Swim Camp Lake Geneva Week #1

1st - 5th July 2024

Lake Geneva (Switzerland and France)

Join us and discover the Léman

Swim with us in one of the most magical swim destinations in the world. We are thrilled to return to the turquoise shores of Lake Geneva and the long-course pools situated along its banks! With lake and pool swimming throughout the week, stunning alpine scenery and award-winning local cuisine, what are you waiting for?

Join us and discover Lake Geneva!

Basic Weekly Schedule

See below the basic schedule for the week. Time spent in the water may vary slightly, and all distances are an estimate! Depending on the weather, swimmer speed and swimmer interest we may adapt these numbers. Below is to give you an idea of what a typical week should entail.

Monday

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

Tuesday

• Welcome swim focusing on balance, body line and posture in the water for both pool and open water swimming. Approximately 2km swim. Video will be taken of each swimmer.

  • Lunch provided

• Afternoon swim of a long, slow distance. Approximately 3km, working on what we saw in the video.

• Q & A about nutrition, hydration, mental preparation for longer swims, etc.

Wednesday

• Swim working on balance and finding ease in the water, incorporating drills and aerobic work. Approximately 3km swim.

  • Lunch provided

• Second swim working on sighting and keeping balance with additional aspects of open water such as waves, sun, and other swimmers. Approximately 3km.

Thursday

• Our longest single swim of 2-2.5 hrs in open water. Accompanied by kayakers, you will be able to practice nutrition, hydration, sighting and more!

  • Lunch provided.

• The second swim is an easy one, designed to stretch out. Drills and recovery will be the focus. 2km swim.

• Dinner provided at the coach Jen’s apartment.

Friday

• This morning swim will be a moderate intensity one, with recovery in mind, as we work on maintaining form and balance while somewhat fatigued. 3-4km.

  • Farewell lunch today (provided)!

*PLEASE NOTE all distances are an estimate! Based on weather, swimmer speed, and swimmer interest we will adapt those numbers. These number are to give an idea of what swimmers’ preparation should entail.

What is included

• Open water training and coaching

• Supervision and safety cover for all sessions

• Pool sessions and coaching

• Training snacks and refreshments

• Transfers included in the itinerary

• Lunches

• Welcome dinner, dinner at coach Dutton’s and farewell lunch

What is not included

• Flights

• Transportation to/from Evian-les-Bains

• Accommodation

• Dinner on Tuesday and Wednesday

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. 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!

4. Are all the swim sessions mandatory?

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

5. 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.

6. When should I arrive?

   We will meet on Monday evening for the welcome dinner before starting swimming the following day.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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!

10. Can I pay by bank/wire transfer?

    Yes you can.

11. 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.

12. How old do I have to be?

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

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. How do I book?

    You can book your places via the ‘Book Now’ button at the top of this page. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.

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

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