The Class of 2026: OpenWater Performance Camp
Each year, the Newport Aquatic Center hosts the OpenWater Performance Camp, a week-long training for participants who train for a solo crossing from Catalina Island to Huntington Beach on Veterans’ Day. The ten participants are either Active-Duty Military, Veterans, First Responders, or spouses.
Participants are challenged to do hard things, whether that is an early morning workout, paddle miles around back bay on a stand-up paddleboard or prone board, or learn how to paddle in open ocean with an outrigger canoe. Sessions include training on breathwork and CO2 tolerance, as well as lectures on sleep, nutrition, and fitness.
Each participant chooses if they would like to complete the Channel Crossing on a stand-up paddle board or on a prone board. From there, they begin their approximately 20 weeks training.
Since its inception in 2019, OpenWater has been dedicated to the health and wellness of every First Responder and Veteran through unique training programs, fellowship, and open water experiences. The annual Performance Camp brings together a new cohort of participants who have never crossed the Catalina channel and will complete it this November during OpenWater’s flagship event: the Veteran’s Day Channel Crossing.
The Veteran’s Day Channel Crossing is a major milestone for the organization. It was created to shine awareness on the mental health of those who serve, advocating for healing and fellowship.
The need is urgent. Over 30% of First Responders experience mental health conditions related to Post Traumatic Stress and Depression. Through the medium of the water, community and conversation offer a path towards healing
PADDLE, PADDLE, PADDLE
From the Oregon coast to North Carolina, Southern California to Virginia Beach, this year’s cohort of participants span from across the country. Their diversity of location and career only brings them closer together as they experience all that this week has in store for them.
At the NAC, they spend hours on the water learning how to use the different boards, running drills, and mastering new skills, sometimes getting a little wet in the process.
“Each year the Class is a little different, and we enjoy getting to know everyone and watching them progress throughout the week–and beyond,” explains Whitney Erickson, the Executive Director of OpenWater. “The Class of ‘26 has shown us the value in returning to play, fun, and joy as adults. And what better place to do that than the water.”
The ten participants forge bonds of fellowship, bonds that will only be strengthened in November when they cross the channel – together.
CORE COMPONENT: ACTIVE MENTORSHIP
A core pillar of OpenWater’s approach is incorporating mentors into the program. These are seasoned folks who have previously completed the crossing with OpenWater, now providing support and encouragement to the new participants. The mentors are also Veterans, First Responders, or spouses and local members of the paddle community who have returned to pour into the next class of paddlers and push them to November.
“Our mentors are as diverse as our participants, with one thing for sure in common–the Channel Crossing made an impact on them and they want to be a part of someone else’s journey. They choose to return to the program and support the next group across because they have experienced the benefit of this program first hand and want to be a part of sharing the mission with others,” Whitney Erickson says.
COLLABORATION WITH THE NEWPORT AQUATIC CENTER
For years, the NAC has partnered with OpenWater by providing the space to run programs and train participants. The NAC has fostered a home for OpenWater to build community and fellowship amongst Active-Duty Military, Veterans, First Responders, and their families, resulting in incredible healing, camaraderie, and impact.
“OpenWater is so grateful to call NAC our home, we are able to serve and connect with so many more people thanks to their partnership and generosity,” said Whitney Erickson.
Annually, the NAC is home to OpenWater’s Women’s Program, the Memorial Day paddle race, Performance Camp, and so many other endeavors.
All of us at OpenWater have a deep gratitude for the Newport Aquatic Center and are honored to partner together, stewarding the beautiful back bay, facility, and community that we have found here.