Faster Freestyle Swim Camps in Kona, Hawaii

“Karlyn’s Faster Freestyle Swim Camp was a dream come true! I can’t imagine a better swim experience. Not only did I enjoy swimming in beautiful, clear, warm water with an abundance of marine life, I also received quality coaching and technique tips from a true professional. I left Hawaii a better swimmer!”

~Wanda Bogin

All Faster Freestyle Swim Camps are hosted by Hall of Fame swimmer Karlyn Pipes who will be both your coach and guide while you swim and explore some of the most amazing open water in the world.

After one week in Hawaii, you will leave your stress behind while you gain confidence in the open water. You will leave Kona a much better swimmer with improved technique and noticeable gains in both your speed and endurance.

All Kona, Hawaii swim camps include:

• Two private swim technique sessions in Karlyn’s Endless Pool with detailed video analysis. One session will take place at the beginning of camp (or before if you prefer) and one later in the week so you can SEE and FEEL how much improvement you have made. More details about your AMAZING Endless Pool session here.

• Five gorgeous, unique open water swims in warm, clear water with plenty of tropical fish and friendly marine life to observe. We will swim at few world-famous Big Island beaches, but will spend a lot more time exploring little known secret swim spots that Karlyn can’t wait to share with you. Swim length is approximately 2k to 4k and depends on conditions and your energy level.

• Staff will be using Go-Pros and underwater cameras to to provide you with video feedback of your stroke, capture marine life in action and to provide you with daily footage of our adventure! Pics and videos will be texted to you later that day.

• Two dinners hosted at Karlyn’s home in Kona. Meet and greet welcome party and a final night farewell party. Spouses/partners/friends are welcome to join us.

• Food: Brunch will be served after each swim along with drinks, fruit, nuts, bars, etc. Previous campers have RAVED about the food offerings and we promise…you will never go hungry!

• Camp sized is limited eight so you will receive the attention you need to feel more comfortable in the open water and improve your technique.

• Safety first! At least two Red Cross rescue-trained lifeguards will accompany every swim along with one person a SUP.

• SWAG: Custom long sleeve dry-tech tee shirt, BOCO custom visor, a silicone swim cap and an Aloha tote bag.

• An autographed copy of Karlyn’s memoir The Do-Over, My Journey from the Depths of Addiction to World Champion Swimmer. More info here.

7-day camps are $1695 and include all of the above, but does not include airfare or hotel. all returning clients receive an automatic $100 discount.

6-day camps are $1495 and include two lessons and four guided Open Water swims. cost does not include airfare, AIRPORT transfers or ACCOMMODATIONS. all returning clients receive an automatic $100 discount.

Deposit: to reserve your spot, please inquire as to e-transfer options or mail a check made it out to Aquatic Edge and Send to: Karlyn Pipes, 77-6479 Kilohana St., Kailua Kona, Hawaii, 96740. FiNal Payment may also be made by check.

Payment: Full Payment is due tHree months Prior to Camp start and Payment options will be sent to you via email once your deposit is received.

cancelation policy: cancel Two month prior to the camp start Date and you will receive a refund, minus the $500 deposit or you can opt to recive full credit for a future camp. Cancel less than 1 month OUt and if we are able to fill your spOt, YOU will receive a refund minus the deposit. At any time, reservations are transferable with no fee.

Space is limited to 8

Where we swim: We are blessed to have plenty of warm, clear water available for our open water swims. However, due to the ever changing ocean conditions, the daily schedule will be decided a few days prior to the camp and is also subject to change.

Swim ability: All Faster Freestyle Swim Camps are open to adults of all ages. You do not need be a speedy swimmer, but ideally you should be comfortable in the open water and able to swim continuously 1,000 meters (a kilometer) at a steady pace. If you are questioning whether you think you are “fast enough” to participate in a camp, please reach out to me to discuss your situation. After all, the name and goal of every camp is to help you learn an easier and faster way to swim. If a small-group camp is outside your comfort zone, perhaps a private mini-camp will suit you better.

It’s going to be an amazing week. Please join me!

2024 Schedule - Space is limited to 8

FEBRUARY CAMPS will be held in Huatulco, Mexico. Please check this page for additional information.

TWO SPOTS LEFT March 2024 Camp #1 Pisces 7-day Camp Thursday, March, 7th to Wednesday, March 13th 2024. This camp starts on a midweek day so you can take advantage of lower airfares to Kona. The camp begins with safety meeting on Thursday evening with a welcome dinner and your first private Endless Pool session, so please plan to arrive in Kona AT LEAST one day early. Private sessions may be set up even earlier in the week if you prefer.

SOLD OUT April 2024 Camp #2 April 6-Day Camp Monday, April 8th to Saturday, April 13th and is placed immediately after the Lavaman Olympic Distance Triathlon. This camp starts on Monday and begins with safety meeting, welcome dinner and your first private Endless Pool session, and concludes with a farewell dinner on Saturday, April 14th . Please plan to arrive in Kona AT LEAST one day early. Private sessions may be set up even earlier in the week if you prefer.

May 2024 NEW ADDITION! We are excited to announce that a new Faster Freestyle Swim Camp will be offered in FIJI! Only one seven-day camps will be offered from Thursday, May 9th to Thursday, May 16th and there are only TWO SPOTS LEFT). Accommodation and 90% of meals will be included! Please check out the Fiji swim camp page for more details!

June 2024 Camp #3 Post HONU 70.3 6-day Camp from Monday June 3rd - Saturday, June 8, 2024. This camp starts the two days after IRONMAN 70.3 Honu and concludes on Saturday. On Sunday after the camp there is the Hapuna Rough Water 1-mile on Sunday, June 9th. It’s a GREAT way to end the camp! FYI Safety meeting, welcome dinner and your first private Endless Pool session will be on Monday afternoon, so please arrive AT LEAST one day prior or sooner. If you are racing HONU, set up your session before the event!

June/July 2024 Camp #4 Let’s Celebrate the 4th of July 7-day camp Friday, June 28th to Thursday, July 4th. This camp starts on a Friday with a safety meeting, welcome dinner and your first private Endless Pool session with video analysis on Friday afternoon (or sooner), so please arrive AT LEAST one day early. Arrive even sooner on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday to take advantage of lower airfares and to get working on your new Faster Freestyle right away. At the conclusion of the camp (and after a day of rest) you have an option to participate in the our local Kamakahonu 1-mile open water race held on Saturday, July 6th. What a GREAT way to end the camp!

NEW EVENT! POST IRONMAN 7-day Camp Tuesday, October 29th to Monday, November 4th, 2024. This camp starts three days after the IRONMAN World Championships, which will be a men’s only race taking place on Saturday, October 26th. Consider coming early to watch the race, or better yet, to VOLUNTEER! Karlyn will be a “finish line catcher” and it’s the best job ever! It’s like a FREE backstage pass to the main event as you “catch” the athletes at the finish line. More info here as to how you can sign up to volunteer. You also will be invited to the MAHALO banquet on Monday night which is FREE to anyone that volunteered. What a deal!

As for the camp, we will start with a safety meeting on Tuesday evening with a welcome dinner and your first private Endless Pool session, so please plan to arrive in Kona AT LEAST one day early. Private sessions may be set up even earlier in the week if you prefer. Cost for the 7-day camp is $1695.

Have QUESTIONS for Karlyn? Please fasterfreestyle@gmail.com

Places to Stay in Kailua Kona:

We have a variety of places to choose from when it comes to accommodation in the Kailua Kona and Keauhou area. Oceanfront resorts, hotels, somewhat budget hotels, as well as a plethora of Airbnb condos and homes. Accommodation is not included in the cost of your the camp.

If you like to prepare your own food, we are blessed to have a Costco near the airport allowing you to keep food costs relatively low. It’s also nice to make your own coffee and breakfast in the morning. Keep in mind I will provide a hearty brunch after every swim and two dinners.

When looking for accommodation, as a point of reference as to where your private lessons and the welcome and farewell dinner will take place, Karlyn’s address is; 77–6479 Kilohana St., Kailua Kona, Hawaii, 96740

Kona Islander Inn: Offers studios with small efficiencies in the heart of town within walking distance to grocery stores, shops, restaurants, Live music and good swimming.

King Kamehameha‘s Kona Beach Hotel, this is the Marriott in Kona: Located adjacent to the Kailua Kona pier, the start of the Ironman world championships swim, this hotel is also in the center of the village with easy access to grocery stores, shops, restaurants, and boutique stores.

Royal Kona Resort: This hotel is located near the center of the village with easy access to just about everything mentioned above. This large property looks like a cruise ship and was one of the first resorts in Kona. It has been recently renovated and is oceanfront. They also offer a luau which you can crash for free, watching the dancers from the sidelines!

Pacific 19: formerly Kona Seaside Inn, the new owners have completely renovated this property which Located on the Kona Iron Man’s world famous hot corner at Kuakini and Palani Road. It’s not ocean front, but does offer ocean views, a small pool and it’s very centrally located to grocery stores, shops, restaurants and the water.

AIRBB: You can also quite find a variety of accommodation on Airbnb for properties that meet your needs.

Kailua Kona https://www.airbnb.com/kailua-kona-hi/stays

Keauhou https://www.airbnb.com/keauhou-bay-hi/stays

For the swim camp it’s best to NOT stay north (Waikoloa, Waikoloa Village or Palisades above the airport) or south (Captain Cook etc.) as these locations would be potentially 30-50 minute drive from many of the activities that take place in Kona. We will be transporting you to and from the open water swim venues if your hotel or accommodation is within reasonable distance from Kailua-Kona.

We can also coordinate with other campers that rented car for pick up and drop off. Regardless of where you stay, we will work with you to make it as easy as possible!