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, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery with a Hall of Fame swimmer as your personal coach and guide. Leave your stress behind and dive into a journey of self-discovery and growth in Kona, Hawaii. With Karlyn's expert guidance and private and group instruction, you'll gain confidence, boost your speed and endurance and return home a stronger, more efficient swimmer.

Are YOU ready for the ultimate swimming adventure?

Upcoming Seven day 2025/2026 Camps:

Fall 7-day camp November 6th-12th, 2025

“All-I-want-for-Christmas” December 4th-10th, 2025

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

“I’m tired of the snow” camp March 23rd-29th, 2026

Space is limited to 10 and ALL camps have space!

Our camp sizes are 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:

• Five gorgeous and unique open water swims await you in warm, crystal-clear waters, teeming with a vibrant array of tropical fish and friendly marine life.. We will swim at a select few world-famous beaches on the Big Island, but we will dedicate a significant amount of time to exploring lesser-known, secret swim spots that Karlyn is truly excited to share with you. Each swim length will range approximately from 2 kilometers to 4 kilometers, with final distances depending on prevailing conditions and your personal energy levels.

• 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 and welcoming to both adults and youths aged 13 and older. You do not necessarily need to be a speedy swimmer to join us; however, it is ideal that you should be comfortable in open water and able to swim continuously for 1,000 meters (which is equivalent to one kilometer) at a steady pace. If you are questioning whether you feel you are “fast enough” to participate in one of our camps, please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss your individual situation and any concerns you may have. After all, the name and primary goal of every camp is to help you learn an easier and faster way to swim. If you find that a small-group camp feels like it may be outside your comfort zone, perhaps considering a private mini-camp will suit you better and provide you with a more personalized experience. More about mini-camps here.

Upcoming Seven day swim camps 2025 and 2026!

“Let’s hold on to SUMMER” 7-day swim camp November 6th-12th, 2025

This camp starts on a midweek day so you can take advantage of lower airfares to Kona. The camp begins on Thursday with a Faster Freestyle Swim Clinic from 9-noon, followed by a safety meeting that evening along with a welcome dinner at Karlyn’s home. Please plan to arrive in Kona AT LEAST one day early.

“All-I-want-for-Christmas” swim camp December 4th-10th, 2025

Give yourself the best Christmas present ever…a week in warm and sunny Hawaii and go home with a new, FASTER FREESTYLE! This camp starts on a midweek day so you can take advantage of lower airfares to Kona after Thanksgiving and before Christmas. The camp begins on Thursday, Dec. 4th with the Faster Freestyle Swim Clinic from 9-noon, followed by a safety meeting that evening along with a welcome dinner at Karlyn’s home. 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.

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

The camp begins on Wednesday, March 4th This camp starts midweek, allowing you to tke advantage of lower midweek flights. We will start with a Faster Freestyle Swim Clinic from 9:00 am noon at the Kona Community Aquatic Center followed by a welcome dinner and safety meeting that evening at Karlyn’s home. Please plan to arrive in Kona AT LEAST one day early.

“I’m tired of the snow” Post-Lavaman Triathlon swim camp March 23rd-29th, 2026

This camp starts on Monday, March 23rd just two days after the iconic Olympic distance Lavaman Triathlon. We start the camp with a Freestyle Swim Clinic from 9-noon pm at the Kona Community Aquatic Center, followed a welcome dinner and safety meeting that evening at Karlyn’s home. The camp will conclude on Sunday with an epic sea cave swim in the morning followed by a farewell dinner that evening. Please plan to arrive in Kona AT LEAST one day early.

Cost:

7-day camps are $1795 and include all of the above, but does not include airfare or hotel. 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.

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!