going to be a conference dedicated to all of us wet weirdos that prefer to be in the water than anywhere else.
From the website: https://www.swimbeyondthebreakers.com/
We are excited to announce the inaugural Beyond The Breakers Open Water Swim Summit!
Beyond The Breakers will be making a splash as the premier event in the swim industry, uniting experts, professionals, and enthusiasts in open water swimming. This inaugural conference promises to be an exciting event, providing a dynamic platform for passionate swimmers, athletes, coaches, and industry leaders to connect and collaborate.
When: November 9th and 10th, 2024
Where: Bentley University, Waltham, MA
This Year’s Theme: Pushing Boundaries, Exploring New Challenges, and Fostering Innovation
I'm hoping this annual conference will turn into a massive Open Water Swim Con (would be better than Comic Con!) so all swimmers can come and nerd out about everything from goggles to technique. Many open water swimmers love to incorporate swimming in their travels, and I frequently see posts in community swim groups on Facebook asking "I'm here for work this week and wanted to swim with a pod, are there any out there?" or "I'm going to a wedding and was hoping to learn more about the swimming opportunities in the area." Instead of casting such a wide e-net, it would be so exciting to have a network of swim family and friends all around the world!
Many open water swims require a massive support network to help the swimmer succeed, like boat captains, observers, and crew. Sometimes, it's not feasible to bring your home-based swim community with you, and having connections in the places you're traveling to can be a massive weight off your shoulders. And, you can in turn host and crew for someone visiting your stomping grounds! The connections I hope to make at the Beyond the Breakers conference go beyond the typical networking opportunities you might find at other conferences. These are people who understand the unique challenges and joys of open water swimming, and who are eager to support and inspire one another. And, you'll finally find out what all your swim pals look like with clothes on!
The Beyond the Breakers Conference is also an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced and respected figures in the open water swimming world. The speakers and coaches who present at the conference are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about mentoring others and sharing their expertise.
Day 1 Agenda:
Ocean Safety: Essential Safety Skills with Rob Keely
Sharkbanz Presents: Shark Safety with Davis Mesereau
Swimming with White Sharks with Greg Skomal, PhD
Injury Prevention for OWS with Katie Woodilla
Tracking Technique Improvements with Glenn Mills
Optimizing your OWS through Dryland with Dan Daly
Women in Open Water Swimming with Dina Levacic
Masters Swimming for Open Water with Alana Aubin
Power Training for the 10K with Jack Fabian, PhD
Flying into the Open Water with Ildi Szekely
Crewing, Volunteering & Directing OWS with Mina Elnaccash
Supporting your Swimmer with Summer Wesson
Selecting the Right Crew with Elaine Howley
9Ws of Open Water Swimming with Bob Fernald
Day 2 Agenda:
Translating the Language of Swim for Triathletes with Susan Sotir, PhD
Using Data to Improve your Performance with John Anthony
Navigating the Transition: Pool to Open Water with Markus Marthaler
Winter Swimming: One Body Part at a Time with Rena Demeo
The Ocean Needs More Friends (Surfrider Foundation) with Isabella DeFrancesco and Chris Borgatti
Create Waves of Change from Life's Challenges with Jillian Best
Having the Courage to Start with Shannon Keegan
Overcoming Adversity in Long Distance Swimming with Carly Miller
Going Long with Caroline Block, PhD
Finding Your Flow in Open Water with Charlotte Brynn
Whether you’re looking to improve your technique, prepare for a challenging swim, or gain insights into the mental aspects of the sport, the advice and guidance you’ll receive at Beyond the Breakers will be invaluable. And because this is a close-knit community, you’ll find that many of these experts are more than happy to continue offering support and encouragement long after the conference ends.
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