Friday, December 31, 2010

Welcome to the CIM Swimming Blog

Channel Island Masters (CIM) is a registered United States Masters Swimming (USMS) club with the primary purpose of providing an enjoyable yet challenging swimming environment to everyone looking to get more out of their swimming experience.

We welcome men and women of all ages and abilities, from the newcomer only able to swim 1 length of a 25 yard pool, to the elite Masters swimmer or triathlete training for competitions. We provide coached workouts, technical analysis, videotaping, but most importantly an atmosphere that is fun, dynamic and comfortable.


Check out the CIM blog for details and links to various CIM activities and events, as well as contact information, pool and ocean swimming locations and workout times.

We look forward to seeing you in the water!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Activities/Events Calendar - 2009

UPCOMING CIM ACTIVITIES

***Last Update: July 8, 2009***
This is the place to find out everything about what our Channel Island Masters group is planning for 2009. By the way, we're always looking for new ideas on fun activities, so please let us know if you would like to be part of our planning committee. This post will be updated regularly with dates and details of all upcoming events of interest. Note also that some event details and highlights call for a little more special recognition, and will be placed in separate posts, so please check those out too.

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JULY
-July 11 / Saturday: Santa Barbara LCM Meet (click HERE for details)
-July 12 / Group Photos Today at Ocean Swim - DON'T MISS IT!

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AUGUST

-August 21-23 / Santa Barbara Triathlon (click HERE for details)

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SEPTEMBER
-September 27 / Carpinteria Triathlon (click HERE for details)

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Sunday Ocean Swim Photos - 2009

If you haven't had a chance to join us for our ocean swims on Sundays, check out these great action photos to see what you're missing. Thanks to everyone for making our Sunday swims such a huge success and fun experience. We're now gearing up for our long swim, which is coming up soon...stay tuned for more details =)

Check out our Sunday Ocean Swim photos by clicking HERE

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

3rd ANNUAL SUMMERLAND TO CARPINTERIA SWIM

Update #1: We need to decide on a swim date. We have 3 choices (all dates are Sundays) - August 30, September 13 or September 20. Let me know at workout or send me an E-mail (delphis13@msn.com) to let me know which date works best for you. We'll go with the majority vote.

3rd ANNUAL SUMMERLAND TO CARPINTERIA OCEAN SWIM

It's that time of the year again to start looking forward to our annual long distance open water swim. Last year's event was a huge success (thanks to all of you =), and this year we're expecting an even better swim experience. Channel Island Masters is hosting the long distance ocean swim, with 2 courses to choose from. The long course starts at Summerland's Lookout Park, and the shorter course begins at Santa Claus Lane. Both courses conclude at Carpinteria City Beach. Here is your opportunity to be added to an exclusive group who can say they actually SWAM from Summerland to Carpinteria. All the details for this challenging and exhilarating swim are listed below. We look forward to seeing you there!

DATE: See update #1 (we need to decide on a swim date)

COURSE: 2 STARTING POINTS
Starting point #1: Lookout Park - Summerland (4.7 miles)
Starting point #2: Santa Claus Lane - Summerland (2.2 miles)
Finish: Carpinteria City Beach (Ash Avenue)

The conditions can vary from calm and glassy, to moderately choppy with swells and surf. The course passes a number of land points and shallow reefs that may require a slight amount of navigation around higher surf areas. Water temperature is expected to range from 61 to 68 degrees with excellent open water swimming conditions. The course goes WITH THE CURRENT, which should provide an enjoyable and scenic setting for this event.

TIME: 8:00 - 10:00 am / Meet at Carpinteria City Beach (Ash Avenue) for registration. Participants are encouraged to sign-in at the swim starting location, but sign-ups will be accepted up until the start of the event.

9:00 - 10:00 am / Final Preparation. During this time everyone (swimmers and kayakers) will be assigned to swim groups, and safety precautions and procedures will be discussed. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND THE ORGANIZATIONAL AND SAFETY MEETING.

10:00 - 11:00 am / Shuttle and START! Swimmers/kayakers will be shuttled to the starting locations. Long course swimmers will begin approximately 45 minutes before the short course group(s).

REQUIREMENTS: THE EVENT IS OPEN TO A MAXIMUM OF 50 SWIMMERS PER COURSE. All entries to this event must be approved by the Event Manager (Vic Anderson). All levels of swimmers are welcome to join us on this adventure. Swimmers new to Open Water Swimming are also welcome to join this event, and will be assigned to a kayak/swimmer group.

The minimum swimming requirements of this event are:

-swimmers must be able to swim continuously at a comfortable pace for at least 20 minutes (any stroke). Participants are required to assign a swimming skill level based on their ability to swim a mile. An ADVANCED skill level equals swimming at a <30>40 minutes per mile. Please note, the Long Course (4.7 mile swim) is open to Advanced and Intermediate skill level swimmers only. Also note that the supervised courses have a cutoff time of 3 hours and 30 minutes. Swimmers are welcome to continue past the cutoff time, but without kayak/boat support.

SAFETY: Safety is always our number 1 priority, and at no time should anyone risk encountering a hazardous situation in order to continue the event. Although this event can be considered as strenuous and extremely challenging, the course is set-up to allow all levels of experienced ocean and fitness swimmers to participate. A complete summary of the event's safety guidelines will be discussed during our Preparation Meeting. A flyer is also available at Master's swim practices or by contacting the Event Manager (Vic Anderson - 805-403-5425). Participants are required to sign an Incident Waiver to enter this event.

One of the benefits of having this event along the coast is that we are always within a couple hundred yards from shore at all times during the swim. If at any time a problem is encountered, the first response will be to head towards shore. Emergency resources can be contacted immediately by cell phone carried by kayak groups. Remember, THIS IS NOT A RACE! Swimmers/kayakers are encouraged to take breaks whenever necessary (in or out of the water). One of the primary concerns that all participants need to be aware of are the hazards associated with cold water exposure. Hazards potentially encountered during this event will be discussed during the mandatory Preparation Meeting.

POTLUCK DINNER: We will be gathering at Island Brewing Company following the swim for a Potluck dinner. Please bring a side dish, main dish or dessert to share with others. Beverages (water, juices, soft drinks, beer) will be provided. The Potluck will begin between 3-4 pm.

COST: $25 / Includes fluorescent swim cap and snack bag, energy snacks/drinks during the swim, as well as beverages (water, juice, softdrinks, and yes - 1 beer!) and appetizers at the Potluck following the swim. A portion of the cost will go towards assisting in the payment of kayak/boat rentals.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

OCEAN SWIMS IN CARPINTERIA! - BEGIN JUNE 7

OUR FIRST OCEAN SWIM WILL BE SUNDAY, JUNE 7 AT 11:00 am. Like last year, we'll be meeting at the Carpinteria City Beach around 11ish, with a water start at 11:30 am. The swim conditions in this area are typically excellent for open water swimming, with a mild to moderate wave and current activity that provides a welcome environment to all who enjoy swimming in the ocean. And as an added bonus, we are often accompanied by curious seals and dolphins cruising up and down the coast. Water temperatures usually stay in the low to mid 60's throughout the Summer, with air temps about the same as the water. The swims are open to all swimming abilities, with no open water swimming experience required. From the fitness swimmer just looking for a great way to get in some exercise, to the seasoned competitive swimmer or triathlete training for an upcoming event. As always, we'll have safety kayaks out on the course to make sure no one starts swimming out to the islands, and after the swim we all meet for a little potluck brunch (please bring a little something to share).

The starting location of the swim is at the end of Ash Avenue, at the lifeguard tower. To get there, take Linden Avenue and head towards the ocean. The last street before entering the Linden beach parking lot is Sandyland, turn right and then go to the end of that street (about 3 blocks). The last street is Ash Avenue, park anywhere along the street (free parking). We meet right behind the lifeguard tower at the end of Ash Avenue.

Sunday ocean swims are a weekly activity, so if you can't make it to one, another one will be right around the corner! We typically continue up until the weekend before the Carpinteria Triathlon (though sometimes swim longer weather permitting). Wetsuits for the swims are recommended, but not at all required. We are also looking for a few to join us out on the water on kayaks, so if you're interested in doing the course from a little different perspective, please let me know as soon as you get to the beach. We have access to a limited amount of kayaks, and kayaking spots fill up fast.

No RSVP is necessary, and feel free to bring family and friends. Remember to bring a little something to eat for the potluck brunch after the swim, as well as $2 to help cover some of the supporting costs.

Get ready for another exciting year out on the ocean (this will be our 10 year anniversary doing the ocean swims!) and stay tuned for more information on our 4th annual long distance swim (from Summerland to Carpinteria), coming up in August!

See you there =)

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Farewall Breakfast for Julia - At Mary's House =)

Hello Master Swim Chums,

I want to invite everyone to my home for a "FAREWELL TO JULIA", on Saturday, June 27th from 9:00-10:30ish (after the 8:00 am Y swim workout).

COME SHARE BREAKFAST AND WELL WISHES WITH JULIA.

My address is: 3059 Del Descanso, Santa Barbara 93105
My phone: 259-6252

Hope you can make it.

Mary Solis

Friday, May 15, 2009

Rincon Triathlon Club - Carpinteria Ocean Swim

Hi everyone!

Anyone wanting to get in a little ocean swimming before our season kicks off June 7, should look into swimming with the Rincon Triathlon Club. Below are the details for their swim:

Hey Rincon! It’s time to hit the beach!!

Where: Carpinteria State Beach – park at the end of Linden Ave, meet at the lifeguard tower

When: Sunday, May 17th, 10:00a.m. Please be ready to go at 10am sharp!

Contact: Christal Dawn at
sea_dawn@hotmail.com or 541-961-8714.
Please let me know if you plan on attending so I can keep an eye out for you :-)!

Route and Distance:

The swim route and distance is determined on the beach prior to entry and depends on the training needs and abilities of the participants involved.

Important information:

We HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading the USMS Open Water manuals for safety and workout tips at www.usms.org/longdist/manuals.php.

IT IS IMPORTANT that you wear a bright colored swim cap for high visibility. This is for your safety and the ability of all swimmers to see each other in the water.

Optional items to bring are a swimming wetsuit, a neoprene swim cap, a warm drink in a thermos for before and after the swim, body glide to reduce chaffing, a gallon jug of warm water to rinse off with, and warm clothes for after the swim.

Please note that this training opportunity is independent and at your own risk. This workout is for intermediate to advanced ability level swimmers who want to train together for various events. PLEASE make sure you have adequate pool workout time before attempting Open Water swimming.

Non Rincon Triathlon Club members will be required to sign a liability waiver prior to participation. You can print and sign a copy of the waiver (attached to the membership application) available to download from the membership info page of our website http://www.rincontriclub.com/. We will try to have extra waivers on hand.

Feel free to send out a hotflash if you are planning on riding your bike up to Carp or planning a run afterwards and looking for company!!

If you have any questions please e-mail sea_dawn@hotmail.com. See you at the beach!!

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