Introduction
Training for open water swimming requires a different approach than pool swimming. Whether you’re preparing for a triathlon, an ocean swim race, or simply want to improve your beach swimming skills, having the right coach can make all the difference. Miami is home to some of the best open water swim coaches who specialize in training swimmers for the unique challenges of ocean swims. Here’s a list of top coaches and coaching programs in Miami to help you master open water swimming.
1. Coach Jonathan Strauss – Swim Gym Miami
- Specialization: Open water technique, triathlon swim training, long-distance endurance
- Why He’s Great: With over 25 years of coaching experience, Jonathan Strauss, founder of Swim Gym Miami, is renowned for his ability to help swimmers of all levels transition from pool to ocean swimming. His focus on breathing techniques, stroke efficiency, and sighting makes him an excellent choice for swimmers training for endurance events or triathlons.
- Programs Offered:
- One-on-one open water coaching
- Group swim sessions at Miami Beach
- Customized training plans for ocean swims and triathlons
- Location: Swim Gym, Miami Beach
2. Coach Kim Bierbrauer – Miami Open Water Swim Club
- Specialization: Ocean swimming for beginners, safety training, race preparation
- Why She’s Great: Kim Bierbrauer’s coaching expertise lies in helping swimmers overcome their fear of open water. She focuses on building water confidence while teaching essential skills like managing currents, sighting, and pacing in the ocean. Her inclusive coaching style ensures swimmers feel comfortable and supported at every level.
- Programs Offered:
- Beginner-friendly open water swim classes
- Race preparation and strategy sessions
- Weekly group swims at Crandon Park Beach
- Location: Miami Open Water Swim Club, Key Biscayne
3. Coach Denis Crettier – Swim Miami Beach
- Specialization: Advanced open water swimming, competitive training, ocean rescue skills
- Why He’s Great: Denis Crettier, an experienced coach and competitive swimmer, offers a high-level open water program geared toward advanced swimmers and athletes. His sessions focus on building endurance, improving speed, and mastering the technical aspects of ocean swimming, such as drafting, sighting, and navigating waves.
- Programs Offered:
- Elite ocean swim coaching for experienced swimmers
- Open water race strategy and tactics
- Specialized training for long-distance and rough water swims
- Location: Swim Miami Beach, South Beach
4. Coach Ana Marcela Cunha – Ocaquatics Swim School
- Specialization: Swim technique, fitness training, safety skills
- Why She’s Great: Ana Marcela Cunha is an Olympic open water swimmer and a five-time world champion who brings her expertise to Miami swimmers. She works with all levels, from beginners to competitive athletes, teaching swimmers how to efficiently swim in the ocean while maintaining safety. Her strong emphasis on technique and breathing helps swimmers build confidence in open water.
- Programs Offered:
- Open water swim clinics and workshops
- Personalized coaching for triathletes and distance swimmers
- Group ocean swim sessions
- Location: Ocaquatics Swim School, Miami
5. Coach Chris Woolger – Swim South Florida
- Specialization: Triathlon and endurance swimming, mental conditioning for open water
- Why He’s Great: Chris Woolger has extensive experience coaching triathletes and open water swimmers. His approach blends physical conditioning with mental training to prepare swimmers for the psychological challenges of open water swimming. Chris is known for his structured, goal-oriented training that helps swimmers improve their performance in long-distance swims and triathlons.
- Programs Offered:
- Open water swim coaching for triathlons
- Mental conditioning for ocean swims
- Customized endurance swim training plans
- Location: Swim South Florida, Miami
6. Coach Rebecca Wilder – Miami Beach Lifeguard and Swim Coach
- Specialization: Water safety, beginner ocean swimming, fitness swimming
- Why She’s Great: As a Miami Beach lifeguard and certified swim coach, Rebecca Wilder combines her knowledge of ocean safety with her passion for teaching. She specializes in working with beginners and those looking to improve their fitness through open water swimming. Rebecca’s coaching emphasizes proper technique, safety awareness, and swimming in variable ocean conditions.
- Programs Offered:
- One-on-one and group coaching for ocean beginners
- Water safety and ocean survival skills
- Fitness swim sessions in open water
- Location: Miami Beach
7. Coach Guillermo León – Miami Tri Club
- Specialization: Triathlon swim training, open water race strategy, fitness improvement
- Why He’s Great: Guillermo León is an experienced triathlete and open water swim coach, helping athletes prepare for competitive ocean swims. His training includes a focus on race strategy, pacing, and transitioning from swim to bike during triathlons. He also offers group training sessions that mimic race conditions to help athletes acclimate to the unique challenges of open water.
- Programs Offered:
- Triathlon-specific swim training
- Ocean swim strategy for competitive races
- Group swim practices at Virginia Key Beach
- Location: Miami Tri Club, Virginia Key
8. Coach Maria Herrera – South Beach Swim Club
- Specialization: Children’s open water swimming, safety skills, foundational swim techniques
- Why She’s Great: Maria Herrera focuses on teaching children the fundamentals of open water swimming, emphasizing safety, technique, and fun. She helps young swimmers build confidence while developing the skills necessary to enjoy the ocean safely. Her coaching is ideal for families looking to introduce their children to beach swimming in a controlled, supportive environment.
- Programs Offered:
- Open water swim lessons for children
- Family swim sessions at South Beach
- Water safety workshops for kids
- Location: South Beach Swim Club, South Beach
9. Coach Alex de la Rosa – Eco Swim Miami
- Specialization: Eco-conscious swimming, environmental awareness, ocean sustainability
- Why He’s Great: Alex de la Rosa combines his passion for swimming with a commitment to ocean conservation. His coaching includes not only open water technique but also education on protecting marine ecosystems. He offers eco-friendly swim lessons that teach participants about the importance of sustainable swimming practices and how to respect the environment while training in open water.
- Programs Offered:
- Sustainable open water swim coaching
- Eco-swim clinics focused on ocean conservation
- Group swim events combined with beach clean-ups
- Location: Eco Swim Miami, Crandon Park
Conclusion
Miami is home to an impressive selection of open water swim coaches, each offering unique programs tailored to different skill levels and needs. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build confidence in the ocean, an advanced athlete preparing for a triathlon, or someone interested in eco-conscious swimming, these top coaches can help you achieve your goals. Training with a knowledgeable coach will not only improve your swimming performance but also ensure you swim safely and confidently in Miami’s beautiful ocean waters.
FAQs Section
- What should I look for in an open water swim coach?
- Look for a coach with experience in ocean swimming, a strong focus on safety, and a coaching style that matches your learning preferences and goals.
- Do I need experience to train with an open water coach?
- No, many coaches specialize in working with beginners and will help you build confidence and technique in open water.
- What equipment do I need for open water swim training?
- Basic gear includes a swimsuit, goggles, and swim cap. Depending on the water temperature, you might also need a wetsuit. Coaches may provide additional gear like buoys or safety floats.
- Can I join group swim sessions with these coaches?
- Yes, many of the coaches offer group training sessions that allow swimmers to practice in a more social and supportive environment.
- How often should I train for an open water event?
- This depends on your goals and fitness level, but most coaches recommend at least 2-3 open water sessions per week, especially in the lead-up to an event.
