Our Swim Camps consist of 4-day/3-night small group swim retreats in beautiful La Jolla, CA. The emphasis is on open water swim training, and while we do welcome swimmers of all abilities, we cater primarily to athletes who are serious about improving their open water skills.
We offer a minimum of 2 open water swims per day, ranging anywhere from 1 mile swims to 3 miles and beyond. The accommodations are upscale housekeeping cottages and deluxe/luxury Airbnb's and the camps include most meals except for an optional evening out. We do offer some moderate, optional sightseeing and leisure activities, including breathtaking coastal locations throughout the San Diego region for extracurricular swim trips.
Sign up today
How do our swim camps work?
Our camps are hosted by an experienced marathon swimmer who serves as driver, sightseeing guide, training swim leader, coach and cook.
Group Size
The Camps generally range in size from 6 - 12 swimmers
Day-to-day
Daily itineraries will include a light breakfast, brief stretching and a morning open water swim session at the world-renowned La Jolla Cove
Locations
Afternoon and evening swim locations vary, as we plan to visit beaches including Coronado Island, Del Mar, Encinitas and beyond to enjoy sights and attractions en route to our "destination" swims in the coastal San Diego region.
Staff
Each swim is guided and supervised by an experienced marathon swimmer, qualified in safety and lifesaving.
Safety
Groups adhere to safety protocols, including swimming in pairs or small groups with other swimmers of similar ability.
Accomodation
We offer shared cottages or houses with single- or double-occupancy sleeping arrangements according to preference.
Meals
Breakfasts and dinners are prepared and served on premises and lunches are packed and served picnic style during daytime outings.
Wellness
Swimmers will also engage in pre- and post-swim stretching and yoga
Feedback
Daily discussion topics are covered after lunch and dinner, including designing of training plans, nutrition, marathon swim psychology and supplemental/strength training.
In-water clinic
Each camp also features an intensive half-day in-water clinic with kayak-escorted coaching from Dan Simonelli.
What's included in our camps
Scheduled camps are typically 4-days/3-nights beginning on Thursday and ending on Sunday.
Lodging is provided according to guest preference of single or double-occupancy, where possible. Some guests may share bathroom facilities depending on house configuration.
Airport transfers to and from San Diego International/Lindbergh Field are provided within specific arrival/departure times where possible.
Ground transportation for "extracurricular/destination" group swims is included and most meals and snacks are included according to personalized dietary restrictions within reason.
One 'off-property' dinner is planned at the guest's expense during the camp.
Private/small group camps can be accommodated upon request for customized itineraries and variable lengths-of-stay.
Our camp leader
Jeff Rake
Jeff Rake - lead swim guide, camp leader and host. Jeff is a lifelong swimmer, originally from Southern California and alumni of UC San Diego. After graduating high school, he worked as a beach lifeguard for the State of California and as an avid age-group triathlete in the early 90's, founded a triathlon club in Ventura County, CA. Having completed the 5-Mile St. Croix Coral Reef Swim twice, Jeff sought to push into longer marathon swims and his swim resume includes a podium finish at
- La Traversee du Lac Tremblant (12k - 2019)
- Around Coronado (12 miles - 2020)
- Catalina Channel (21 miles - 2022)
Our instructor
Dan Simonelli
Dan is an International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honor Coach.
He has guided, supported, crewed, kayaked, and coached hundreds of swimmers ranging from novice swimmers just beginning their open water adventures to veteran marathon swimmers locally, nationally and internationally.
Dan brings a plethora of knowledge and experience to help swimmers reach their goals and provide support all along their way.
