BUOYOND - Introduction by Zineb and Michael

• Mental Health Zineb shared her motivation mechanisms and personal perspective.
• Start-Ups Michael provided insights into building and scaling sports start-ups.
• Open Water Swimming How mental health and start-up thinking intersect in open water swimming.

CSS-training with FORM
Critical Swim Speed (CSS) training with FORM goggles introduces a new approach to swim training. Traditionally, VO₂max and speed work are done with fixed paces and split times planned before the session starts. With FORM goggles, swimmers can interact with their Critical Swim Speed during the session. For example, after each flip turn, the swimmer checks the split time. If the split ends in 0, 1, or 2, they swim the next length slightly below their personal CSS. If it ends in 7, 8, or 9, they swim faster. This creates a random, game-like element in training that demands constant focus. As a result, swimmers must concentrate, listen to their bodies, and make real-time decisions. The session can then be analysed afterwards, both physically and mentally. Zineb described this approach as having a strong positive impact on mental engagement and awareness during training.

Endurance athletes know the state of “flow” — now let’s talk about how to reach it. Once you are in flow, performance feels effortless: pace stabilises, the heart rate drops, and movement becomes natural. The challenge is that flow is difficult to reproduce on demand.

Michael will share how he motivates himself to enter this state, including how he swam himself into flow during a 10 km open-water race in Montenegro at an ultraswim 33.3 race. From there, the discussion opens to the idea of AI-based music as a possible tool to support flow during training and racing.

• Mental Flow is primarily a mental state, built on focus, trust, and awareness.
• Getting into flow It is difficult to repeat deliberately — what works once may not work the same way again.
• AI-based music AI-generated music is constantly evolving rather than repeating the same patterns.

AI-based music evolves subtly over time and can be adapted to personal preferences, emotional states, and training goals. This creates a dynamic sound environment that may help athletes enter the right mindset for "the flow".

👉 SwimTheSahara Song 👉 Individual Playlist (nearly the same lyrics, different genres)

Arrivals in Casablanca (CMN Airport) Participants arrive at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN).
Recommended transfer to Downtown Casablanca:

• Taxi (airport official taxis)
• Train (Airport train → Casa Voyageurs or Casa Port)
• Private transfer (optional add-on) for comfort + smooth logistics

✅ Recommended area to stay: Downtown Casablanca
📍 Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gg4YBprNNFyQDUs96 11:00 | Hotel Check-in / Drop Luggage 3 nearby options:

• 3★ ibis Casablanca City Center
• 4.5★ Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche
• 5★ Royal Mansour Casablanca Hotel (27 Avenue des Forces Armées Royales)

What to do before the meeting:

• Shower / change
• Light snack & hydration
• Bring: sunglasses, walking shoes, light jacket, small backpack

12:00 – 13:15 | First Official Meeting + Guided Tour Hassan II Mosque — 12:00 PM Meet Zineb & Michael for a paid guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque.
⏳ Duration: ~ 1 hour
Tour includes:

• Prayer Hall
• Minaret Hall
• Ablution Hall

✅ Tips for participants:

• Comfortable outfit respectful for the visit
• Arrive 10 minutes early to avoid missing the group

13:30 – 15:00 | Lunch (Downtown / Corniche area) We recommend choosing one style (depending on the group):

• Healthy casual lunch (salads / protein / hydration)
• Moroccan lunch (tagine / grilled fish / fresh juices)
• Quick business lunch (if the group prefers to start discussions early)

15:15 – 16:00 | Walk & Talk + Team Connection (depending on the weather) Possible locations:

• El Hank Lighthouse
• Moroccan Tea Room (At Hassan)
• Piscine Tahiti Beach Club

16:15 – 17:00 | Workshop / Discussion Topics (Group Session)

• Elevator Pitch: Who am I and what audience do I want to reach?
• Communication Strategy: What is the best approach during this camp to create impact?
• Pros & Cons: What works / what to improve (real feedback culture)
• Leadership Focus: Lead in a way that aligns the team rather than overwhelms it — what do I want to achieve?

17:00 – 18:30 | Swimming Session (Pool Training) 📍 Piscine Couverte Olympique Mohammed V
Focus:

• Light endurance
• Technique check
• Travel recovery swim
• Team pace introduction

✅ Participants bring:

• Swimwear + goggles
• Towel
• Hydration
• Optional swim cap

19:30 – 21:30 | Dinner + Early Recovery Dinner together (group bonding + light meal). After dinner:

• Quick briefing for Day 2
• Early sleep (important to recover)

08:00 – 09:00 | Breakfast + Morning Check-in Group breakfast (or individual depending on hotels). Quick check-in:

• Energy level
• Travel fatigue
• Goals for the day

09:30 – 11:30 | Swimming Session (Pool — Technique & Endurance) Focus:

• Breathing control
• Stroke efficiency
• Pacing & endurance building
• Confidence training for open-water days

✅ Optional group split:

• Beginner / comfort group
• Intermediate
• Performance group

12:00 – 13:00 | Recovery + Mobility

• Stretching
• Light strength / activation
• Injury prevention
• Hydration plan

13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch (Recovery-focused) Style recommended:

• Grilled protein + carbs
• Fruits + hydration
• Avoid heavy fried meals

15:00 – 16:30 | Strategic Session (Communication & Mindset) Topics:

• Personal positioning (who you are + what you stand for)
• Building your story during the camp (photo/video presence)
• Speaking to media / sponsors (simple & strong message)
• Teamwork under pressure

✅ Output of this session: Every participant leaves with a clear sentence they can repeat confidently. 17:00 – 18:30 | Casablanca Lifestyle Moment (Optional) Depending on the mood + weather:

• Corniche walk
• Café moment
• Ocean sunset photos

19:30 – 21:00 | Dinner + Briefing for Travel Day Final briefing before Dakhla:

• Flight timing + airport arrival recommendation
• Luggage checklist
• Swim gear checklist
• Hydration & sleep rules

06:30 – 08:30 | Check-out + Transfer to Airport ✅ Recommended:

• Airport arrival 2 hours before flight
• Keep swim essentials in hand luggage (goggles, swimsuit, small nutrition)

Morning | Flight: Casablanca (CMN) → Dakhla (VIL) 8:25 Nov 23rd This is the official transfer day to the Sahara destination.
✅ On arrival, the team regroup and assist with:

• Baggage
• Transfers
• Check-in coordination

12:00 – 14:00 | Lunch in Dakhla Lunch at Talha Mar 15:30 – 16:30 | Dakhla Welcome Briefing (Main Camp Rules) Group meeting:

• Camp overview
• Safety rules
• Ocean/wind conditions explanation
• Daily rhythm (wake-up / meals / swims / recovery)
• Role clarity (coaches, safety, team structure)

✅ Equipment check:

• Goggles + spare
• Anti-chafing
• Sunscreen
• Electrolytes
• Wetsuit if needed

17:00 – 18:30 | Light Activation (Optional) Depending on conditions:

• Beach walk
• Mobility session
• Breathwork / mental preparation
• Short water familiarization

19:30 – 21:00 | Dinner Focus:

• Hydration
• Calm nervous system
• Sleep for performance

07:30 – 08:30 | Breakfast + Briefing Group briefing includes:

• Weather update
• Swim route explanation
• Safety plan + escort rules
• Time targets / pace groups

✅ Key part of this briefing: everyone knows exactly what happens before, during, and after the swim. 09:00 – 12:30 | Swim Session (Dakhla — Stage 1) Focus:

• Entering Sahara ocean conditions safely
• Teamwork + pacing
• Controlling breathing under wind/chop
• Hydration plan mid-session

Stage distance may vary based on package (Small / Classic / Large). 12:30 – 14:00 | Recovery Lunch + Rehydration Recovery protocol:

• Electrolyte drink
• Protein + carbs
• Stretching
• Rest

15:00 – 16:00 | Feedback Session (Coaching + Group) Quick structured feedback:

• What worked
• What needs adjustment
• Individual corrections (breathing / stroke / sighting)

16:30 – 18:00 | Free Time / Beach / Recovery Options:

• Chill at the beach
• Photos + content capture
• Nap / massage / stretching

19:30 – 21:00 | Dinner + Next-Day Planning Dinner + day recap:

• Highlights
• Mindset wins
• Tomorrow’s swim plan

Large, Classic oder Small:

• 6,5 km #SwimTheSahara Large 33 KM (6,5 – 8,5 – 13 – 5 km)
• 6,5 km #SwimTheSahara Classic 30 KM (6,5 – 8,5 – 10 – 5 km)
• 4,5 km #SwimTheSahara Small 19,5 KM (4,5 – 5,5 – 6 – 3 km)

Large, Classic oder Small:

• 8,5 km #SwimTheSahara Large 33 KM (6,5 – 8,5 – 13 – 5 km)
• 8,5 km #SwimTheSahara Classic 30 KM (6,5 – 8,5 – 10 – 5 km)
• 5,5 km #SwimTheSahara Small 19,5 KM (4,5 – 5,5 – 6 – 3 km)

Large, Classic oder Small:

• 10 km #SwimTheSahara Large 33 KM (6,5 – 8,5 – 13 – 5 km)
• 13 km #SwimTheSahara Classic 30 KM (6,5 – 8,5 – 10 – 5 km)
• 6 km #SwimTheSahara Small 19,5 KM (4,5 – 5,5 – 6 – 3 km)

16:00 – 18:00 | Massage & Spa Das Dakhla Club Hotel bietet eine breite Auswahl an Wellness- und Spa-Angeboten, darunter:

• ✅ Massage
• ✅ Sauna
• ✅ Spa-Einrichtungen
• ✅ Hammam

Kurzes strukturiertes Feedback (bisher):

• ✅ 6,5 km – Impact-Tag
• ✅ 8,5 km – Anspruchsvollster Tag
• ✅ 10 km / 13 km – Das Erreichen der Ziellinie

Large, Classic oder Small:

• 5 km #SwimTheSahara Large 33 KM (6,5 – 8,5 – 13 – 5 km)
• 5 km #SwimTheSahara Classic 30 KM (6,5 – 8,5 – 10 – 5 km)
• 3 km #SwimTheSahara Small 19,5 KM (4,5 – 5,5 – 6 – 3 km)

11:00 – 13:00 | Final Discussion Topics (Group Session)

• Elevator Pitch: How has it changed you?
• Communication Strategy: How does this camp create impact?
• Pros & Cons: What worked well / what should be improved (honest feedback culture)
• Leadership Focus: Did you achieve your goals