Swim Camp Lake Geneva

Join us and discover the Léman

Lake Geneva, between Switzerland and France

Join us in one of the most magical swim destinations in the world! This is our second year in Evian, and we are thrilled to return to this turquoise lake and the long-course pools which nestle next to it! We have lake and pool swimming each day of the week, with a culminating long swim (escorted) on Lake Geneva (Lac Leman).

Join us and discover Lake Geneva!

Overview

10th - 15th July: Technique and Building Endurance Focus

The camp on the 10th -15th July is meant for anyone who wishes to take their swimming to the next level surrounded by like-minded swimmers and plentiful food and scenery. We will work technique and video in the pool and in the open water using drills and feedback that you can take with you. Swimmers will have at least 10 hours of swimming practice during their week with us. The 8 mile Saturday crossing of Lake Geneva is optional.

17th - 22nd July: Endurance Maintenance Focus

The camp on the 17th - 22nd July can be added on to the first week as a logical extension, or it can be a standalone experience. This group should be ready to swim in the pool and lake for up to 15 hours during their time with us. This session is meant for the more seasoned swimmer who wishes for a challenge with some coaching and company on the side! The Long Swim which finishes this week on Saturday will be approximately 12 miles.

Basic Weekly Schedule

See below the basic schedule for each week. Time spent in or on the water may vary slightly, and sometimes things may have to change a bit due to the weather, but here you can get a good idea of what to expect each day.

Monday

• Evening: welcome dinner (included in camp fee).

Tuesday

• Morning: welcome swim at the Centre Nautique with video taping and basic aerobic work.

  • Lunch provided.

• Afternoon: lake swim (swimmers will receive their video feedback with narration critique).

Wednesday

• Morning: swim at the pool and working on the things we noticed in the video from yesterday.

  • Lunch provided.

• Afternoon: lake swim with video.

Thursday

• Morning: lake swim

  • Adventure to Swiss Side of the Lake for boxed lunches.

• Afternoon: pool swim in Switzerland!

Friday

• Late morning: easy stretch out lake or pool swim.

  • Lunch provided.

• Afternoon: time off!

Saturday

• Guided Long Crossing (optional).

• Farewell Dinner at Duttons' Place.

What is included

• Guided open-water swims and coaching

• Safety cover on all swims

• Pool sessions and coaching

• Training snacks and refreshments

• Transfers included in the itinerary

• Lunches

• Welcome and leaving dinners

What is not included

• Flights

• Accommodation (NEW THIS YEAR we have a block of rooms reserved in a great location. If you are interested in staying at the Hotel Bourgogne please contact Jen here. Lodging fee will be added to your camp cost based on occupancy)

The Location

Coach Jen

Jennifer Dutton has been coaching High School and Masters swimming (along with all ages in between) in the Boston area for more than two decades. She has been selected as Boston Globe High School Coach of the Year multiple times and has worked with many channel swimmers and nationally ranked Open Water swimmers and Triathletes. Jennifer herself is an accomplished Open Water Swimmer, with wetsuit-free (English Channel Rules) lengthwise crossings of Lake Memphremagog (25 mi), Torch Lake (19 mi- first to complete), Lake Tahoe (22 mi), Lake George (32 mi- 9th to complete) and unique point-to point crossings of Sacanagaca (32 mi) and Keuka (34 mi) lakes plus, most recently, the Length of Lake Geneva in Switzerland (42 mi). She is a great believer in the healing power of swimming, and constantly works to understand (and to figure out how to share) the combination of technique/physics and mental toughness required to swim long distances.

Jen is pool, open water, and lifeguard certified with USMS, WOWSA, American Red Cross and ASCA; she is half of the parent-team of two grown swimmers.

There is nobody better than Coach Jen to get someone ready for an open water swim—whether it’s a beginner looking to swim one mile or a marathon swimmer looking to push themselves farther.

Bob - Triple Crown Swimmer, USA

FAQ

1. Do I have to be a good swimmer to participate?

   Swimmers should be able to swim for an hour non-stop at a pace of at least 2km per hour. Some open water experience is strongly recommended, as this program is not meant for beginners to endurance or open water swimming, but best suited to those looking to build on previous experience.

2. What is required to take part?

   Participants are required to provide

   • A signature from a coach or lifeguard that you can swim for an hour non-stop freestyle.

   • A documented open-water swim, which is longer than one mile (1.6km). Documented could include a race result or something less formal but must be observed.

3. Do I have to sign up for both camps?

   Not at all! You can choose to sign up for both, or just for the first or the second, the choice is yours. The programme of the second camp follows on from that of the first.

4. How much swimming will there be?

   We will have several pool sessions which will be geared towards technique and/or endurance building and several lake swims - many days we have one of each type of swimming. On the higher end swimmers might cover 4-5 miles (6-8km) a day with two swims. If you are looking for less yardage, that can also be arranged!

5. Are all the swim sessions mandatory?

   Nothing is mandatory! This is for you to get what you want out of the week. 

6. Can I wear a wetsuit?

   As long as you have some swim experience and a positive attitude, a wetsuit is allowed! Water temperatures should be close to 70°F (21°C) in July.

7. When should I arrive?

   We will rendez-vous on Monday evening for the welcome dinner before starting swimming the following day.

8. Is it required that I do the lake crossing on the final day?

   Swimmers have the opportunity to participate in a crossing of the lake on the final day of the camp (subject to a minimum number of interested swimmers), however this is not compulsory. See the Guided Classique details on our website.

9. Do I need to bring my own equipment?
   Yes we definitely recommend you bring at least your swimsuit and goggles! In fact, multiple pairs of goggles, including clear and tinted ones for bright sunshine. The coaching sessions will usually not require paddles, fins or kick-boards. You may bring a snorkel if you wish.

10. Can I bring a friend who doesn’t swim?

    We can occasionally welcome non-swimming guests, however this is subject to availability and is not guaranteed. Please get in touch with us if you have questions regarding bringing a non-swimming friend. For safety reasons they are not permitted on the safety vessels that accompany the swimmers.

11. What’s included in the price?

    Coaching and safety support are included for all swims. Some meals are included, and we also allow guests the freedom to explore the local gastronomic scene - there are plenty of options to choose from! Travel to and from the swim camp is not included in the price.

12. Can I pay by bank/wire transfer?

    Yes you can.

13. Do I need insurance?
    Yes, you should definitely have travel insurance. Like any holiday it is important to cover things including (but not limited to) illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. You should also make sure you are covered for open water swimming and any other activity you might want to do.

14. How old do I have to be?

    All participants must be 18 years or over at the beginning of the trip.

15. Is it only swimming? Are there other activities?

    As well as swimming the Lake Geneva region has plenty to offer, from roman ruins, medieval castles to award-winning cheeses, wines and chocolates. There are also world class hiking spots nearby and many alternative water activities. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the local culture and soak up the alpine atmosphere.

16. Might the trip be cancelled?

    Sometimes it may occur that we need to cancel a trip due to a lack of bookings, however this highly unlikely (who wouldn’t want to enjoy a week of swimming and sunshine by the lake!?). Nevertheless if we do need to cancel a trip, we will advise all guests as soon as is feasibly possible.

17. How do I book?

    You can book your places via the following links Week One: Technique and Building Endurance and Week Two: Endurance Maintenance. A 30% deposit will be required to secure your place.

18. What kind of safety support is present during the swims?

    Typically safety cover will be made of up of a combination of motorised vessels and/or kayaks to support and guide the swimmers. The support vessels will also facilitate coaching in the water and carry bags, drinks and snacks.