Open Water Swim Retreat | Finger Lakes, NY

July 10–12, 2026 | Watkins Glen, NY | Limited to 10 Swimmers

Build Real Open Water Confidence on Seneca Lake This Summer

Join elite open-water coach Dan for a 4-day boutique swim retreat in the Finger Lakes, where you'll train in crystal-clear lake water, strengthen your technique, gain open-water confidence, and experience one of New York's most scenic destinations.

Why Finger Lakes

You get serious coaching in world-class open water, plus a destination experience you'll remember long after the retreat ends.

This isn't just another swim camp. It's a boutique adult retreat set on Seneca Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, known for its calm, clear waters and stunning natural beauty.

You'll train where elite open-water swimmers come to race, surrounded by rolling hills, waterfalls, and wine country. Between coached sessions, you'll hike the iconic Watkins Glen State Park—home to 19 waterfalls and one of the most breathtaking gorge trails in the Northeast. And if you choose, you can explore the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, featuring 28+ wineries along the lakeshore.

What Makes This Swim Retreat Different

Most swim camps feel generic. This one doesn't, and here is why.

Coach-led.

Coach-led, not vendor-led. You're training directly with Dan a proven open-water swimmer who's completed the 20 Bridges, Gibraltar , and Bonifacio Straits. This is personal, high-touch coaching from someone who's been in the exact waters you're preparing for.
Adult-focused, and Safe.

This is a curated group of 10 motivated adults who want real results and real community. Kayak safety support, video analysis, personalized feedback, and a tight-knit group make this feel more like a VIP experience than a crowded clinic.
Destination-forward.

The retreat blends performance with place. You're not just swimming you're experiencing the Finger Lakes: waterfalls, wine, nature, and summer adventure.
Technique-driven

You'll leave with stronger stroke mechanics, better sighting, more efficient breathing, and the confidence to tackle longer distances or your first open-water race.

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Who This Retreat Is For:

You should be comfortable swimming at least 150-200 yards continuously. This is not a learn-to-swim program—it's a performance and confidence-building experience for adults who are ready to level up.

Triathletes preparing for open-water race legs and looking to build confidence and efficiency
Open-water swimmers training for distance events like 1K, 5K, or longer swims
Fitness swimmers ready to transition from the pool to the lake with expert guidance
Adults who want a coached, supportive, and scenic getaway that's both challenging and rewarding

What You'll Learn and Experience

In the Water:

Open-water swim technique: sighting, navigation, drafting, and pacing
Breathing efficiency and bilateral breathing in open water
Starts, turns (around buoys), and race-day strategies
Confidence-building progressions to handle longer distances
Stroke feedback from Dan
On Land:

Dryland conditioning and mobility work specific to open-water performance
Talks on mental preparation, open-water safety, and race strategy
Small-group Q&A and personalized coaching access
Beyond the Swim:

Hike the Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail—a stunning 1.5-mile walk through 19 waterfalls and natural stone formations
Optional evening on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail for tastings, dinner, and group bonding
Connect with a like-minded group of adult swimmers in one of New York's most beautiful settings.

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What's Included

6 coached open-water swim sessions on Seneca Lake
Personalized stroke and technique feedback
Starts and first-200-meter control
Dryland conditioning sessions
On-land strategy and mental prep talks
Kayak and safety support during all water sessions
DanSwim swim custom cap
Access to private group chat for pre-retreat prep and post-retreat community
Hike at Watkins Glen State Park (signature group experience)

What's Not Included

Lodging (we'll provide recommended accommodations nearby)
Meals (we'll share our favorite local spots)
Transportation to/from Watkins Glen
Optional wine trail experience (available as a group add-on)

Tentative daily plan

Thursday, Jul 9th

Arrive in Watkins Glen, settle in, and meet the group.
07:00 PM-. Evening welcome session and open-water strategy talk with Dan

Friday, Jul 10th

09:00 AM- Breath session. Mobility+ dryland. Open Water Session
12:00 PM- Lunch
1:30 PM- Rest
5:00 PM- Group hike at Watkins Glen State Park

Saturday, Jul 11th

09:00 AM- Mobility+ dryland. Open Water Session
12:00 PM- Lunch
01:30 PM Rest
05:00 PM Breath session. Open Water Session

Sunday, Jul 12th

09:00 AM- Breath session. Mobility+ dryland. Open Water Session
12:00 PM- Lunch+ Farewell meeting session

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Train With Dan Novikov

Owner, and head coach @ Danswim

Dan is the founder of Danswim and an elite open-water swimmer with proven credentials in some of the world's toughest swims.
He's completed:

20 Bridges (28.5-mile circumnavigation of Manhattan)
Strait of Gibraltar (iconic 10-mile international crossing)
Strait of Bonifacio (open-water challenge between Sardinia and Corsica)

Dan specializes in coaching adults—from triathletes and fitness swimmers to first-time open-water participants. His approach blends technical precision, mental strategy, and real-world experience to help you build confidence and perform at your best.
This retreat is personally led by Dan. A second coach may join depending on final group size—ensuring you get individualized attention throughout the weekend.

Pricing

Solo

$850

Full retreat access (4 coached sessions, dryland, talks, safety support, gear, and group experiences).

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Bring your friend

15 % off

$1445

Full retreat access (4 coached sessions, dryland, talks, safety support, gear, and group experiences). Price for 2 ppl

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Testimonials

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