about us

Founded in 2013 by local athlete and swim coach Warren Wallace, Odyssey Open Water Swimming began as a quest to explore open water swimming in the East Bay. Warren’s passion quickly gathered others seeking the same experience, and Odyssey Open Water Swimming was born. Since then, Odyssey has organized hundreds of swims and escorted thousands of swimmers safely on iconic events such as the Alcatraz crossing, Bridge to Bridge, and more. We implement a full slate of safety protocols– approved by the Coast Guard– to ensure that each swim adheres to the highest standard of safety and professionalism. Every detail of every swim is meticulously planned, coordinated, and implemented to help you reach your goals or cross off that bucket list item.

From our iconic Alcatraz Crossing & Bridge to Bridge events, to swimmer-focused training and technique clinics, Odyssey offers a complete approach to swimming in the Bay. In East Bay, our weekly community swims have become a cherished tradition. Where each week, our highly experienced and open water certified coaches guide hundreds of swimmers around a buoy marked and safety supported course. Whether you’re new to our sport or getting ready for a channel crossing, we have the professionals to help.