Beyond The Breakers 2026: Olympic Legend Rowdy Gaines Headlines The Must-Attend Open Water Swimming Summit

August 1, 2026

Third Annual Event at Bentley University Features Legendary Keynote, Brand-New Swim Clinic, and a Full Day Built for Every Aspect of Open Water Swimming

Waltham, MA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – On November 14, 2026, Beyond The Breakers returns to Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts for its third annual open water swimming summit, and this year’s event features the most significant keynote in the event’s history.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist, ten-time world record holder, and Sports swimming analyst Rowdy Gaines has been named the keynote speaker for Beyond The Breakers 2026. A member of both the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, Gaines is one of the sport’s most celebrated voices; and on November 14th, Gaines will bring that voice to the BTB stage.

“We built Beyond The Breakers to give the open water community access to the world-class voices that have shaped this sport,” said Craig Lewin, Founder of Beyond The Breakers. “Rowdy is the definition of that. November 14th is going to be a day people talk about for a long time.”

A Full Day of World-Class Programming

Beyond the keynote, the 2026 lineup features new and returning speakers spanning open water technique, race strategy, nutrition, injury prevention, strength training, marine science, ice swimming, triathlon, safety, and more. The full speaker list and agenda are set and can be found at swimbeyondthebreakers.com. The event is designed for everyone from first-time open water swimmers to veterans chasing channel crossings, support crew, race directors and anyone else who love the open water world.

Introducing the BTB In-Water Swim Clinic

New for 2026, Beyond The Breakers extends the weekend into the water with the inaugural BTB Swim Clinic on November 15th at the Bentley University. The three-hour small-group session pairs swimmers with elite coaches for personalized stroke work, targeted drills, open water skills, and race strategy. Saturday you learn it. Sunday you swim it.

Clinic spots are strictly limited.

Tickets

Multiple ticket tiers are available, from student rates to the All Access VIP experience, ensuring every swimmer can participate at a level that fits their needs and budget. Early Bird pricing ends August 31, 2026. All ticket prices increase September 1st. Secure your spot now at www.swimbeyondthebreakers.com/tickets.

2026 Partners

• Platinum: Endurance Swimming, LLC.
• Gold: dryrobe®, Pacific Open Water Swim Co.
• Silver: THEMAGIC5, Massachusetts Open Water Swimming Association (MOWSA)
• Partners: SwimTrek, Trihard, Sports RDPro, San Diego Triple Crown

Event Details

Summit: November 14, 2026 | Clinic: November 15, 2026 Location: Bentley University, Waltham, Massachusetts Tickets: www.swimbeyondthebreakers.com/tickets

About Beyond The Breakers Hosted by Endurance Swimming, LLC, Beyond The Breakers is an annual open water swimming summit uniting athletes, coaches, researchers, and event organizers through education, innovation, and community. Now in its third year, it has established itself as the leading open water swimming event in New England.

Media Contact: Craig Lewin | Endurance Swimming, LLC. 617-771-0454 | craig@enduranceswimming.com www.swimbeyondthebreakers.com