Meet New Odyssey Open Water Swimmer Darien (Dar)!

Every open water swimmer starts somewhere. Darien (Dar), 28, wanted to try swimming outside of a pool. After hearing about Odyssey Water Swimming from his step-dad, his mother, Alexis, researched Odyssey to learn more. “The website was really informative and it looked like a great organization,” says Alexis. She reached out to Jeff on the Odyssey team, who answered questions and helped Alexis and Dar feel comfortable with trying it out. 

Dar has now been on two swims with Odyssey through our weekly Berkeley swims and says that he is “still learning to build my confidence to get out farther.” Dar is coming back for his third swim with Odyssey this Sunday. Berkeley swims are open for swimmers of all experience levels, and can be from .5 to 2 miles depending on the swimmer’s preferences, comfort level, and abilities. “It’s been such a wonderful experience,” says Alexis. “Everyone has been super encouraging! We love Coach Connie and Christina!” 

All new open water swimmers experience some fear as they transition from the pool to the sea. When asked what has been the scariest part about swimming in the open, Dar says, “Being by myself, but the coaches said they’re going to help me get an angel.” For Dar’s mother Alexis, the scariest part is having Dar be by himself and not being able to reach him from the shore. 

When it comes to what excites him about swimming in the open water, Dar says, “Being in the Bay that can take me all around the world.” Dar’s ultimate goal as an open water swimmer is to swim from Alcatraz. Asked what advice he would give to other people considering swimming in the open water, Dar says, “Like Nike says, ‘Just Do it.’” 

Keep swimming, Dar!

Learn more about weekly Berkeley swims with Odyssey Open Water Swimming here!