Many swimmers believe getting older means getting slower. My experience as both a coach and athlete has shown the opposite can be true. In this article, I share how smarter training, strength work, recovery, and technique have helped me continue improving after 40—and how these same principles can help Masters and adult swimmers reach new personal bests.
Read MoreWhat started as a 28.5-mile swim around Manhattan became something far more emotional and unexpected. In this documentary, Dan Daly reflects on endurance, fear, mentorship, open water swimming, and the powerful moment a younger swimmer realized he might one day attempt the challenge himself.
Read MoreThe secret isn't natural talent—it's breaking down this challenging stroke into manageable components. Butterfly swimming combines powerful undulation, properly timed dolphin kicks, and synchronized arm movements to create swimming's most beautiful stroke. While many swimmers struggle with exhaustion or poor technique, my step-by-step approach builds both the skills and confidence needed to swim butterfly effectively. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your technique, these proven methods will transform your butterfly from a struggle into a stroke you truly enjoy.
Read MoreSwimmers don’t get faster by chasing fatigue on land. They get faster by learning how to organize force. This guide breaks down the theory behind bodyweight training for swimmers, explaining how dryland improves coordination, shoulder stability, and lower-body power — and why bodyweight work often transfers better than traditional strength training.
Read MoreTraining for the swim leg of a triathlon? This guide covers everything from structured swim workouts for triathletes to real-world tips for open water success. You’ll learn how to train swimming for triathlon with drills, technique sets, and threshold workouts designed to build endurance and speed. With coaching insights and supporting video content, you’ll gain the confidence to tackle any swim triathlon event—from sprints to 70.3 distances. Whether you're a beginner learning to swim for triathlon or a seasoned athlete fine-tuning race pace, this coach-approved swim plan will help you get there.
Read MoreKnowing your race pace—and how to train it—is what separates strong finishers from swimmers who fade halfway through a race. In this guide, Coach Dan Daly, CSCS, breaks down how to calculate your ideal pace, train it effectively, and adapt it for open water. Learn how stroke tempo, endurance sets, and data-driven tools can help you swim faster and more efficiently.
Read MoreSwimming isn’t just cardio—it’s one of the most effective full-body workouts you can do. Every stroke activates major muscle groups across your shoulders, core, and legs, building strength, power, and endurance without the joint strain of land-based training.
In this full-body breakdown, Coach Dan Daly explains exactly what muscles swimming works—stroke by stroke—and how to train them both in and out of the pool. From lats and deltoids to glutes and core stabilizers, you’ll learn how to strengthen the key movers that drive faster, more efficient swimming.
Read MoreThe flutter kick looks simple, but mastering it can transform your swimming. Done correctly, it lifts your hips, reduces drag, and adds real propulsion to your stroke. Out of the pool, the same motion builds stronger abs and hip stability. In this guide, I’ll walk you through proper flutter kick form, muscles worked, and key drills to make your kick more efficient – whether you’re chasing faster race times or a stronger core.
Read MoreOn September 10, 2025, I completed my solo Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, covering the 28.5-mile current assisted marathon swim distance in 7 hours and 35 minutes. After years of coaching and crewing this event, I finally took on the challenge myself. From the fast chop of the East River to the long Harlem and the powerful Hudson, the day was a test of rhythm, patience, and resilience — the true essence of marathon swimming.
Read More
