You can't go wrong having Suzie teach or coach you, or joining her for a swimming adventure in Greece. Suzie is the most positive, welcoming, helpful, open-to-sharing her knowledge swimmer that I know. And she has quite a bit of knowledge, going all the way back to her childhood as a successful age-group swimmer in pools up in Marin and joining the Dolphin Club and focusing on open water swimming as a young adult a few decades ago. She's also been teaching and coaching swimming, in pools, bays and oceans for the past couple decades. I've swum with Suzie in San Francisco Bay, kayaked next to her when she swam across the Catalina Channel 14 years ago and now have swum with her in various swim spots she has identified as good for us open water types on the Grecian island of Paros. I learn from Suzie every time, about swimming more efficiently or swimming safely and well in open water - and in Greece, I learned a lot about the island she has come to know like a native. Suzie truly loves to swim, and also loves to share that with others, beginners and experienced swimmers alike. In need of a jumpstart to "get back in the water," I finally made the time to join her in Greece, and am so glad I did! I look forward to Suzie's continued influence on my swimming, and would return to Greece with her in a heartbeat to swim and trek around Paros. read more

Suzie completely transformed how I feel about swimming and I can't recommend her enough as a swim coach for all ages and ability levels! When I first met Suzie, I had just learned how to swim as an adult and was scared of deep water but needed to figure out how to survive a 1.2 mile open water swim. She coached me through a terrifying introduction to Aquatic Park with a steadiness that made me feel the smallest sense of confidence in deep water for the first time. After a few more sessions, I felt comfortable in the water and knew I had a set of tools to draw on for different conditions. The 1.2 miler went so smoothly, and I not only felt confident throughout but was also at ease enough to thoroughly enjoy it. I thought my interest in swimming would stop there, but I later joined one of Suzie's week-long Greece trips in May 2025 and it made me LOVE swimming. The week is packed with beautiful (and chill) swims, relaxed hikes, and great vibes. Suzie takes care of everything and thoughtfully coaches everyone in the water at their own pace. Our group was already talking about doing the same trip next year before it was over. tl;dr just go swim with Suzie whether it's in a pool, the Bay, or Greece! read more

Before my dad passed, he gave me one simple piece of advice: "When I die, go find a beautiful beach to cry on--because everything's better at the beach." So six months later, I took that to heart and found myself on the magical island of Paros, Greece. What I discovered wasn't just a beach--it was an unforgettable experience, thanks to Suzie Dods and her extraordinary swim camp. From the moment I arrived, everything felt special. We stayed at a charming, locally owned hotel just a short stroll from the most stunning, crystal-clear swim spots. The week was perfectly balanced between adventure, culture, and connection. Picture swimming through turquoise waters, hiking breathtaking coastal trails, learning Greek cooking from locals, and exploring Antiparos and other hidden treasures most tourists never see. Suzie's camp is more than a swim retreat--it's a deep dive into the heart of Greece and a reminder of how healing and joyful travel can be. It's ideal for anyone looking for meaning and movement in a beautiful place, far from the party scene. I came to cry at the beach, but instead found joy, peace, and overwhelming gratitude. I think my dad would agree: this was the perfect place to land. read more

Suzie is the absolute best. My mom and I joined her for one of her Paros Greek swim excursion weeks -- it was everything we wanted and more. We left the trip with tangible things to work on our (newly improved) stroke, several swims per day in different places around the island, instruction + confidence building around safety in open-water and at night. She really met us both where we were in terms of comfort, ability, and speed and acclimation the cold water. Not to mention, she is a joy to be around and very knowledge about the island, Greek culture, and of course the open-water swimming community worldwide. I will (and have) referred friends to her for swim instruction in the Bay Area for both pool and open water training and she will be my go-to as a prepare for upcoming races and challenges. If you're thinking of joining her Greek trip---absolutely do it, she creates just the right welcoming and supportive environment to dive head first into an adventure of a lifetime. read more

Suzie is wonderful. I had taken swim lessons as a kid, but honestly barely could swim, so I googled and found Suzie. I started by going to her pool classes, and after 1-2 sessions I had some skills to practice on my own. I kept improving and ultimately went on a Greece trip with her to improve my open water swimming! I've even participated in open water swim races now. One of the best things about Suzie is that she can teach people all of all levels and ages. she knows how to prioritize what's important at any level - ensuring you're safe, practicing different strokes and positions, improving your sighting, and even giving tips on how to stay warm etc. She is rigorous but I never felt overwhelmed. Most of all it is fun! (Also she has a very impressive open water swimming resume herself, having swum the english channel :) ) read more

I'm so grateful for everything Suzie has done for me. When I started working with her, I was struggling with my stroke and wasn't at the level I needed to be to pass the Regional Ocean Lifeguard Academy. Suzie really took the time to break down my technique, helped me increase my pace, and customized a "run-swim-run" program that worked for me. Her coaching is incredibly thorough, and she genuinely cares about your progress. I became a much stronger swimmer because of her, both physically and mentally--all while having fun. Thanks to her, I passed the academy and continue to work with her on ocean swimming and lifeguarding. If you're serious about improving your swimming and want to have fun while doing it, Suzie is the coach you need! read more

I had the good fortune to join one of three May 2025 small group stays on the Island of Paros, Greece with famed U.S. swim coach Suzie Dods. Group stays at the lovely Studios Margarite were filled with open water swims in the gentle Aegean waters, delicious meals, walking and hiking, cooking lessons and touring sites on the Cyclades Islands. Suzie Dods is a super tour guide and made our daily trips on and off the island of Paros scenic, fun and interesting. Suzie drove us to historic sites and knowledably discussed highlights such as museums and archeological sites. We visited charming towns and shops with local goods, as well as local artisans. A travel opportunity not to be missed! Suzie can be reached at suziedodsswimcoaching.com. read more

Suzie was my masters swim coach years ago and I had hoped to go with her in 2020 to the Paros, Greece Swim Adventure she has organized for years. Alas, Covid hit that year, but this year I finally made it! Small groups and very comfortable accommodations - a relaxed, laid back vibe. We swam every morn before delicious bfast and had a wide range of open water swimming experience(my first!) among us. Suzie supported everyone! Open Water swimming in the Aegean was an amazing experience but Suzie also organized great hikes, historic sites, and cultural adventures to do and see, as well - all in a very low-key environment. Great food plus a cooking class to boot! A wonderful affordable getaway on a beautiful, low-tourist island! read more

I have been swimming for my entire life. A few years ago I was going through chemo and heard that cold water swimming helped reduce the effects of the chemo. I reached out to Suzie to ask her to help me acclimate to the cold water. She was wonderfully supportive and helpful. She met with me prior to the start of chemo and then each week would swim with me prior to my treatment. She is knowledgeable and fun and just the person needed to help learn about the bay and open water swimming. Her pedigree is amazing and she is so low key. There is no pressure to do anything you don't to do. She is gently encouraging and because of that I have fallen in love with open water swimming. read more

This lady is a fantastic swim coach, extremely knowledgeable and patient. Finds ways to describe strokes that make perfect sense to young and old . She corrected my crawl and my butterfly, both of which I'd been doing inefficiently for 50 years. She leads these fun, educational and intrepid open water swimming getaways in Greece , co-hosted by the fabulous proprietor and cook (and cooking instructor) Stella at the Margarita hotel in Paros. Cannot say enough good things about both of them or that gorgeous island. You don't need to be a good swimmer, or cook, or even look good in a bathing suit - just go, relax and enjoy the adventure. read more

If you want someone who is knowledgeable, supportive, passionate about swimming at ALL levels and ages and in all types of water--pool, open water, marathon swimming, Suzie has the experience and expertise. She loves supporting swimmers at whatever level they are at and bring to the water--non swimmers, fear of swimming, injured, to competitive athletes. Suzie is patient and passes on her passion and joy of swimming to others which will certainly bring a smile your face. She has unselfishly shared her knowledge in the long distance swimming/marathon swim world with me and has been an immense support system. High recommend!!! read more

Suzie is an extraordinary swim coach. She somehow manages to both meet me where I'm at and push me to get better. She has a million eyes when she's on deck, watching everyone and giving us all precise, understandable suggestions. Her group workouts are fun and interesting, with a great mix of drills, tips, and endurance training. She does all this with kindness and a light touch--perfection! read more

Suzie is a gifted coach for swimmers of all levels. She's very humble about her own swimming accomplishments, which are many, and does a great job of sharing her love of open water. She's really good at breaking down the process of sighting, stroke technique, safety, as well as feeling comfortable in the water, and assuaging any fears might have of swimming in the ocean. 5 Stars. read more

Have just returned from Paros after a fantastic week with Suzie. It was an amazing week and my swimming and confidence in the sea have improved more than I could have wished for . Suzie is so patient and kind and made sure we all had a fabulous time. I loved all the day trips , the cooking lesson the walks and exploring new beaches . I would go back to Paros with Suzie . read more