Join the Ultimate Faster Freestyle Swim Camp Experience 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

Imagine a week in paradise—clear water, stunning views, and coaching from Hall of Famer Karlyn Pipes. Karlyn isn’t just a great swimmer; she’s also a world-renowned swim technique coach who loves to help swimmers and triathletes go faster with less effort. Through private and group sessions, you’ll gain confidence, improve technique, and build speed and endurance.

What makes Faster Freestyle Swim Camps different is that Karlyn will be YOUR coach for the whole week. You won’t get rotating staff or a generic class—you’ll get her daily, hands-on instruction and personalized feedback. The result: faster progress, more confidence in the water, and the rare chance to train and learn from one of the sport’s best.

Are YOU ready for the ultimate swimming adventure?

FIVE KONA CAMPS to choose from in 2026!

Registration is open for all these camps and space is limited to 10

“Pisces” 7-day camp March 4th-10th, 2026

Pre-Lavaman Triathlon 7-day swim camp March 21st-27th, 2026

Post HONU 70.3 pre Hapuna Swim 6-day camp May 31st - June 5th, 2026

Post-IRONMAN 6-day camp Tuesday, Oct. 13th - Sunday, Oct. 18th, 2026

Veterans Day 7-day camp Monday, Nov. 9th to Sunday, Nov, 15th, 2026

Our camp sizes is intentionally limited to ten participants, ensuring that each individual receives personalized attention and support. This allows you to feel more at ease in the open water and focus on refining your technique.

Book your spot soon! 

All Kona, Hawaii camps include:

• Six stunning and unique open water swims await you in warm, crystal-clear waters, alive with colorful tropical fish and friendly marine life. While we’ll visit a select few world-famous beaches on the Big Island, much of our time will be spent exploring lesser-known, secret swim spots that Karlyn is thrilled to share.

  Each swim will range from approximately 2 to 4 kilometers, with final distances tailored to current conditions and your personal energy levels—ensuring a challenging yet enjoyable experience for every swimmer.

• A Faster Freestyle Swim Clinic will take place on the first day of camp so you can get a jump start on improving your technique. Video analysis will be provided.

• A private swim technique session in Karlyn's Endless Pool will take place mid-week with comprehensive video analysis. Your session in the Endless Pool will allow you to SEE and FEEL the significant improvements you have already made in your swimming technique, and then we can build on that. More details about your AMAZING Endless Pool session is found here.

• Throughout the week you will be receiving additional freestyle technique tips and feedback from Karlyn and her assistant coaches. We will also cover open skills and drills and work on those “other” strokes…back, breast and fly!

• Staff will be using Go-Pros and underwater cameras providing 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 healthy and delicious 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 in.

• 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 10 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.

  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 and youths aged 13 and older. You don’t need to be a fast swimmer to join us—what’s most important is that you feel comfortable in open water and can swim continuously for 500 yards or meters at a steady pace.

If you’re wondering whether you’re “fast enough” to participate, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to discuss your individual situation and any concerns—after all, the focus of every camp is helping you discover an easier, more efficient, and faster way to swim.

For those who feel a small-group camp might be outside their comfort zone, a private mini-camp offers a personalized experience tailored just for you. Learn more about mini-camps here.

Upcoming Six and Seven day swim camps in 2026!

“Pisces” 7-day swim camp Wed. March 4th to Tues. March 10th, 2026

If it feels like summer will never arrive, our early March Pisces Camp in Kona is the perfect escape. Imagine trading cold, gray days for a week of outdoor swims in crystal-clear waters, surrounded by stunning scenery, while improving your technique and building confidence in the water. This camp is not just a chance to train—it’s an experience to lift your spirits, reconnect with the joy of swimming, and give yourself something to look forward to during the winter months. As a Pisces myself, I’ve always felt a special connection to the water, and I love sharing that joy with others.

The camp kicks off on Wednesday, March 4th, giving you the advantage of lower midweek flights. We’ll start the day with a Faster Freestyle Swim Clinic from 9:00 am – noon, followed by a welcome dinner and safety meeting that evening at my home.

The week concludes on Tuesday evening, March 10th with an awesome “finale” swim in the morning, followed by a memorable farewell dinner that evening. To make the most of the experience, please plan to arrive in Kona at least one day before the camp begins and depart at least one day after it ends.

Pre-Lavaman Triathlon 7-day swim camp Sat. March 21st to Friday, March 27th, 2026

Calling all TRIATHLETES! If you would like to learn how to swim faster with less effort, and then take your new stroke out for a test drive at the Lavaman Olympic Distance Triathlon, then this is the perfect camp for you! This camp starts the weekend BEFORE the race on Saturday, March 21st and concludes on Friday, March 27th—perfectly timed to allow a rest day before event. The camp kicks off on Saturday with a Freestyle Swim Clinic with video analysis from 9:00 am to noon, followed by a welcome dinner later that evening at Karlyn’s home.

In addition, there is an optional 2.4-mile open water swim on the official Ironman World Championship swim course on Sunday, March 22nd, the second day of the camp. If 2.4 miles feels intimidating, you can choose to swim half the course instead. Whatever distance you select, you’ll have the incredible experience of swimming on the same course as the world’s top professional and amateur triathletes. Registration for this CASUAL, yet epic swim is just $30 (not included in the camp cost). Here is the registration link.

The camp wraps up on Friday with an fun “finale” swim in the morning and a farewell dinner that evening. To make the most of your experience, please plan to arrive in Kona at least one day before the camp begins and depart at least one day after it ends.

Post-HONU 70.3 Triathlon & pre-Hapuna 1-mile Swim 6-day camp Sunday, May 31st to Friday, June 5th, 2026

This six-day camp begins the day after the iconic HONU 70.3 on Sunday, May 31st, with a Freestyle Swim Clinic from 9 am – noon, followed by a welcome dinner and safety meeting that evening at Karlyn’s home.

Throughout the week, you’ll experience expert coaching, improve your freestyle technique, and gain confidence in open water swims. We’ll cap off the week with an OPTIONAL open water race at about 30 miles north of Kona at beautiful Hapuna Beach. This beach was voted #1 in the United States by Dr. Beach in 2021 due to it’s wide sandy beach and picture postcard turquoise water. It’s also a great opportunity to test out your new Faster Freestyle.

The camp concludes on Friday, June 5th, with an amazing “finale” swim in the morning, followed by a memorable farewell dinner at 5 pm. This special evening is the perfect way to celebrate your achievements and the new friendships formed over an incredible week in the water, leaving you with memories to cherish long after the camp ends.

Keep in mind that there is a day off between the end of the camp on Friday and the Hapuna 1‑Mile Swim on Sunday, June 7th. Registration not included in camp. For planning purposes, please make sure to arrive in Kona at least one day before the camp starts and depart at least one day (or more if you plan to swim at Hapuna) after it ends.

Post-IRONMAN 6-day camp Tuesday, Oct. 13th - Sunday, Oct. 18th, 2026

The Ironman World Championships is an experience like no other—athletes swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles across scorching lava fields, and run a full marathon to the finish line. This camp begins three days after the Ironman, on Tuesday, October 13th, with a Freestyle Swim Clinic from 9 am – noon, followed by a welcome dinner and safety meeting that evening at Karlyn’s home.

The camp concludes on Sunday, October 18th with an epic sea cave swim in the morning, followed by a memorable farewell dinner at 5 pm, celebrating your progress and the connections made in a truly remarkable week in Kona. If you can, consider arriving Saturday, October 10th to watch—or even better, VOLUNTEER! Being part of the action and seeing the incredible determination of these athletes up close is a memory you’ll never forget. If you volunteer, you get an event tee-shirt AND you are invited attend the free MAHALO Banquet on Monday, October 12th.

If arriving early does not work for you, please arrive Kona at least one day before the camp starts (Monday) and depart at least one day after it ends (Sunday night).

Veterans Day 7-day camp Monday, Nov. 9th to Sunday, Nov, 15th, 2026

This is our last camp of the year—a perfect opportunity to soak up some warmth and sunshine before winter sets in. The timing of this camp takes advantage of the Federal holiday on Tuesday, November 11th.

We will begin on Monday, November 9th with a Freestyle Swim Clinic from 9 am to noon, followed by a welcome dinner and safety meeting that evening at Karlyn’s home.

The week concludes on Sunday, November 15th with an epic sea cave swim in the morning, followed by a farewell dinner at 5 pm. To make the most of your experience, please plan to arrive in Kona at least one day before the camp starts and depart at least one day after it ends so you can participate in all the fun.

Cost:

7-day camps are $1895 and SIX day camps are $1695. Cost does not include airfare, hotel, airport TRANSFERS or race registrations.

DIscount alert! all returning clients receive an automatic $100 discount off any Faster Freestyle camp anywhere in the world.

Deposit: to reserve your spot, please inquire as to e-transfer options or mail a check made it out to Aquatic Edge for $500 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.

It’s going to be an amazing week. Please join me! Book your spot today!

Places to Stay in Kailua Kona:

We have a wide variety of places to choose from when it comes to accommodation options in the beautiful Kailua Kona and Keauhou area. You can select from oceanfront resorts, traditional hotels as well as a plethora of Airbnb condos and homes that cater to different group sizes and preferences. Please note that accommodation is not included in the overall cost of the camp. If you enjoy preparing your own meals, we are fortunate to have a Costco conveniently located near the airport, as well as a Walmart and Target, which allows you to keep your food costs relatively low and manageable. It’s also quite pleasant to make your own coffee and whip up breakfast in the comfort of your living space in the morning. Additionally, keep in mind that I will provide a hearty brunch after each swim session, in addition to offering two dinners during our time together.

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, not the one 30 miles north in Waikoloa. It is located next to the beautiful Kailua Kona pier, the official swim start for the Ironman World Championships. The hotel is in the center of the charming village, making it easy for guests to access one of the most popular swimming spots in Kona. There are also many grocery stores, unique shops, good restaurants, and lovely boutiques within a short walk. For more swimming locations in and around Kona, check the "Where we swim in Kona" page.

Royal Kona Resort: This hotel is conveniently located near the center of the village, providing easy access to just about everything mentioned above. This large property, which resembles a cruise ship, was one of the very first resorts established in Kona. It has been recently renovated, boasting modern amenities while maintaining its classic charm, and features an oceanfront view that enhances its appeal. Additionally, they offer a delightful luau that you can crash for free, allowing guests to enjoy watching the talented dancers from the sidelines without any cost!

Pacific 19: Formerly known as the Kona Seaside Inn, this property has undergone a complete and modern renovation, transforming it into a welcoming destination. It is conveniently situated at the corner of Kuakini and Palani Road, an area often referred to as the “hot corner” for the esteemed Ironman World Championships. While it is not directly oceanfront, the property does provide lovely ocean views, a small yet inviting pool, and an advantageous location that is very centrally positioned to nearby grocery stores, a variety of shops, numerous restaurants, and easy access to the beautiful water.

AIRBB: You can also quite easily find a diverse variety of accommodation options available on Airbnb for properties that will appropriately meet your specific needs and preferences.

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 avoid staying north in areas such as Waikoloa, Waikoloa Village, or Palisades located above the airport, or south in places like Captain Cook, as these locations could potentially require a lengthy drive of 30 to 50 minutes from many of the activities that take place in Kona. We will be providing transportation to and from the open water swim venues if your hotel or accommodation is situated within a reasonable distance from Kailua-Kona. This will help ensure that you have a convenient and enjoyable experience throughout the camp.

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!