NYC Open Water Boot Camp 2026 | Open Water Swim Lessons NYC
Premium open water swim lessons in NYC for triathletes and adult swimmers who want to swim with more confidence, control, and purpose in real open water.
Open water swim Intensive NYC
If you’re looking for open water swim lessons in NYC, this is not a casual group swim or a basic clinic. This is a premium weekend boot camp led by Dan Novikov — 20 Bridges finisher around Manhattan, Gibraltar Strait finisher, Bonifacio Strait finisher, NCAA All-American, USMS national champion, and founder of DanSwim.
In one focused weekend, you’ll train in the pool at St. Bart’s, get Day 1 video analysis, and then take your skills into Brighton Beach for two coached open water sessions. The goal is simple: help your open water swimming match your real goals — triathlon, racing, or your first confident 1K.
In one focused weekend, you’ll train in the pool at St. Bart’s, get Day 1 video analysis, and then take your skills into Brighton Beach for two coached open water sessions. The goal is simple: help your open water swimming match your real goals — triathlon, racing, or your first confident 1K.
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1 pool session + 2 Brighton Beach open water sessions.
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Pool video stroke analysis on Day 1.
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Only 6 swimmers per weekend.
- 2 open water experienced coaches on deck / in the water.
Open water bootcamp lineup
Jul 18-19
Jul 18-19
NYC Open Water Weekend #1
Swimming pool+ video analysis on Jul 18th morning. Ocean sessions on Jul 18th evening and Jul 19th morning.
Aug 1-2
Aug 1-2
NYC Open Water Weekend #3
Swimming pool+ video analysis on Aug 1st morning. Ocean sessions on Aug 1st evening and Aug 2nd morning.
Unique Open Water Swim Lessons in NYC
Most swimmers don’t need more random laps. You need the right progression for open water swimming in NYC. We built this boot camp from our own transition from elite pool swimming to marathon open water, where success depends on skills, strategy, and mindset, not just stroke mechanics.
You’ll be training with a coach who has completed 20 Bridges around Manhattan, the Gibraltar Strait, and the Bonifacio Strait, and now offers open water swim lessons in NYC shaped by the experience how to prepare, stay efficient when conditions change, and swim open water with clear purpose instead of uncertainty.
You’ll be training with a coach who has completed 20 Bridges around Manhattan, the Gibraltar Strait, and the Bonifacio Strait, and now offers open water swim lessons in NYC shaped by the experience how to prepare, stay efficient when conditions change, and swim open water with clear purpose instead of uncertainty.
Who This Open Water Swimming NYC Boot Camp Is For
This camp is for adults who already know freestyle and want structured open water swim lessons NYC that actually move them toward a goal.
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Triathletes preparing for their first or next race - Open water swimmers training for 1K, mile, or longer events
- Fitness swimmers who feel good in the pool but want more confidence outside
- Adult swimmers who can swim at least 200 yards nonstop
- This is not a learn-to-swim program. If you are still learning basic freestyle, start with regular DanSwim lessons first.
What You’ll Learn
- How to adapt your freestyle for open water
- Sighting without breaking rhythm
- Starts and first-200-meter control
- Swimming near other athletes without losing your composure
- Drafting and positioning
- Buoy turns and exits
- Swimming in chop and reduced visibility
- Open water pacing and race-day decision making
What’s Included In Your Weekend
Saturday morning
Technique work for open water freestyle.
Video analysis in the pool.
Feedback from Dan on your stroke mechanics.
3–4 key corrections to carry into the ocean sessions.
Theory session with the coach.
Video analysis in the pool.
Feedback from Dan on your stroke mechanics.
3–4 key corrections to carry into the ocean sessions.
Theory session with the coach.
Saturday evening
Acclimation and entry work.
Navigation and sighting.
Swimming in chop and variable conditions.
Confidence-building efforts with coaching support.
Navigation and sighting.
Swimming in chop and variable conditions.
Confidence-building efforts with coaching support.
Sunday morning
Drilled session at the beach.
Drafting.
Buoy turn.
Exits.
Controlled race-pace work.
Drafting.
Buoy turn.
Exits.
Controlled race-pace work.
Every swimmer also gets
Exclusive swim cap.
Group chat support before and after camp.
On-land talks on race prep, pacing, gear, and conditions.
Optional buoy rental for $20.
Group chat support before and after camp.
On-land talks on race prep, pacing, gear, and conditions.
Optional buoy rental for $20.
Train With Dan Novikov
Owner, and head coach @ Danswim
Dan Novikov is the founder of DanSwim and one of the rare coaches in NYC who combines elite pool credentials with serious marathon open water experience. He is an NCAA All-American, NCAA National Winner 2011, 2012, USMS national champion 2019, 20 Bridges finisher around Manhattan 2026, Gibraltar Strait finisher 2025, and Bonifacio Strait finisher 2024. He also teaches swimmers worldwide through his YouTube channel, where thousands follow his technique and training content.
This matters because your coach should understand both sides of the equation: how to build a technically sound stroke, and how to use it in real open water conditions.
This matters because your coach should understand both sides of the equation: how to build a technically sound stroke, and how to use it in real open water conditions.
Pricing
FAQ
No. You do need to know freestyle and be able to swim at least 150- 200 yards nonstop.
No. It is for triathletes, open water swimmers, and fitness swimmers who want better open water skills.
At Brighton Beach in Brooklyn.
Safety buoy Is mandatory. If you haven't purchased one, you can rent ours for $20
This boot camp combines pool video analysis, two ocean sessions, small-group coaching, and direct instruction from Dan in one focused weekend.
We are not allowed to be In the water In case of thunder. If that Is the case we would reschedule the ocean day for a next available day.
Cancellation & Weather Policy
- 14+ days before Day 1: full refund minus $75 admin fee
- 13–7 days before Day 1: 75% refund minus $75 admin fee
- 7–3 days before Day 1: 50% refund minus $75 admin fee
- Less than 72 hours: non-refundable
- One transfer allowed before Day 1
- Pool sessions run if the facility is open and safe
- Unsafe ocean conditions may trigger rescheduling or make-up sessions
- Full weekend canceled by DanSwim = full refund
Swim camps and events you might be interested in
- Jul 10-12 In upstate New York a small-group weekend with technique work, open water swims in a beautiful lake setting, and time to reset away from the city. It’s designed for adult swimmers and triathletes who want focused coaching, clean water, and a quieter environment than NYC while still staying close to home.
- November 23-28th. A week-long open water adventure swim camp on the Turkish Riviera. It’s a 5‑day experience with 5–20 km of total swimming, daily 1–5 km open water routes, safety boat support, and time to explore crystal‑clear Mediterranean bays, ancient ruins, and wild canyons with a small group of like‑minded swimmers.
- Dec 3-6th. Florida Swim Camp in the winter is a warm‑weather training week with multiple pool and open water sessions, video analysis, and small‑group coaching in a resort setting. It’s ideal for adult swimmers and triathletes who want to escape NYC, log more quality volume, and make a technical jump before the main race season.
Watch us on YouTube
Have any questions?
Email: Danswimcoach@gmail.com
Text/ call: (917) 200-0342
Text/ call: (917) 200-0342