Whether you’re new to open-water swimming or looking to level up your technique and fitness, the False Bay Swim Camp is the perfect blend of skill-building, ocean confidence, and unforgettable adventure.
Set against the scenic backdrop of False Bay, our experienced coaches provide hands-on guidance in a supportive and energizing environment. You’ll learn how to read the ocean, improve your technique, and swim smarter and safer — all while enjoying the breathtaking marine life and natural beauty of the Cape.
What to Expect:
- Safe, fully supported swims in False Bay
- Beginner to Intermediate-level sessions tailored for building confidence
- Breathing & sighting in open water
- Ocean safety & surf entry
- Cold water adaptation basics
Who is this trip for?
This trip is for swimmers who want to explore the many wonders that False Bay has to offer. Swimmers should have a basic understanding of open water swimming and be capable of completing the average swim distance and average daily swim distance (over the course of two swims) prior to the start of the trip.
The average swim distance is around 2km. The average daily swim distance is around 4km.
We have given this trip a “Beginner” to “Moderate” grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy this camp.
What’s included?
- Three fully guided swims
- Professional swim guides and full safety escort on all swims
- All meals
- Two nights’ accommodation for first 7 sign ups (optional)
- Technique advice with video playback
What’s not included?
- Travel to and from Simons Town
- Accommodation is optional
DAY ONE
We meet at our accommodation late afternoon for a welcome meeting and safety briefing where we detail the plan for the days ahead. We will have dinner at the house before heading off for an early night to prepare for tomorrow’s swims and the challenging days ahead.
DAY TWO
We start off the morning with a discussion on water safety, including tips on how to read currents and rips, basic safety equipment and medical emergencies.
Following this, we head off for a short swim in the shallow bay at Seaforth. This session will allow your coaches to get a feel for your comfort level in the sea as well as introduce the basics of open water technique. We head back to our accommodation for lunch.
In the afternoon your coaches will carry out a group video analysis in the sea. They will offer you a short one-to-one technique coaching session focusing on points raised in the analysis. You will be able to playback your stroke with the coaches and agree on a list of improvements to work on.
We will have dinner at our accommodation.
DAY THREE
After coffee we start our swim back at Seaforth Beach. We’ll swim across deeper areas, where you’ll be able to get a true feel of the open water. It’s an ideal opportunity to implement the improvements you’ve learnt to your stroke whilst working on more specific open water techniques.
Following this, we will head back to the house for a late breakfast to conclude two fantastic days of swimming.
Time will be set aside late afternoon for a group Q&A session, where we will cover nutrition, swim planning, training and recovery tips
Trip information
LOCATION:
Seaforth Beach is a narrow, 600m long sandy shore located in Simon’s Town, near Cape Town. Surrounded by large boulders, the beach is usually protected from the wind. The area boasts a fascinating marine life and is perfect for open water swimming.
TRIP GRADING:
We have given this camp a Beginner to Moderate grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy this camp.
SWIMMING DISTANCES:
Swimming distances in the sea will vary over the course of the days depending on the conditions and the ability of your group. As a guide, we expect to cover a maximum of 4km per day. You are welcome to take a break from sessions or exit at the beach during sea swims, if required. It may also be possible for those who would like a little more time in the water to extend some of their swims over the course of the coaching in consultation with your swim coaches.
SWIMMING CONDITIONS:
Swimming in the open water is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures and that any interactions are managed safely.
WEATHER CAVEAT:
For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, our open water swim camp requires a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your BlueFin guides as quickly as possible.
GROUP SIZE:
This coaching camp has a maximum group size of 12 with a maximum coach:swimmer ratio of 1:6. On open water swims, the group will be split into a maximum of two groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety escort.
ACCOMODATION:
Our accommodation for camp is at a beautiful house between Seaforth and Boulders Beach. The house can sleep 7 in shared accommodation.
FOOD AND DRINK:
All meals are included in the camp price. Please bring your own drinks and snacks.
