By Craig Lewin, Endurance Swimming
Photo credits: Helen Cogan
The second annual Beyond The Breakers summit made waves on Saturday November 8th at Bentley University, drawing a capacity crowd of swimmers, coaches, and legends from across the U.S. and worldwide.
Created and hosted by USMS Certified Coach Craig Lewin of Endurance Swimming, the event delivered a full day of high-impact learning and inspiration, highlighted by four-time Olympic gold medalist Lenny Krayzelburg, who shared insights into his swim journey and how it led him to the open water.
The speaker lineup also featured many of the sport’s most respected voices, including expert swim technician Glenn Mills, elite strength coach Dan Daly, marine biologist Dr. Greg Skomal, psychologist Dr. Laurie Craigen and WOWSA Executive Director Quinn Fitzgerald. Attendees also gained valuable technical and coaching expertise from Bob Fernald, Charlotte Brynn, Adina O'Neill and Elaine Howley, whose contributions grounded the event in the deep knowledge of local leaders shaping the sport every day.
Marathon swimming icon Sarah Thomas delivered an emotional highlight of the day, while acclaimed author Glenn Stout closed the event with powerful storytelling about Trudy Ederle's historic English Channel Swim!
Beyond The Breakers once again gathered Olympians, scientists, coaches, and community leaders—fostering a welcoming, engaging atmosphere that’s steadily becoming a go-to summit for the open water community.
Participant Testimonials:
"Beyond the Breakers 2025 was an amazing event that captivated the attention of not only beginner open-water swimmers but seasoned athletes as well. Their guest speakers from around the world provided an in-depth understanding and knowledge of their respective fields. I truly enjoyed every aspect of this event. Going to Beyond the Breakers is a must for all open-water swimmers.”
-Pat Gallant-Charette
International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, Honor Swimmer
"What made the conference special was the one hundred attendees who shared their passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to an open water swimming community that understands and enjoys the power of the ocean."
-Jeff Barile
"As someone relatively new to Marathon/Long-Distance OW swims, this was the perfect day to hear stories, learn more about this world, and meet a lot of great people. The presentations and conversations were insightful and memorable."
-Bernie D
Planning is already underway for Beyond The Breakers 2026 on November 14th, promising another unforgettable day dedicated to the sport we love.
Craig Lewin is the founder of Endurance Swimming and creator/host of the Beyond The Breakers summit, dedicated to empowering open-water athletes at every level. With extensive experience coaching triathletes and marathon swimmers—across online platforms and ocean group sessions—he blends technique, strategy, and inspiration to lead swimmers to breakthrough performances.
