ABOUT US

Swim Open Waters began after Head Coach Sidney Russell’s first channel swim, when swimmers began asking for help with their form and efficiency. Many believed they simply wanted to swim better, only to discover they were seeking something more: confidence, direction, and a path toward longer, more meaningful swims.

As these conversations grew, so did the need for structured open-water instruction. Group workouts and open-water Masters sessions followed, including the creation of Ventura Cove Masters in collaboration with the San Diego Tri Club and One with the Ocean. What started as informal coaching became a clear philosophy rooted in technique, safety, and mental resilience.

Swim Open Waters was built for swimmers willing to commit to the process while still finding joy in the water. It supports both emerging open-water enthusiasts and ultra-distance marathon swimmers, meeting each athlete where they are and guiding them forward with intention.

At its core, Swim Open Waters is about participation. The ocean is not something to conquer, but something to engage with. Through consistent practice and growing awareness, swimmers learn to navigate uncertainty, find peace within effort, and see the world through a new lens made possible by time spent in open water.