Swim Camp 2024

Interested in joining me for a swim camp in the Great Bear Rainforest?

Please join Coach Susan Simmons this summer at Drifter’s Cove in the traditional territory of the Heiltsuk Nation for a week long swim camp.

Home to the Great Bear Swim, and the training ground of ultra-marathon swimmer Susan Simmons, Drifter’s Cove is the ideal place to train for both adventure swimming and English Channel training.

For open water swimmers there are plenty of inlets, coves and beaches for you to explore. The water is clear and the life underwater abundant.

For channel swimmers, during the summer-months the water is between 13 and 15 celsius, comparable to that of the English and Catalina Channel. If you are training to swim across Juan de Fuca Strait, come in the spring or fall when the water dips below 10 celsius.

The cove, and the small bay and island beside the property are great places to get acquainted with ocean swimming. If you are looking to add do a bit of distance work, you can swim escorted from the cove, through Lama Pass and around the corner to Shearwater – a solid 10km swim. For those wanting to do a bit of current work, swim from Bella Bella to the cove. The natural current runs in the opposite direction and if there is a bit of wind can offer a sweet bumpy ride.

There are several other great training spots near by including a fairly large bay with an island in the centre and a lovely 1 km inlet that provides protected refuge to sea-cucumbers, star fish and sea anemones. There’s also a local seal that spends his time playing in the bay.

Kayaks and other small water craft are available for your support crew to use. If you are interested in private coaching or an organized swim camp let Susan know.

Price:   $2,400 Canadian

Dates:

  • Sunday, July 14 – Depart Victoria for PortHardy & overnight stay
  • Monday, July 15 – Ferry to Bella Bella, dinner in Shearwater and boat ride to Drifters
  • Monday, July 15 to Saturday, 20th – Swim Camp and activities
  • Saturday, July 20 – Ferry to Port Hardy & overnight stay
  • Sunday, July 21 – Return home

What’s included:

  • 5-nights stay at Drifters Cove
  • All meals while in Great Bear including one at the local pub (alcohol not included)
  • Morning and evening training sessions (pending weather)
  • Safety boat(s) during swims outside of the cove
  • Group goal swim
  • Local seafood harvesting
  • Tour of the Big House (pending Heiltsuk availability)
  • Onsite kayaks and a SUP
  • Two-way ferry tickets (Port Hardy – Bella Bella)
  • Parking at BC Ferries
  • Transportation from BC Ferries in Bella Bella to the boat ramp for Denny Island
  • Boat ride from Bella Bella boat ramp to Denny (Drifters) and back
  • One night at the Back Packers on either side of the trip

* Note: a state room on the ferry and an upgrade from the Back Packers to a motel can be added at additional cost.

What is not included:

  • Transportation to and from Port Hardy (suggest people car-pool)
  • Your meals to and from and in Port Hardy
  • Your meals on the ferry

For more information email Coach Susan for more information.