Before Sunrise, 12.5 Miles of Ocean, and a Father-Son Tradition

Long before the sun rises over Key West, swimmers and kayakers begin gathering along the shoreline. The water is still dark. Conversations are quiet but excited. As the first hints of daylight appear, dozens of competitors ease into the ocean, waiting for the start of one of the country's most iconic open water events.

For YMCA of Greenwich Masters swimmer Simon Bound, that moment never gets old.

This June, Simon joined fellow YMCA members Sandi Honey, Ashley Honey, and Steffen Doyle to take on the 50th Annual Swim Around Key West, a 12.5-mile circumnavigation of the island. While completing a swim of that distance is remarkable on its own, for Simon it has become something even more meaningful.

"I love the freedom of open water swimming," he said. "I've now completed the Swim Around Key West four times."

Each year, his eldest son, Harry, paddles alongside him as his support kayaker.

"My eldest son Harry is my loyal kayaker, so we have some good father-son time."

That tradition has become just as important as crossing the finish line.

When asked what stands out most about the event, Simon didn't mention the distance first. Instead, he talked about the people.

"You always get an interesting mix of swimmers from around the U.S.," he said. "The atmosphere is super friendly and relaxed. Everyone loves the ocean."

Then there is the start itself.

As dawn breaks over the water, swimmers and kayakers crowd together waiting for the horn. The anticipation, the energy, and the first light of morning create a scene that is unforgettable before a single stroke has even been taken.

Of course, 12.5 miles in the Florida Keys comes with its own challenges. For Simon, the biggest one wasn't the distance. It was the heat.

"The Key West heat. Hydration is critical."

Preparation begins long before race day. Simon trains with Coach Steve and the YMCA of Greenwich Masters Swim team, building weeks of high-volume pool workouts that often exceed 20,000 yards each week, mixing endurance with speed work. As the event approaches, those pool sessions are paired with long open water swims lasting three hours or more.

For anyone curious about giving open water swimming a try, Simon's advice is simple.

"Don't hesitate."

He admits that even experienced swimmers feel nervous before an event.

"One always has doubts, however many open water swims one has done."

His recommendation is to build confidence gradually by combining pool training with open water practice.

"Tod's Point is a great, safe place to build up open water confidence."

Simon's story is a reminder that some of the best parts of endurance sports have little to do with the finish time. They're found in early mornings shared with teammates, friendships formed with people who simply love the water, and traditions that bring families together year after year.

Congratulations to Simon Bound, Sandi Honey, Ashley Honey, and Steffen Doyle on completing the 50th Annual Swim Around Key West. Your dedication, perseverance, and love for the sport continue to inspire our YMCA community.