Faster Freestyle Swim Camps with Karlyn Pipes in Sicily 2025
Historic island of Ortigia - Siracusa - Sicily
The 2025 DATES for 7 day/7 night swim camps are:
Wednesday, Sept. 10 to Wednesday, Sept. 17th, 2025
Thursday, Sept. 18th to Thursday, Sept. 25th 2025
Karlyn is calling these the “Endless Summer” Camps because she plans to help YOU extend your summer by offering these events in September to take advantage of the warm weather, warm water and fewer crowds.
This week-long camp will offer a variety of gorgeous 2k-4k open water swims along with combination of Faster Freestyle & Stroke technique instruction, video analysis and your very own 1-on-1 private lesson.
All Sicily Faster Freestyle Swim Camps include:
Karlyn’s World-Class coaching, seven nights accommodation, seven breakfasts, snacks after every swim, three lunches, one dinner.
Five beautiful open water swims approximately 2k to 4k in and around the Ortigia Island. You will love the warm, turquoise water and be amazed by the clarity. There will be sea caves to explore, small coves wander into, islands to swim around and on the final day we will swim a castle!
Video analysis of your stroke during the Faster Freestyle Workshop.
One-on-one private lesson with Karlyn’s expert video analysis and feedback. Time and location TBD
Open Water Skills & Drills workshop
Multi stroke swim clinic…yes, that means we will cover back, breast and fly!
Staff will be filming you daily with an underwater camera to provide you with videos of your technique as well as to document our aquatic adventures! Videos will be texted to you.
Custom FFSC SWAG…BOCO visor, long sleeve dry-tech tee shirt and a silicone swim cap
Mid-camp we will take an all-day excursion to go swim the Isola Ciclopi located off the small coastal town of Acitrezza. After our gorgeous swim around the islands and a casual lunch, we will shuttle back to Catania to explore the history, culture and markets of this amazing city.
First night meet and greet sunset drinks an appetizers…an opportunity to meet your fellow campers and our staff.
Guided sunset walking tour of historic Ortigia.
A farewell dinner party at Cavour, a local Sicilian restaurant.
The group size will be 10 or less with Red Cross Trained lifeguard trained safety staff on duty at all times to help you feel safe, supported and to provide swim technique tips as you swim along the coast. Karlyn will be in the water with you and her husband Christopher will be on a Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP).
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.
This camp will be an experience of a lifetime AND you will go home a FASTER SWIMMER
Accommodation
We are offering TWO AMAZING options for your accommodation located on Ortigia Island, Siracusa, Sicily that are about 500 meters a part. Each B&B has it’s own unique charm and to be honest, I love them both!
L'Approdo delle Sirene
https://www.apprododellesirene.com
L'Approdo delle Sirene B&B is located on the third floor of a charming nineteenth-century building. This family-run, eight room B&B takes advantage of its coastal location to showcase stunning views of the sea and Siracusa’s natural harbor. Some rooms feature balconies or a view of the sea. All rooms offer a modern decor with air-conditioning, mini-fridge, private bathroom, free Wi-Fi and an LCD TV. Breakfast at L'Approdo is served on a beautiful sea-view terrace offering a sweet and savoury buffet including Sicilian specialities, fresh fruit, juices, eggs, pastries and yogurt. More photos here.
COST: Starting at $2795* PP for a shared room with another camper or $3195* if you prefer to have your own room or plan to share your room with with a non-swimming friend or partner. *Price variation will be based on room selection.
Casa Cristina
The B&B “Casa Cristina” is situated is located in the heart of historical centre in the island. From the balconies of rooms, you can admire the famous “Apollo Temple” and can easily reach the nearby historical centre. The rooms are spacious with high ceilings, balconies, air conditioning and a private bathroom. If wish to prepare your own meals, then Casa Cristina is a better option for you. In addition to your prepared continental breakfast, you will have 24/7 access to a full kitchen to cook your own meals and a refrigerator to store your food. Casa Cristina is near cafes, shops, markets, shopping and close to the bus station and the boat services. More photos here.
COST: $2595 PP for a shared room with another camper or $2895 if you prefer to have your own room or plan to share your room with with a non-swimming friend or partner.
If you are traveling with a non-swimming spouse/partner/friend and they would like to participate in the farewell dinner, walking tour and the day trip to Acitrezza and Catania, the cost is an additional $200 USD.
Deposit: to reserve your spot, please inquire as to paypal 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 10
Sample Schedule:
Pre-camp
If possible, please arrive ONE day before the camp starts. You can book additional nights at either B&B or search booking.com to find your own accommodation.
Day one:
2:00-5:00 Check into L'Approdo delle Sirene or Casa Cristina B&B
6:00-7:30 Sunset meet and greet with appetizers and drinks provided!
8:00 We are hoping you get you to bed early and have good night sleep and ready for a fun week of fun!
Day two:
8:30 Meet at the Temple of Apollo for a 15 min walk to Porto Pico where we will begin the camp with Faster Freestyle Workshop to be held in the quiet bay near the small port.
8:45-9:30 Interactive discussion on past and present freestyle techniques
9:30-10:30 Video analysis of your current stroke
10:30-11:30 Faster Freestyle swim clinic with step-by-step stroke progression
11:30-12:30 Walk to nearby pizzeria/bakery for a causal lunch (we provide)
12:00-1:00 Open Water Skills and Drills clinic
1:00-2:00 Easy 1k open water swim from the Porto Pico lido to test out your new stroke
Evening open for you to enjoy
Day three:
8:30-9:00 walk (30 min.) or taxi to nearby Cittadella Siracusa Sport 50-meter pool
9:00-10:15 Faster Freestyle swim clinic with a review of what you learned the day before and moving into new areas of instruction
10:15-11:30 Multi Stroke (back, breast and fly) swim clinic
11:30-1:00 Walk to a (no host) lunch at nearby cafe overlooking the sea followed by short walk to Zen lido our amazing open water swim venue
1:00-2:30 A gorgeous 2k+ swim from Zen exploring two sea caves and a cool inlet!
6:00-7:30 Sunset walking tour of historic Ortigia Island guided by Valerie Vancherie
Day four: Day trip to Acitrezza and Catania
9:00 meet up for one hour drive north to the town of Acitrezza
10:00-12:00 3k Swim around the Isola Cyclops…it really is amazing!
12:00-1:00 lunch (provided) at our favorite cafe
1:00-2:00 drive to Catania
2:00-5:00 self guided tour of Catania to explore history, culture and the markets
5:00-6:00 return to Ortigia
Day five: private lesson day
8:30-11:00 or 2:00-5:00 This is the day reserved for your one-on-one private lesson with video analysis. Once you have schedule your lesson, make a plan to go explore Siracusa’s Roman ruins or take a half day guided tour.
Afternoon and evening open for you to enjoy
Day six:
8:30 meet to taxi or walk to our swim destination
9:00 3-4K swim around the “buffalo” and numerous sea caves and coves.
12:00-1:00 Lunch (provided) and a walk back to hotel
Afternoon and evening open for you to enjoy
Day seven:
9:00-11:00 Today we will swim around (and back) Castello Maniace. 2k swim each way (4K total) with unsurpassed views of the castle on every breath!
6:00-8:00 Farewell dinner at Karlyn’s favorite restaurant!
Day eight:
Check out of hotel. Many of us will be heading to Avola for the Sicilian Open Water Finale 2k
Day one: Friday, sept.8
12:00-4:00 Check into Casa Christina or Marina B&B
5:00-6:30 Welcome party at Marina B&B, safety meeting and review of Faster Freestyle techniques with dinner provided.
6:30-8:00 Sunset walking tour of historic Ortigia Island guided by the amazing Valerio Vancheri!
Day two: Saturday, Sept. 9
8:30 Meet at the Temple of Apollo for a 15 min walk to Porto Pico where we will begin the camp with Faster Freestyle Workshop to be held in the quiet bay near the small port.
9:00-10:00 Group discussion on past and present freestyle techniques
10:00-11:00 Your first video analysis of your current freestyle. While other campers are being filmed, Christopher will be available to give you a lesson on a Stand Up Paddle board (SUP). Give it a try!
11:00-12:00 In-water workshop
12:00-1:00 We will provide a casual lunch at bakery/pizzeria nearby.
1:00-3:00 Open Water Skills and Drills Workshop followed by a walk back to B&B to wrap up an amazing day!
Evening open for you to enjoy
Day three: Sunday, Sept. 10
8:30-9:00 Transport to nearby Cittadella Siracusa Sport 50-meter pool
9:00-11:30 Second video analysis along a review of the Faster Freestyle techniques you learned the day before, followed by Multi-Stroke (back, breast and fly) Workshop.
11:30-1:00 Walk to nearby cafe for a no-host lunch, followed by a short walk to our open water swim venue nearby.
1:00-3:00 Swim from Via Cimone to monument and back, then walk back to B&B.
Afternoon and evening open for you to enjoy.
Day Four: Monday, Sept. 11
8:30 Meet at Temple of Apollo for a walk to Porto Pico.
9:00-11:00 Guided OW 3.2k swim to the seacaves and back. Hangout at the lido and enjoy snacks.
Day five: Tuesday, Sept. 12
9:00-2:00 Today you receive your one-on-one private lesson with video analysis. This is also a great day ro go explore the city of Siracusa’s Roman ruins or take a half day tour.
Day six: wednesday, Sept.13
8:30 Meet at Temple of Apollo for a short walk to Syracuse Excursion to get ready for our morning on the water.
9:00-12:00 Boat tour of sea caves and multiple open water swims along the way.
Day seven: Thursday, Sept. 14
9:00-11:00 Today we will swim around Castello Maniace and the island of Ortigia!
5:00-8:00 Farewell dinner at Karlyn’s favorite restaurant
Day eight: Friday, Sept. 15
Check out of hotel. Many of us will be heading to Avola for the Sicilian Open Water Finale 1.5k or 5k swim.
How to get to Sicily!
The beautiful island of Sicily is located in the Mediterranean Sea, separated from the mainland of Italy by the 2k Straight of Messina and located at the “toe of the boot.”
Getting to this part of the world is easy and transportation options are many. The Faster Freestyle Swim Camp will be held on the Island of Ortigia, which is adjacent to the main city of Siracusa.
Sicily has two major airports, Palermo (PMO) and Catania CTA), that are located on opposite sides of the island. We recommend Catania/CTA as the best arrival option for both ease and convenience.
Once you are at CATANIA AIRPORT, take a free five-minute shuttle to the train station, buy a $8 ticket at the kiosk to Siracusa (south). Then, it’s a one hour train ride south to Siracusa/Ortigia and approximately a 1 mile cab ride (or walk) to our accommodation!
Flying from USA: Getting to Catania (CTA) is going to require a stopover, no matter what US city you depart. British Airways connect in London Heathrow (LHR) sometimes requiring an overnight stay. Both Lufthansa and Alitalia stopover in Paris (GDG). If you fly a major US carrier such as American, United, Delta, your best bet is to fly to ROME (FCO), and then book a flight on low-cost carrier such as Ryan Air to Catania. Bringing luggage will cost extra on Ryan Air, but in the end it might be worth it. Many US flights land in the morning so it’s easy to catch a midmorning flight and arrive in Sicily by midday.
Flying from Canada: British Airways and Lufthansa offer direct flights to Europe with a connecting flight to Catania. BA stops in London Heathrow and Lufthansa stops in Paris. Word of warning! When booking a British Airways flight, please make sure your check WHICH London airport your connecting flight departs. BA will offer an option of flying into London Heathrow (LHR) but departing out of London Gatwick (LGW) requiring a one hour bus ride across the city. It’s totally doable if you have enough time, but that particular flight may cheap for a reason.
Flying from Europe: There are so many options that it’s best to post this link to Flight Connections. For ease and convenience, make sure to fly into CTA Catania and not Palermo.
