Closing Out the Season: Winning the French Creek Racing Fall SwimFest 5k at Hopewell Lake

Closing Out the Season: Winning the French Creek Racing Fall SwimFest 5k at Hopewell Lake

Coach Dan Daly closes out his 2025 open water season with a first-place finish at the French Creek Racing Fall SwimFest 5K at Hopewell Lake. In this recap, he shares what makes Hopewell Lake swimming such a special experience — from the calm, scenic waters to the strong community behind French Creek Racing. Learn about the race conditions, key takeaways from the season, and how Dan is transitioning from open water endurance to pool speed training this winter.

Read More

Manhattan Island Marathon Swim: My 7 Hour 35 Minute Journey

Manhattan Island Marathon Swim: My 7 Hour 35 Minute Journey

On 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

Join Me in the Open Water: Open Water Swimming Events 2025

Join Me in the Open Water: Open Water Swimming Events 2025

Swim with Coach Dan Daly for a season of unforgettable races across NYC and the Northeast — including the UrbanSwim: PRIDE and Liberty to Freedom swims, Lake George, and a solo 28.5-mile Manhattan Island Marathon. Whether you’re new to open water or looking to level up, these events offer the perfect mix of challenge, community, and coaching support. Explore the full race calendar, get inspired by past performances, and find out how to train smart and swim strong this season.

Read More

How to Swim Long Distance with Better Technique

How to Swim Long Distance with Better Technique

Mastering long-distance swimming isn’t just about endurance—it’s about technique, pacing, and mental strength. As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, I’ve coached athletes from local events to Olympic trials, refining their stroke efficiency, breathing patterns, and training plans. In this guide, I’ll share expert tips on improving body position, increasing distance per stroke, and building stamina through structured workouts. Whether you're preparing for a 5K swim or just want to swim farther with less effort, these proven strategies will help you conquer long-distance swimming with confidence.

Read More

How to Safely Prepare for Cold Water Swims: A Guide to Acclimatization

How to Safely Prepare for Cold Water Swims: A Guide to Acclimatization

Preparing for cold water swims like the English Channel or North Channel requires not only mental toughness but also proper cold water acclimatization. This blog explores the science behind how your body adapts to frigid water, practical training tips, and insights from both scientific studies and experienced swimmers. Learn how to build endurance, stay safe, and avoid cramping during long cold water swims. Whether you're preparing for an iconic swim or your first cold water event, this guide covers everything you need to know for safe and effective preparation.

Read More