Beyond The Breakers

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: JULIA BROOKSHIRE

Thousands of swimmers. 26 open water charity events. 26 different bodies of water. Over $150 million raised for cancer research. One person responsible for making sure every swimmer gets home safely.

Julia Brookshire is the Director of Safety and Risk Management for Swim Across America. She is a lifelong swimmer, certified lifeguard instructor, open water lifeguard, and certified water rescue technician. She is also a cancer survivor who understands the purpose behind every stroke.

At BTB 2026, Julia's session covers what every open water swimmer can actually do to keep themselves, and the people supporting them, safer. She will also join the Massachusetts Open Water Swimming Association Open Water Safety Panel for a broader conversation on the safety challenges facing our sport.

If you swim in open water, this is a session you cannot skip.

November 14, 2026 · Bentley University · Waltham, MA

🎟 Link in bio.

LAST CALL.

Ticket prices go up at MIDNIGHT!

If you've been thinking about joining us at Beyond The Breakers, this is your moment.

For the swimmers who chase bigger challenges.
For the coaches who want to keep learning.
For the crew who knows what it takes to get someone through the tough miles.
For the people who love the water.

You belong here.

One community. One weekend. A whole lot of knowledge, grit, and people who understand why we do this.

🎟️ Lock in your ticket at the current price before midnight.

Nov. 14–15, 2026
📍 Bentley University • Waltham, MA

Tomorrow, the price changes. Today, you get in.

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: ADINA O'NEILL

Not everyone starts as an elite swimmer. And that's the whole point.

Adina O'Neill is a coach, author of "Forward Is A Pace," and founder of Team B*REAL — an endurance community built for athletes of any size, color, identity, age, and ability. She swims year-round at Nantasket Beach in Massachusetts and has completed ice swims, marathon swims, Ironman events, and multiple international races.

At BTB 2026, Adina presents Open Water 101 — the session built for anyone who has ever thought about getting in the open water but didn't know where to start.

November 14, 2026 · Bentley University · Waltham, MA

Prices go up September 1. 🎟 Link in bio.

2 DAYS LEFT.

THIS TUESDAY, the price goes up!

If you’ve been telling yourself “I’ll get around to it”—this is your sign.

Beyond The Breakers is for the people who choose the open water. The ones who chase bigger swims, rougher conditions, longer days, the support teams, the event directors, the coaches and everyone who just loves the open water!

Come sharpen your skills. Meet your people. Get inspired. Find out what you’re capable of.

Two days. Then the price changes.

Don’t wait. Get in.

🎟️ Nov. 14–15, 2026 | Bentley University



Will we see you there?

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: CHARLOTTE BRYNN

75+ marathon swims. The Catalina Channel. The 32-mile length of Lake George. Around Atlantic City. Named one of the 50 Most Adventurous Open Water Women by WOWSA four times.

Charlotte Brynn grew up swimming in the glacial lakes of New Zealand and has dedicated her life to helping others find their place in open water. She runs The Swimming Hole community pool in Vermont and BRYNNSWIM open water coaching company.

At BTB 2026, Charlotte joins Bob Fernald for a co-presentation on the ins and outs of swim training — from the technique that actually moves the needle to writing effective workouts built around your specific goals. Whether you're a beginner or chasing your next channel, this session is for you.

November 14, 2026 · Bentley University · Waltham, MA

Prices go up September 1. 🎟 Link in bio.

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: DR. LAURIE CRAIGEN

What if fear wasn't something to push through — but something to swim with?

Dr. Laurie Craigen is a therapist, professor of psychiatry, performance psychologist, and Triple Crown open water swimmer. She has spent two decades helping high-achievers understand their fears and use them as fuel.

At BTB 2026, she introduces a practical model for building a new relationship with fear — using open water swimming as the backdrop. This isn't just for swimmers. It's for anyone who has ever stood at the edge of something hard and wondered if they could do it.

November 14, 2026 · Bentley University · Waltham, MA

Prices go up September 1. 🎟 Link in bio.

3 DAYS LEFT!

Prices go up this Tuesday, across all Beyond The Breakers tickets.

If you’ve been thinking about joining the open water community this November, now’s the time to commit. Come for the knowledge. Stay for the people. Leave ready to take on whatever the water throws at you.

Don’t wait for the price to change. Lock in your spot now.

🌊 Nov. 14–15, 2026 | Bentley University

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: BOB FERNALD

Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming. English Channel. Manhattan Island. Catalina Channel. Combined debut times that made him the 10th fastest in history in 2016.

Bob Fernald is a native New Hampshire open water swimmer, adult-onset swimmer turned world-class competitor, coach, and event coordinator who helps everyone from 6-year-olds to 72-year-olds find their love of the water. New England USMS Hall of Famer.

At BTB 2026, Bob co-presents with Charlotte Brynn on the ins and outs of swim training — from the technique that actually makes you faster to how to write workouts that work for your goals. If you've ever wondered what's actually moving the needle in your training, this is the session.

November 14, 2026 · Bentley University · Waltham, MA

Prices go up September 1. 🎟 Link in bio.

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: SUMMER WESSON

50+ Catalina Channel crossings supported. First documented double crossing from Cancun to Isla Mujeres and back. SDOWSA board member.

Summer Wesson has been on the water, in a kayak and as a swimmer, for some of the most demanding open water routes around. She knows what swimmers need from their support crew, and she knows what most kayakers get wrong.

At BTB 2026, Summer joins Dan Simonelli to break down what great kayak support actually looks like.

November 14, 2026 · Bentley University · Waltham, MA

Prices go up September 1. 🎟 Link in bio.