WaveOne Open Water Swim Camps
SWIM CONFIDENTLY IN THE ROUGHEST OPEN WATER
Want to be a better swimmer?
We understand finding expert open water training is hard. That's why WaveOne Open Water offers what you need to become a confident swimmer.
Our Promise: Equip you for any challenge, in smooth or rough water.
Adventure and triumph await in our open water swimming camp.
Join us to become a skilled swimmer in 4days/3 nights at the resort Blockade Runner Cottage in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.
“As a first timer, the full immersion is incredible. Swimming with you in the ocean for my first ocean swim was irreplaceable. I’m not going to get that instruction or time with someone with your experience anywhere else. Tons of fun, people are awesome, great location!”
April Swim Camp - Thursday April 25 - Sunday April 28 (1 Room available)
May Swim Camp - Thursday May 16 - Sunday May 19
October Swim Camp - Thursday October 3 - Sunday October 6
Join WaveOne Open Water Swim Camps
Beat your fear of open water. Our coaches guide you, from basics to solo swimming.
Why WaveOne?
Expert coaching
Practical training
Build confidence
Sign up for adventure and fun. Don't hesitate!
What makes us #1?
Value and convenience: 4 days, 3 nights, meals included
Effective proven techniques: For all skill levels
Diverse swimming environments: Ocean, channel, sanctuary, pool/hot tubs and more
Experienced coaching: Ironmans, channel crossings, hundreds of miles raced and people coached.
Connect with water and others: Includes surfing, breathwork, mobility, strategy, and meditation.
“I want to express how grateful I am for WaveOne and the team you created. I forgot that the path along the way - the curiosity and even the failures are actually the reward...not just the finish line. Thank you for helping me.”
The ocean is your friend!
The exhilaration of ocean swimming is unrivaled. Confidently, learn to enter, exit, read currents, navigate and enjoy freedom like never before.
All abilities are welcome
We begin with where you are in your swimming ability, teach and build at your comfort level. Hundreds of swimmers walk in with fear and leave swimming proud and confident after camp.
Efficiency begins with each stroke
Proper technique is critical to successful open water swimming. Analysis, tips and feedback provide a custom built overflowing tool box for you. We use video for a helpful “birds eye view” to make you a faster swimmer.
“It [swim camp] is a perfect opportunity to be in touch with nature on a different level in the ocean, to learn to live in contact with it, to spend a couple of days with a great group of people with positive attitudes. ”
“Always fun to experience the power of Mother Nature first hand... and with others, the camaraderie, taking care of each other. Swimming with my pod is my favorite thing. The Cottage is awesome.
Looking forward to swimming this morning, the sunrise is going to be beautiful!”
What makes WaveOne’s swim camps more fun…
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Ocean, Bay/Channel, Nature Sanctuary, Pool - We swim in various types of water to give you the broadest experience possible. Some days conditions warrant swimming in the calmer environment of Banks Channel, or the ocean will offer a perfect challenge, and the pool is perfect for stroke and video analysis. Rarely do you find the serenity of swimming through the Masonboro Island Nature Reserve. Whatever water, you will discover a new swimmer within. And if conditions warrant, surfing lessons are included, although bodysurfing is always waiting for you.
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The WaveOne Swim Camps are ALL inclusive. Swimming, open water skills and strategy instruction, breath and mindset sessions, mobility and stretching sessions, video technique analysis, surfing, nutrition lessons and advice, nutritious and fun meals, relaxation and regenerative sessions, free time, and beachfront accommodations. Our relationship with The Blockade Runner Resort and philosophy of welcoming all swimmers makes your stay at The Cottage the most affordable option. The resort offers a sauna, hot tub, spa, relaxing gardens, restaurant and poolside bar, as well as other activities. Once you arrive, your car (if you drive) remains motionless until it’s time to go home. All meals can be enjoyed as a group. All rooms are private and comfortable. No charge for camaraderie. No additional taxes, booking fees, cleaning fees, meal costs, surfboard rental cost, parking, driving, or entry fees. If you compare other camps and add the additional cost of rooms and meals as well as wasted time traveling back and forth, you will discover that the ability to enjoy a relaxed non hurried stay is value worth giving yourself.
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Total Athlete/Person: Our interest is in a total balanced athlete swimmer. Some of us are ultra-endurance swimmers and learned that to achieve absurd distances we need to train more than muscles. Finding all the pieces to create balanced training and real-life knowledge is very difficult to find, especially for open water swimming. That’s why we are eager to share what we learn and what we have proven to work. Many are first timers that grow with us, returning for their second or third camp experience because we constantly change and adapt to create new challenges. Whoever you are and wherever you are in your training life, we will share what we know to develop the connections of mind, body, attitude, fear, courage, skill, strategy, analysis, breath, experience, soul, and a plethora of nuggets to fill your tool box.
Playing in the water strengthens your open water connection and inhibits fear.
Staging for a swim along Masonboro Island.
Resort Beachfront Accommodations, Schedule, other details
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Blockade Runner Resort Beachfront Accommodations at The Cottage
Located beachfront with the Atlantic Ocean out the back door, and the Sound with a private beach facing the front, and a pool next door, our accommodations are unparalleled for a complete swimming experience. Four days/ three nights are included in your tuition at the Blockade Runner Cottage in Wrightsville Beach, NC, only a 26 minute drive from Wilmington International airport.
https://blockade-runner.com/
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Camp Day 1: As swimmers arrive we will offer introduction swims in the sound and ocean, and an optional surf lesson. Cottage check-in is in the afternoon at 4pm or earlier. Introductions, Orientation, Ocean Safety
Ocean or Sound Swim
Dinner
Day 2: Morning Breathe Your Power Performance Breathing. Swim in Bay: Instruction, acclimation, stroke instruction, video taping - Choice Time: Rest, Review, Run, Bike - Ocean Swim: Entry instruction, safety, strategy, stroke instruction - Intro to Body Surfing: Wave and swell timing relating to swimming - Review Video & Stroke Analysis - Nutrition Lesson and prepared dinner
XPT Fire and Ice recovery session
Day 3: Morning Breathe Your Power or Mobility Instruction;
Adventure Swim (May Camp - optional Stoked to go Out race)
Choice Time: Rest, Review Run, Bike - Surf lesson and Practice - Ocean or Bay Swim
XPT Fire and Ice recovery session
Dinner
Day 4: Final Strategy Session - Adventure Race or Ocean Swim – Practice Race - Beach Clean up - Free time - Check out 11am (or later)
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Sponsors
Hammer NutritionBark PaddleboardsSport Fair: The Swimmers Outfitter
Surf Rider Foundation DC and Cape Fear ChaptersWe partner with Surfrider Foundation to educate and work to keep our waters swimmable. Learn more about the Cape Fear Chapter here.
Go here to see our detailed Athlete's Guide for more information and FAQ.
Tuition based on single occupancy, in rooms available for as indicated in registration page. Cancellation policy is in the Athlete's Guide. MInimum of five swimmers is required to conduct a camp. Accommodations shall me made if that minimum is not achieved.
Live Wrightsville Beach Surf Cam here.
Swimming Equipment: See the Athlete's Guide and FAQ
The Coaching Team
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Denis is a Triple Crown (English and Catalina Channels, and Swim Around Manhattan) ultra marathon swimmer who created WaveOne Open Water in 2009 – Specializing in coaching, developing and organizing programs and events for open water swimmers and triathletes. He creates a transformational open water experience to bring swimmers an "aha" experience that forever changes their relationship with the water. 2024 is our 15th year of sharing the open water lifestyle with over 21,000 athletes within the growing WaveOne community.
Denis is a 25 year+ open water swimmer, marathon competitor, and prone paddleboarder with an accomplished race record to include the following achievements:
Ultra Distances:
1st swimmer to complete Washington DC Marathon Swim, Potomac River, Chain Bridge to Mt Vernon: 22 miles, 9:42 (2019)
1st place (overall): 24 mile Tampa Bay Marathon Swim (2004)
2nd place (male): 28.5 mile Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (2006)
2nd place (male), 4th place (overall): 41k Lake George Marathon Swim (2007)
Channel Swims:
English Channel: 21 miles 12:19.0 (2023)
Catalina Channel Swim: 21 miles 16:18:20 (2016)
Mainland, California to Anacapa Island: 12.2 miles, 6:20 (2019 )
Certifications:
Wim Hof Method Instructor
XPT Performance Training Certified Coach, USA Swimming Coach, US Masters Swimming Coach, Red Cross Certified Lifeguard
USA Swimming National Select Open Water Camp - Coach 2014
Special Olympics Coach/Instructor, US Dept. of State Sports United Program in Cairo, Egypt (2013)
Chief Safety Officer for Open Water Swimming at Special Olympic World Games (2015)
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Trent Hayden - Head Triathlon Coach - University of North Carolina Wilmington, Cape Fear Triathlon Club, Trident Coaching
Trent is the Head coach of the UNCW Triathlon Team and the Founder and Head Coach of Trident Coaching. He trains, coaches and conducts local open water swims and triathlons in the Wilmington area. Trent is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Personal Trainer, USA Triathlon Certified Level 1 Coach, IRONMAN Certified Coach, USA Triathlon Youth & Junior Certified Coach, American Fitness Professionals and Associates Certified Sports, Nutrition, and Wellness Nutritionist.
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Bob Soulliere - Breathe Your Power - Founder
Bob founded Breathe Your Power as a Certified Wim Hof Method Instructor, Oxygen Advantage Instructor, a dad, a husband, a Crossfitter, and a planking savant. His mission is to connect you to your own innate power, your actual capacities as a human. “I don't believe that you have more to you, I know it.” He studies the science of breathing and cold exposure to implement in teaching you to use your breath as the remote control of your nervous system and provide structure, mindset, and support for cold exposure. Thus unlocking your innate potential to optimally perform in all conditions.
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Steve Phillips - Surf Instructor/Manager - South End Surf Shop
Steve is a life long surfer and waterman who loves to pass along their knowledge, stoke and secrets of how to surf well. Learn everything you need to know with an elite team of talented local surfers. With Steve's proven, unique & individually crafted student - instructor relationships you'll overcome the obstacles & your surfing will thrive! All instructors are CPR/First Aid Certified. Keep it clean, keep it local!
Want to learn to surf in Wrightsville Beach go to https://southendsurf.com/
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Head coach at Performance Coaching with Kitty Cole
Nutrition Coaching Multi and Single Sport Coaching
Studied Nutrition & Dietetics at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Studied Holistic Health Coaching at Institute for Integrative Nutrition
Life is too short to stand on the shore wondering “what if.”
OWS campers after an ocean swim.
JOIN US FOR THE BENEFITS of this unique camp originate from our philosophy that your swimming experience and results correlate directly with your ability to connect or unite with the water in which you swim. This is what we mean by “surrendering to the water”. We teach you to translate your physical and mental energy into swim speed by invoking skills, strategies, mental and physical preparation in differing conditions.
Through various cross-training exercises and water sports, including stand up paddleboarding, surfing, body surfing and other drills, you will discover an expanded feel of the water that greatly enhances your swimming abilities. This fun, relaxed atmosphere camp is about sharing experiences and creating new ones, immersing you in a safe open water environment: swimming in ocean and bay, and exploring your personal and open water limits.