Women OPEN the WATER

Join us in the Boston area for a day dedicated to open water swimming. Five women, each with her own powerful set of experiences in the sport, will host talks and practical lessons about some of the most important parts of an open water journey. We will be at the beautiful Keohane Sports Center at Wellesley College. See links for additional information about our probable guests.

First, Technique. 10:15-noon. Chandler Pool (indoors)

Coach Jennifer Dutton will spend time coaching a drill-focused swim session. We will talk about balance, body position, and technique priorities when it comes to adapting a Freestyle stroke to the changing conditions of an open water event. This is a great time of year to start thinking about your Summer 2026 plans, so the idea is to give swimmers cues and suggestions they can implement over the winter as they train indoors.

Next, Lunch. 12:15-1:00. Meeting Room (upstairs). Lunch will be provided.

Then, Talk. 1:00-5:30. (Meeting Room). Snacks and hydrations will be available throughout the afternoon. Topics listed here are general ideas- we might digress...

1:00-1:45. Elizabeth Fry. **she completed OCEANS SEVEN at age 60**Why are women particularly strong in the Open Water World? What are some qualities which the more prolific swimmers share? Is it obvious how women support other women?

1:50-2:35. Laurie Craigen. Do we have to get rid of fear to swim successfully? what are some ways to ensure that we are not paralyzed by our own fears (logical or not)?

2:35-2:50. Stretch Break.

2:50- 3:35. Elaine Kornbau Howley. Is any swim actually SOLO? Preparation and teamwork are integral to any swimmers "individual" success. How do you even start to assemble a team? What if you don't have a go-to person in your life?

3:40-4:25. Jennifer Downing. Does your Pool Swimming translate to the Open Water? Does speed matter? Can you simultaneously train for both? Do you have to train for both?

4:30-5:30. Jen, Liz, Laurie, Elaine, and Jen. Lessons in Resilience. When things go wrong during a swim, what are ways these swimmers have rebounded?  Are there ways to practice resilience when things do not go as planned? You will hear strategies for finding strength which can transcend sport.