“In Fiji, you arrive as a visitor but you leave as family”
What makes Fiji so MAGICAL?
The water is amazing. Fiji, and it’s 333 islands, is an open water swimmers paradise offering beautiful crystal-clear water teeming with marine life and vibrant coral reefs. The water temperature is 80° year round, perfect for you to dive in, swim and explore any time of day.
Fijians are friendly. From the moment you land, it’s hard NOT to notice how nice people are, especially when you are greeted with a heartfelt BULA (good health) and VINAKA (thank you) accompanied by a genuine smile. It doesn’t take long to feel at home in Fiji and you’ll be treated more like a friend than a tourist everywhere you go.
Fijians are happy. It’s been said that Fijians are some of the happiest people in the world and the reason is because they love to sing, dance, entertain and laugh. Music is a huge part of the Fijian culture, so much so that at the airport you will be greeted by a trio of men serenading you with traditional songs…at 6 am!
Fijians don’t worry about tomorrow. “Let tomorrow worry about itself” the saying goes. For the Fijian culture, tomorrow simply doesn’t exist. It’s all about the present and the experience that you are having right now.
Wouldn’t you like that feeling, even if it was just for a week?
All Faster Freestyle Swim Camps offer a combination of beautiful, guided open water swims along with plenty of swim technique instruction….including a private session with video analysis.
After one week, your stress will melt away while you gain confidence in the open water. You will discover strategies to help you find an easier and faster way to swim. You will leave Fiji a much better swimmer with improved technique and noticeable gains in both your speed and endurance.
Your host and coach will be Hall of Fame Swimmer Karlyn Pipes. To date, Karlyn has set over 236 FINA Masters World records with more to come.
There is ONE upcoming Faster Freestyle Swim Camp in May 2024. Dates for this eight day/seven night Faster Freestyle Swim Camps on beautiful Nacula Island and in Nadi, Fiji are:
Thursday, May 9th -to Thursday the 16th
Space is limited to 10…hurry, only two spots left!
All Fiji Faster Freestyle Swim Camps include:
Five to seven beautiful open water swims approximately 2k to 4k in length exploring beaches, bays and islands!
Seven nights accommodation
Seven breakfasts, eight lunches and five dinners.
Faster Freestyle Swim clinic with video analysis
A one-on-one private lesson with video analysis and feedback. Time and location TBD
Open Water Skills & Drills clinic along with instruction to help you improve the “other” strokes…fly, back and breast!
We will be filming you daily to provide videos of your improvement as well as to document our aquatic adventures! Videos will be texted to you.
Transportation to and from all swims and/or excursions
One-way ferry to Nacula Island aboard the Yasawa Flyer
Day-trip to Natadola Beach to explore one of the best beaches on the island and to experience Fijian culture and cuisine.
One day we will a swim around “honeymoon” island
Our final swim will start off with boat excursion to another island where we will then swim around a beautiful coral reef and then explore a sea cave
All swims are fully supported by safety staff members both in the water and on a SUP
Silicone swim cap, custom BOCO Visor and a custom long sleeve dry-tech tee shirt
After one week, your stress will melt away while you gain confidence in the open water. You will discover strategies to help you find an easier and faster way to swim. You will leave Fiji a much better swimmer with improved technique and noticeable gains in both your speed and endurance.
Swim Ability: Ideally you should be comfortable in the open water and able to swim continuously 1,500 yards/meters at a steady pace. Since we will start and return to the same location, you can decide how far (and how fast) you want to swim. If you are questioning whether you think you are “fast enough” to participate in a camp, please reach out to me fasterfreestyle@gmail.com to discuss your situation.
Accommodation:
During the camp we will be staying at two amazing resorts. We loved Club Fiji Resort in Nadi for its location on the water, the food was great and the staff was exceptional. The bungalow accommodation (see picture below) is cozy and comfortable and our location can’t be beat. We are 15 min. from the airport, a 10-min to Nadi town and 15 min. to Port Denarau.
After three nights at Club Fiji, we shuttle to Port Denarau to hop in the Yasawa Flyer Ferry out to the amazing Oarsman Bay Lodge for four nights.
We visited many other resorts and selected the Oarsman’s Bay it has the bluest waters, the best hiking and a deliciously laid-back vibe. It’s an adults-only tropical paradise with brilliant-blue Bure’s (cottages) shaded by palms and enough amenities and marine life to explore right out your door – you’ll never get bored. The resort does not offer TVs or telephones, but there is complimentary internet at the in the main restaurant.
Please keep in mind that Fiji is now a relatively expensive place to visit, especially out on the islands and all food and supplies are shipped in. In addition, when we are at the Oarsman’s there is a mandatory meal plan. The good news, is that even though the Oarsman’s is a bit pricey…we thought that it was good value and SO worth it.
Faster Freestyle Swim Camps Accommodation Options are:
Dorm: The Oarsman’s Bay Lodge offers a delightful budget-friendly “dorm-style” accommodation featuring single beds with divider wall in between each bed for extra privacy, along with air conditioning and ceiling fans. The dorm is located just above the main lodge and the bathroom is conveniently located nearby.
The Oarsman’s Bay Lodge dorm was voted “Best of the Ysawas’s” and Christopher and I would agree as to why! We spent two quiet and restful nights in the 8-bed dorm and truly enjoyed the experience!
While in Nadi at Club Fiji Resort, you will be staying in a centrally located dorm at that is brand new! Situated in its own small bungalow, it has only eight beds, private bathrooms and showers, a microwave and a refrigerator for you to use.
This budget-friendly option is perfect for a solo traveler or friends traveling together. Budget price point $2595
Studio Bure Private or Shared:
There are only four Beachfront Studio Bure’s at the Oarsman’s Bay Lodge and all are located just a few steps away from the powdery white sand beach. The water literally is your “front yard” and two private lounge chairs are yours to enjoy. Yup, that’s me in a lounge chair!
One Studio Room has a King size bed and is perfect for a couple or someone who wants privacy. The adjoining Studio Room offers a Queen size bed and a single bed, which would suit two friends that would like to share accommodation.
The Beachfront Studio Bure’s are air-conditioned with a private bathroom, ceiling fans and fully screened louvered windows to allow for the beautiful sea breeze to sneak in. Outside, each Bure offers a private deck with chairs, a hammock and two lounge chairs where we know you will enjoy the beautiful tropical sunsets and stunning ocean views.
While at Club Fiji Resort in Nadi, you will be in a cute Oceanview Bungalow with two beds a queen and a single. This Bure features air conditioning, ceiling fans, private bathroom/shower and a private porch with chairs.
Mid-range Standard price point:
$3195 if you are sharing a room with another camper
$3795 if you prefer a private room or are sharing with a non-swimming friend/spouse/partner
Beachfront Bure private or shared
Located literally steps from the water – you can hear the waves at night! Perfect for one or two, it offers a 32 sqm freestanding, air-conditioned bure. Furnished in a fusion of contemporary style with Fijian design, including an outdoor tropical shower under the stars.
This is the view from one of the Deluxe Bure’s at the Oarsman Bay Lodge on Nacula Island.
The hammock and private deck deliver amazing tropical sunsets and your private sun loungers are great for soaking in the sun, taking naps or star gazing in the evening. Perfect for a couple or two friends that prefers more space, a touch of elegance and an awesome outdoor shower.
Deluxe price point:
$3495 if you are sharing a room with another camper
$4195 if you want a private room or are sharing with a non-swimming friend/spouse/partner
