Channel Island Masters Swimming Home Page

Welcome to the CIM Swimming Blog

2012-12-31T13:20:00.000-08:00

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!

Activities/Events Calendar - 2011

2012-12-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING CIM ACTIVITIES

***Last Update: September January 23, 2012***
This is the place to find out everything about what our Channel Island Masters group is planning for 2011. 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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FEBRUARY
-Feb 1 (Wed): Carpinteria Evening Workouts Resume (5:30-6:30 pm)

MARCH
-March 4: Caltech Pentathlon (see below for details)

Lets Go to a Swim Meet! - Caltech Pentathlon

2012-01-23T12:47:00.000-08:00

Join us in Pasadena on March 4th (Sunday) for a unique kind of Master's swim meet. For this event, all participants swim 50's of each stroke, and then a 100 IM. The event is always a lot of fun, very exciting to watch (some of the fastest Master's swimmers in the US typically show up!), and a great way to practice all 4 competitive strokes (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breastroke and Freestyle). Plus, it usually only takes a few hours to complete, so there will be plenty of time afterwards for sight-seeing if interested.

Let me know at workout if you're interested in going. We can arrange carpools if we get enough people.

Here is the SPMA link for more info:
http://www.clubassistant.com/c/8B6A80C/file/meets/2012/pentathlon2012.pdf

They will be accepting deck entries, so you can either sign up now (on-line) or wait until the day of the event. The meet starts at 10:00 am, with warmups starting around 9:00 am. Master's swimming registration forms and meet entrance forms are available at all workouts, or at the SPMA website:

http://www.spmasterswim.org/w/SPMS/calendar/

Happy Birthday!

2012-01-14T19:34:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning workout with a little birthday celebration...guess who's birthday it is =)

2012 New Year's Resolutions

2011-12-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

Tis the season I guess, but it's about this time every year that many of us start thinking about those New Year's Resolutions, and how no matter what, this time for sure we're going to follow through...and paint the house or build that fence, maybe lose a few pounds, and for some start swimming. Truth of the matter is, most New Year's Resolutions are destined to fail even before they're started for the one simple reason of poor planning. As we all know, the hard part about New Year's resolutions have always been in sticking to them. The problem though, is not with the person giving up too easily. In fact, EVERYONE could be successful in their resolutions if they had only prepared for them properly. A New Year's resolution is nothing more than a GOAL, and when you are making a resolution, you are basically goal-setting. So, once again this year I've included what I hope will be helpful tidbits as we dive into 2012 with our New Year's resolutions in tow....Time to cast away these dust gathering anchors once and for all!

First off, think of all your resolutions from now on as a type of GOAL, with the actual resolution being the final goal of a process that may include numerous other sub-goals. Taking that first step towards achieving your goal is in itself a goal just as important as taking that last step, and may in fact be the most important because it sets the tone and direction for the steps to follow. Here are some guidelines that may help you along the way:

1) WRITE ALL YOUR GOALS DOWN AND BE SPECIFIC! Keep your goals in a place where you can get to them easily, and read them out loud to yourself on a daily basis. Tell yourself exactly what you want!

2) MAKE YOUR GOALS REALISTIC AND CHALLENGING. A goal should NOT be a prison sentence, or beyond your physical or mental capability. At the same time, if you set your goals too low and they're too easy to achieve, the satisfaction of completion will be diluted by its simplicity. But more importantly, your true goal-setting ability will never be truly realized...nor will your goal achieving potential!

3) SET GOALS FREQUENTLY (NOT just as a New Year's resolution).

4) BREAK LARGER OR MORE DIFFICULT GOALS UP INTO PARTS, OR MILESTONES, AND SIMPLIFY WHENEVER POSSIBLE. Nothing more frustrating and disheartening than becoming overwhelmed or confused over your own goals. Establish goals that allow you to realize progress even when taking baby steps. The motivation towards attaining ones goals is powered by the realization that the efforts you are making are showing results!

5) AVOID SETTING TIME FRAMES AND COMPLETION DATES. Unless a goal is time-dependent (i.e. training for a particular event), don't worry about how long it takes to complete your final objective. Rather, set a pace for yourself that is regulated by how you feel about the progress being made.

6) TELL OTHERS ABOUT YOUR GOALS AND SHARE THE EXPERIENCE. The best way to become comfortable doing this kind of thing is to get involved with others in challenging activities.

7) REWARD YOURSELF FOR THE PROGRESS, BUT SELECT YOUR REWARDS CAREFULLY. The reward for accomplishing your end goal will be obvious, but don't forget to reward yourself for the progress made along the way. Make your "rewards" positive incentives to continue, but do not defeat the purpose of the goal by rewarding yourself something that may be detrimental to its progress.

8) EFFORT IS WHAT FUNDAMENTALLY DEFINES A GOAL'S PROGRESS - NOT TANGIBLE RESULTS OR REWARDS. In other words, the "process" used in achieving a goal is just as important (and rewarding) as the goal itself. If the process feels more like a burden, then change the process. Remember, effort is a great way to gain a sense of realization when progressing towards a goal, but it can also be a lesson in futility if the effort made lacks positive incentive.

9) DON'T BE AFRAID TO MAKE MISTAKES...BUT NOT EXCUSES. Expect to make a few wrong turns along the way, but don't worry about justifying them. Just get back on track and move on.

10) WHENEVER POSSIBLE, TURN A REASONABLE GOAL INTO A LIFESTYLE. For some goals, by the time you have reached the end result, it may already have become a part of your lifestyle (i.e. coming to Master's Swimming workouts =). The point is, successfully reaching a goal is NOT an invitation to resort back to a bad habit.

Lastly, HAVE FUN! Every single goal that you make as a matter of choice should be this way to one extent or another. Also keep in mind that as you begin goal-setting, accept the fact that some goals will be attainable, and some will not. But just because an end result cannot be reached is by no means a reason to accept the notion you should stop trying…the road to achieving ones goal is made up of numerous wonderful experiences, of which, the end result is only a small fraction of that journey.

Have a happy and healthy 2012...see you in the water =)

Holiday Break

2011-12-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

Our holiday break this year will be as follows:

From December 24 - January 2 for the Santa Barbara YMCA & Carpinteria Community Pool
.

During the break there will be no CIM swim workouts scheduled. However, the pools will be open (check for lap swimming times).

Our first workout in 2012 will be Monday, January 3rd.

Thank you all so much for your support and a wonderful year of swimming!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year everyone!

2011 SUMMERLAND TO CARPINTERIA OCEAN SWIM

2011-08-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

5th ANNUAL

SUMMERLAND TO CARPINTERIA OCEAN SWIM

UPDATES:
-PHOTOS ARE UP! CLICK HERE
-Link to Entry Form can be accessed HERE
-Link to Information Page can be accessed HERE
-Link to Course Map Page HERE

-We need Support Crew! (Kayakers and Drivers) Please contact Vic Anderson if interested.
-Registration Forms available at workouts and Sunday swims.

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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: Sunday, September 18, 2011

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 - 9:00 am / Registration, Breakfast, Safety and Swim Preparation Meeting / Meet at Carpinteria City Beach (Ash Avenue). Participants are encouraged to sign-up prior to the event, but will be accepted up until the start of the event (unless sold-out). A continental breakfast will be served from 8-9 am. The Swim Prep Safety Meeting will be held at 9:00 am to brief everyone on the conditions of the course, and safety precautions. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND THE SWIM PREP SAFETY MEETING.

9:00 - 10:00 am / Long Course Swim participants gear up and are transported to starting point for 10:00 am Long Course Start.

10:00 - 11:00 am / Short Course Swim paticipants gear up and are transported to starting point for 11:00 am Short Course Start.

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 experienced open water swimmers are welcome to join us on this adventure. 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 INTERMEDIATE skill level equals swimming at less than 35 minutes per mile pace. 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, soft drinks, 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.

Inner-tube Water Polo Night

2011-07-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

OUR NEXT INNERTUBE WATER POLO NIGHT IS FRIDAY, AUGUST 26

Who'd a thought sitting on a little inner tube could be so much fun, and a great workout too! On a beautiful Friday evening our group of fired up swimmers spent almost 1.5 hours doing laps with a twist...chasing a little yellow ball around. Then, if that wasn't enough, we traded that little yellow ball in for something a quite a bit bigger. Check out the photos and you'll see what I mean =)

Thanks to everyone coming out and making this such a fun and exciting event. But don't worry if you feel like you've missed out on all the fun, we'll be doing this again in August! Stay tuned for more details.

Check out all the photos HERE

Reg Richardson Memorial Swim Meet - Santa Barbara - 2011

2011-07-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to May Coors, Brian King, Chris Barham, Kristof Igloi and Brian Meagher on their excellent swims at the Reg Richardson Memorial LCM Meet on July 9, 2011. After swimming yards for so long, it's not easy acclimating to a 50 meter pool for a single day of competition, but everyone charged their events with the determination and drive to not only swim fast, but possibly even acquire one of the coveted rubber ducks going out to the heat winners. It was a beautiful day filled with exciting swims as our Channel Island Masters group put in strong performances in practically every event! Not to mention coming away with quite a collection of hardware and rubber duckys. Special thanks goes out also to our group of dedicated cheerleaders and support crew for making the day so much more fun. Lets all do this again sometime soon =)

Click HERE to see more action photos
Click HERE to link to the meet results page

Sunday Ocean Swims Start June 5

2011-05-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

6/19/11

OCEAN SWIM TIME!

OUR FIRST OCEAN SWIM WILL BE SUNDAY, JUNE 5 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 meeting location of the swim is slightly changing this year, starting on the SB County side of the beach, in front of the rock wall. We can still gear up at the picnic bench behind the Ash Avenue lifeguard tower, or on the city beach, but we have to officially start each swim on the county side of the beach. 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).

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.

As a NEW feature, we may have access to Stand-Up-Paddle boards during the swim. If you're interested in SUP'ing, let me know and we'll get you hooked up.

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 12th year doing the ocean swims!) and stay tuned for more information on our 6th annual long distance swim (from Summerland to Carpinteria), coming up in August!

See you in the water =)

STROKE TECHNIQUE VIDEO WORKSHOP 2011

2011-03-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

Date: April 23 / May 7 (FULL) / May 14 (FULL)
Time: 1-4 pm
Where: Carpinteria Community Pool
Cost: $30 (includes entry into the pool, snacks and a copy of the swim session on DVD)
What to bring: Bring a spare dry/warm towel or parka, since you will be in and out of the water during the training session. Sunscreen always recommended.

This workshop is designed to provide the fitness and competitive swimmer with an “eyes-on” approach to swim instruction, emphasizing stroke mechanics, technique and efficiency. Through the use of video recording in a “Dual-session” format, you will not only be given instruction on how to improve your swimming ability, but you will then be able to SEE THE RESULTS FOR YOURSELF! We will also include video instruction on starts and flip-turns if time permits. Don’t miss this great opportunity, perfect for all swimming skill levels! Please RSVP via e-mail or at workouts…RSVP’S ARE REQUIRED. TRAINING SESSIONS ARE LIMITED TO 8 SWIMMERS.

What to do when workouts get "Cozy"

2011-03-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

UPDATE! 30 swimmers on Saturday, March 26!
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WOW! During the month of November we reached a new milestone at the Santa Barbara YMCA pool, with 29 swimmers in the water for what would be termed as a “cozy” workout…CONGRATULATIONS, THAT’S A NEW RECORD! It’s exciting to see all the new and returning swimmers joining us for workouts, and with our numbers on the rise, it’s likely you’ll see faces you haven’t seen before. Please take a few moments to introduce yourself to your fellow lane partners…swimming is a lot more fun when you get to know the face that belongs to the feet you may be following =)

As our Master’s Swimming program continues to grow, the one and only drawback I’m sure everyone will notice is that the workouts may get a bit crowded at times, and the water conditions may be somewhat more choppy than what we’re normally use to. There is also a good chance you’ll get bumped every once in a while, as well as do your fair share of bumping…all the more reason of getting to know those in your lane. Although there’s not too much we can do about the choppy water, we can minimize the minor bumps and collisions common in all swimming workout settings by keeping in mind the following “DO’s & DON’TS OF CROWDED POOL WORKOUT SWIMMING”:

DO swim in a counter clockwise circle pattern at all times, and stay as close to the lane line as comfortably possible. Kind of like driving a car...stay on the right side of the little black line.

DO push off the wall on open and flip turns in a direction that will get you back over to the right side of the lane quickly.

DO swim with high arms and elbows (always practice good technique!).

DO be aware of the location and speeds of all the swimmers in your lane, and place yourself in the rotation accordingly. Let others pass if you see them making the attempt. Swim at a speed and stroke consistent with others in your lane. In other words, if others in your lane are doing a choice swim, it is not going to help with the lane flow by making your choice kick-only.

DON'T pass others in mid length while swimming. This can be VERY DANGEROUS! It is much safer to pass at the walls, or cut at the flags.

DON'T TAILGATE! Remain a few feet behind the swimmer in front of you unless attempting to pass. If you wish to pass, gently tap on the foot of the swimmer in front to let him/her know you would like to pass. NOTE: If someone taps your foot, please do not use this as a signal to swim faster. Let the person pass…and then pick up the pace so that you can then tap on their feet =)

DON'T block or impede other swimmers by stopping in the middle of the lane during a set. Allow all swimmers in your lane to start and finish strong. If you must stop, move as close to the lane line as possible to allow others to go by.

Finally, DON’T get upset if someone should accidentally bump into you while swimming, this kind of thing can be expected to happen every once in a while regardless of there being 2 people in the lane, or 6. GO

GO WITH THE FLOW!...rarely do injuries result from these minor collisions, and in most cases swimmers are able to continue swimming without even breaking stroke. Whoever said swimming wasn’t a contact sport, never swam in a Master’s Swimming workout – Take it in stride!

Developing a little WATER AWARENESS goes a long ways in ensuring an acceptable comfort level during crowded workout conditions. However, this is not to say that with this experience, we are now going to start packing in the swimmers. In general, to ensure that a quality workout level is maintained for our swimmers, the maximum number per lane in most cases is about 6 for a 25-yard pool (plus or minus 1 or 2 depending on the type of workout).

Although it is very exciting to see so many people interested in swimming in our program, our goal will never be to see how many sardines/swimmers we can squeeze into the pool at the same time. Rather, our goal is to do everything we can to provide an optimal swimming experience for everyone joining us in the water. From the athlete swimming with us for the first time, to those participating at an elite level of competition, you'll feel right at home as part of the CIM swimming family.

2011 CIM Swim Meets

2011-01-07T13:04:00.000-08:00

LET'S GO TO A SWIM MEET!
There are a number of Short Course Yards (SCY) and Long Course Meters (LCM) meets coming up over the next few months that I think would be a lot of fun to go to. I have posted the dates to the meets in the "ACTIVITIES" section of the blog, along with a link that will give you more information regarding the selected meet. All of the meets listed are within 75 miles of Santa Barbara, and usually only take about 3-5 hours to complete. The entry cost to most meets is $20 for pre-entry, and $30 for deck entries (USMS membership is also required).

These meets are great fun for those who have never swam competitively, but are interested in getting a real taste of what competition swimming is all about. And for those who enjoy the competitive atmosphere, but maybe haven't been to a meet for quite a while, these meets are excellent at getting your feet back on the starting blocks once again (BTW, using the starting blocks is optional =).

Take a look at the events we have posted, and if there is a meet you would like to attend, please let me know so we can make sure you have all the information you need. We can also "peak" for particular events as well, so if you are planning on going to a meet, please let me know with as much advance notice as possible so we can plan your training to ensure maximum performance potential on the day of your event.

But participation is only part of the fun. Even if you're not swimming, join us as part of the CIM cheerleading squad! Without a doubt, hearing familiar voices coming from the crowd seems to boost the swimmers energy levels.

Come on out and join us for an afternoon of sun, fun and swimming!

Click HERE for the schedule of all 2011 Southern Pacific Masters swim meets.

2010 Holiday Party - Thank You!

2010-12-09T18:26:00.000-08:00

Our 11th annual END OF THE YEAR HOLIDAY PARTY was once again a resounding success! A royal feast filled with fun and frolic, not to mention a few surprises. Of course, as swimmers, we have some distinct features that separates us from all the rest...hmmm, guessing from the photo above, I wonder what that could be? Well all I can say is, it was nice to see you all in clothing for a change =)

Thanks to Island Brewing Company for once again hosting our little shin-dig, and Alex for taking all the great photos. Lastly, thanks to all of you for coming out in the pouring rain to what was surely one of our more memorable events of the year. What a perfect way to end our swimming season, and look forward in anticipation to the coming year!

To check out all the photos from the party CLICK HERE

2010 Summerland to Carpinteria Coastal Swim - Great Job Everyone!

2010-09-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to everyone completing the Summerland to Carpinteria 2.2 and 4.7 mile swim courses. The 2010 ocean swim season has been a year where the water just never seemed to warm up, and the conditions during the long swims were no exception. With 59 degree water and extremely foggy skies, although the swimmers were never more than a few hundred yards off shore, at times it felt like being out in the middle of no where with no land in sight. A special thank you to our safety kayakers, power boat, and support crew for their hard work in making our event such a huge success...without you we never would have left the beach!

Pictures from the event are coming in now, and will be posted on our Flickr site. CLICK HERE to link to the photos of the swim. The photos shown here are of the 2.2 mile group (6 swimmers), and the 4.7 mile group (18 swimmers).

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

OCEAN SWIMS IN CARPINTERIA! - LAST SWIM OCT 10

2010-05-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

October 10 will be our last Sunday swim of the season. Afterwards, instead of meeting behind the lifeguard tower, Kim and Ken (newlyweds!!) have invited us over for a potluck brunch! Directions to their house will be available at the beach.

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OUR FIRST OCEAN SWIM WILL BE SUNDAY, JUNE 6 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 11th year doing the ocean swims!) and stay tuned for more information on our 5th annual long distance swim (from Summerland to Carpinteria), coming up in August!

See you there =)

Swim Meet Results - 2010

2010-03-10T14:23:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Mason competing March 7 at the Caltech Pentathlon!

50 fr - 22.85
50 bk - 28.92
50 br - 32.69
50 fl - 26.2
100 IM - 1.00.57
(5th place finish in age group!)

TIME-TRIAL RESULTS / CARPINTERIA 2010

2010-02-17T11:07:00.000-08:00

MARCH 19th (water starts)
Sorry, I lost the results and don't remember all the times. Send me your times if you remember them...thanks!
-Alex: 100 Fr-52.8 / 100 IM-1.02.0
-Tara
-John
-Ingo: 500 Fr-7.56.5 / 50 Fr-31.5

MARCH 5th (water starts)
-Kat: 100 Fr-1.13.5 / 100 IM-1.24.5
-Tara: 50 Fr-1.18.6
-Alex: 100 Fr-53.3 / 200 IM-2.16.0
-Robbie: 100 Fr-49.2 / 100 IM-1.01.8

FEBRUARY 19th (water starts)
-Alex: 200 Fr-1.55.4 / 50 Fr-25.1
-Ingo: 500 Fr-7.54.7 / 50 Fr-33.0
-John: 500 Fr-9.34.5
-Tara: 50 Fr-1.20.8

2009 END OF THE YEAR HOLIDAY PARTY!

2009-12-15T21:32:00.000-08:00

NOW THAT WAS A FUN PARTY!!

Thank you everyone for making our 2009 Holiday Party one of the best ever! The night was filled with plenty of food, drink and entertainment, and as you can see by the pictures, it is safe to say that everyone had a pretty good time!

Special thanks goes out to Island Brewing Company for graciously hosting our little shindig, and to everyone bringing a little extra something for the potluck (I went home with some amazing leftovers, as well as some really cool Christmas gifts!)

For those of you who were unable to attend, we took over 150 photos (thanks Liz!) so you can get a pretty good idea of what you missed.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTOS

2009 Carpinteria Triathlon

2009-09-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE PARTICIPATING IN THE 2009 CARPINTERIA TRIATHLON!

RESULTS: Olympic Distance Click HERE

RESULTS: Sprint Distance Click HERE

RESULTS: Olympic Relay Click HERE

Click HERE for photos.

LAST OCEAN SWIM OF THE 2009 SEASON!

2009-09-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

What a great way to close out our 2009 ocean swim season! My sincerest THANK YOU to everyone for all your help and support...YOU'RE AWESOME!

Stay tuned to the Channel Island Masters Blog or Facebook for all of our upcoming activities. Although we are "officially" done for the season in the ocean, if the weather holds out, we still may be jumping in for a Sunday swim after the Carpinteria Triathlon.

For more photos of our last ocean swim of the season, CLICK HERE.

3rd ANNUAL SUMMERLAND TO CARPINTERIA SWIM

2009-09-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

WHAT A FUN AND EXCITING SWIM, THANK YOU!

PHOTOS ARE UP! / CLICK HERE

..... .

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: Sunday, August 30, 2009

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 - 9:00 am / Registration, Breakfast, Safety and Swim Preparation Meeting / Meet at Carpinteria City Beach (Ash Avenue). Participants are encouraged to sign-in at the swim starting location, but sign-ups will be accepted up until the start of the event. A continental breakfast will be served from 8-9 am. The Swim Prep Safety Meeting will be held at 9:00 am to brief everyone on the conditions of the course, and safety precautions. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND THE SWIM PREP SAFETY MEETING.

9:00 - 10:00 am / Long Course Swim participants gear up and are transported to starting point for 10:00 am Long Course Start.

10:00 - 11:00 am / Short Course Swim paticipants gear up and are transported to starting point for 11:00 am Short Course Start.

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. 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 Ocean Swim Photos - 2009

2009-07-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

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

Reg Richardson Memorial LCM Swim Meet - 2009

2009-07-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Jill, Chiko, Todd and Alex for the great swims at this year's Reg Richardson Swim Meet. And a special thanks to everyone coming out to cheer on our CIM group.

Click HERE to link to our photo gallery to check out all the action! But just to give you a little hint of how well the group did...they beat their projected finish time by over 20 seconds! Great Job Everyone!

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

2009-05-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

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

Rincon Triathlon Club - Carpinteria Ocean Swim

2009-05-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008 CIM Holiday Party

2008-12-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

NOW THAT WAS ONE AWESOME PARTY!

Wanna see more?? Well check out these crazy photos! CLICK HERE

What a great way to bring to a close such an incredible year for our Channel Island Masters swimming family. It was a special night (with everyone dressed and dry for a change...) filled with food, friends and fun! Thank you to everyone joining us for what was surely a memorable evening. Also a special thanks to our gracious hosts - Island Brewing Company.

Thank you again for such a wonderful year...GET READY FOR 2009!

San Luis Obispo SCY Results

2008-12-09T20:09:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Chiko, Eric, Alex and Todd for participating in the San Luis Obispo Short Course Yards meet held November 22. This had to have been a record for one of the quickest swim meets, but despite not having much rest between events, everyone had excellent swims. A special thank you also goes out to Tara and Jessica, our tremendous cheering section!

Below are the results of our Channel Island Masters swimmers, but if you would like to see the results of the entire meet, CLICK HERE

Chiko: 50 yd Freestyle - 31.02 / 50 yd Breastroke - 41.15 / 50 yd Butterfly - 37.93

Eric: 50 yd Freestyle - 25.96 / 50 yd Backstroke - 31.61 / 100 yd IM - 1.05.65

Alex: 500 yd Freestyle - 5.08.06

Todd: 50 yd Freestyle - 23.70 / 50 yd Breastroke - 33.06 / 50 yd Butterfly - 26.61

200 Yard Freestyle Relay (Alex, Chiko, Eric, Todd) - 1.43.52 (FIRST PLACE!)

FOR MORE PHOTOS, CLICK HERE

Carpinteria Time Trial - November 6, 2008

2008-11-06T11:23:00.000-08:00

Below are the results of our Time-Trial with the noon swimmers. EXCELLENT SWIMS!

Kelly: 200 IM - 3.02.3 / 100 Free - 1.13.1 / 50 Free - 31.9
Robin: 200 IM - 2.54.5 / 100 Free - 1.10.0 / 50 Free - 31.5
Matt: 200 Free - 2.27.5 / 100 Free - 1.03.7 / 50 Free - 28.0 & 27.8
Zak: 100 Free - 1.09.5 / 50 Free 30.7 / 50 Breast - 40.5
Eric: 200 IM - 2.13.0 / 50 Fly - 25.8
Michael: 100 Free - 1.06.0 / 50 Free - 29.2 / 100 IM - 1.17.0
Kim: 200 Free - 2.45.0
Alan: 100 Fly - 1.04.0 / 50 Breast - 30.9 & 31.0

2008 OCEAN SWIMMING SEASON - THANK YOU!

2008-10-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU for making our 2008 ocean swimming season such a wonderful experience, and a special thanks goes out to our dedicated safety crew, kayaking out there every Sunday...and loving every minute of it!

This year marked our 10th season of doing Sunday swims, and without a doubt it was one of the best seasons we've ever had. One of my highlights was seeing so many swimmers getting their first "taste" of ocean swimming (some of us still do a little more tasting than we'd like =) But what a rush to see someone out there for the first time, tossing aside any fears and intimidation, and (eventually) having fun. It's not easy at first and we all know the feeling, but once you get started you'll never want to stop. It was also a pleasure to be a part of many training for various events, from those participating in their first triathlon or open water event, to the elite folks who we see finishing way in front. All of you are an inspiration and should be proud of your accomplishments.

Lastly, I want to express my appreciation to all of you for making my swimming experience so memorable. I remember we first started with 3 friends, just out enjoying a great swim in the ocean at a beautiful location on a warm Sunday morning (but not too early). Well, I'm happy to say that after 10 years, some things never change...now I'm out there with 70 friends having a great swim!

Thanks again, and we'll see you next year (if not sooner).

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE OCEAN SWIMMING PHOTOS

Summerland to Carpinteria Ocean Swim - 2008

2008-09-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

SUMMERLAND TO CARPINTERIA OCEAN SWIM 2008

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS

Thank you and congratulations to everyone participating in our 2nd annual Summerland to Carpinteria Ocean Swim! This year was without a doubt our most successful and exciting swim yet, with 54 swimmers and kayakers joining us for the 2.2 and 4.7 mile swims. Despite the water and air temperatures being somewhat chilly throughout much of the swim, the spirit and enthusiasm shown by this intrepid group of aqua enthusiasts was absolutely inspiring. It was such a rush to see everyone so fired up to take on the challenge, which for some would be their farthest swim ever.

Welcome to the elite and rather exclusive club of individuals who can actually say they SWAM FROM SUMMERLAND TO CARPINTERIA!

This event would not have been possible without the support and contributions from our ever-growing Channel Island Masters' swimming family. Please join me in thanking the following folks who really stepped up in helping us out:

* Will Carleton - For donating the use of his truck to transport the kayaks (check out the first photo on the Flickr link above).
* Island Brewing Company - For their outstanding generosity and hospitality in allowing us to use their facility (and of course enjoy great tasting beer!)
* Jaime Torres & Ventura Toyota - For donating our colorful, ballon-filled, sky-high finish line!
* Jessica Dozoretz - For her versatility in organizing and helping us out with the kayaks and the after-swim festivities.
*Safety/Support Crew - For being there to transport swimmers to their Summerland start, and for safely escorting and cheering them on - all the way back to Carpinteria.
* City of Carpinteria: For allowing us the use of their kayaks and boathouse facilities.

That was so much fun, let's all get together next year and do it again...We've already started planning =)

TIME TRIAL RESULTS: SB YMCA 7/21/08

2008-07-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

Below are the results of the Time-trial held at the YMCA on 7/21/08. Good swimming everyone!

Priya: 50 free (34.7)/100 free (1.16.7)/200 back 3.32.8
Mike: 50 free (36.5)/50 back (41.5)/100 free (1.25.2)/200 free (3.07.5)
Vanessa: 100 free (1.26.9)/100 IM (1.36.5)/200 free (2.56.2)
Laurie: 50 free (55.3)/100 free (2.15.0)
Mary: 50 free (44.5)/200 free (3.31.0)
Heather: 50 back (48.2)/50 free (36.5)/100 free (1.23.0)/200 free (3.05.7)
Christine: 100 free (1.42.6)/200 free (3.50.5)
Imelda: 50 free (59.8)/100 free (2.22.0)
Hesu: 100 free (59.7)/100 back (1.08.4)/200 IM (2.32.5)
Kristen: 50 free (31.0)/100 free (1.06.5)/100 IM (1.24.6)/200 free (2.25.2)
Julie: 50 free 34.5/100 free (1.15.2)/200 free (2.46.7)
Brian: 50 free (37.7)/100 free (1.22.8)/200 free (3.06.1)

TIME-TRIAL RESULTS - May 13, 2008

2008-05-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

Below are the May 13 Time-trial results - Carpinteria Pool. Good swims everyone! Next time-trials for the Carp Pool will be in August. YMCA group is coming up next in June, followed by the Santa Barbara Long Course Meet in July.

Matt T: 500 Free - 7.03.0 / 50 Back - 38.9 / 100 Free - 1.07.5 / 50 Free - 28.0
Sasha: 200 Free - 2.55.8 / 50 Free - 34.5 (fastest time of 3 swims) / 100 Free - 1.20.5
Gabriela: 200 Free - 2.15.7 / 100 Free - 1.04.8 / 50 Fly - 33.0 (fastest time of 2 swims)
Zak: 200 Free - 2.31.0 / 50 Free - 28.9 (fastest time of 2 swims) / 50 Breast - 37.8
Alan: 200 IM - 2.29.8 / 50 Free - 27.0 / 50 Breast - 31.2 / 50 Fly - 28.9
Brian M: 200 Free - 2.24.6 / 100 IM - 1.18.8 / 50 Free - 28.2 / 100 Free - 1.06.7
Brian K: 500 Free - 7.02.0 / 100 Back - 1.36.5 / 50 Free - 34.0 / 50 Fly - 40.0
Matt O: 200 Free - 2.05.4 (fastest time of 2 swims) / 100 Free - 1.00.0 / 50 Free - 27.3 (fastest time of 2 swims)
Alex: 500 Free - 5.10.8 / 50 Fly - 26.8 / 50 Free - 23.9 / 100 Free - 55.0 / 50 Back - 33.0
Laurie: 200 Free - 3.11.0 / 100 IM - 1.38.0 / 100 Free - 1.25.8 / 50 Free - 35.2 (fastest time of 2 swims)
Cameron: 500 Free - 6.59.5
Tyler: 200 Free - 3.05.0 / 100 Back - 1.28.6 / 50 Free - 34.4 (fastest time of 2 swims)
Kim: 500 Free - 7.24.5 / 100 IM - 1.27.2 / 100 Free - 1.15.5 / 50 Free 33.5 (fastest time of 2 swims)
Dave: 200 Free - 3.12.0 / 50 Free - 31.5 (fastest time of 2 swims) / 100 Free - 1.20.8

E-MAIL DISTRIBUTION LIST

2008-01-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

Howdy!

To better get the word out on all of our CIM activities, and to provide a channel of communication between our group, we are starting an open E-mail list to everyone interested in keeping in touch. In addition to everyone subscribed having the ability to contact each other, we'll also use the list to announce blog updates and special announcements (i.e. pool closures).

Kim Nielsen has graciously volunteered to manage the list, and will be in charge of adding/deleting addresses and distribution. To be added to the list, please send an E-mail to Kim (kimnielsen@cox.net), and in the header type the word SUBSCRIBE. To be taken off the list, all you have to do is type in the word UNSUBSCRIBE. It's as easy as that. One last thing, please include your first and last name in the body of the E-mail, so we know just who fastswimmer37 is =)

2008 Mammoth Ski Weekend+

2008-01-14T13:54:00.000-08:00

link to www.artie.com

THANKS FOR A GREAT SKI TRIP

CHECK OUT ALL THE PICTURES HERE!

Our 7th annual Mammoth Ski Trip will be February 29 - March 5 (Friday-Wednesday). If you are interested in going, please let me know ASAP (spaces are on a first-come basis, and may fill up fast). The cost of lodging is only $40/person for the entire time. That's right...not "per night" but for your entire stay! Stay as long as you like, come on up when you want. I'll even throw in a pizza feast with my world-famous pizza! (made by yours truly). The fully-furnished condo is located approximately 2 miles from the ski resort and about 2 blocks from town. Accommodations include full kitchen, Jacuzzi, sauna, fireplace, washer/dryer and all the fresh mountain air you can breathe. Deposits are accepted to reserve a spot, so start planning your Winter activities NOW. We may also have some lift ticket discounts if you're up there during the week through Mammoth Mountain's "Bring a Friend" specials. Details on directions and transportation will be provided 1-2 weeks before the trip (it's very easy to get to). Friends and family are as always, more than welcome to join us. NOTE: This year we'll be in the larger condo (3-bedroom + loft and couch's), so there will be plenty of room (10-12 people "comfortably")....reserve a spot ASAP!

Well Done Chico and Alan!

2007-12-11T17:11:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Chico and Alan for an excellent performance at the 2007 Short Course Meters Championships held November 30 - December 2 in Long Beach. The meet attracted most of the West Coast's elite swimmers, and resulted in over 30 new world records being established. Equally as impressive were the results of our CIM swimmers, both of which brought home some hardware! I would also like to thank Kristen and Jessica for their uplifting and enthusiastic cheerleading...we definitely made lots of noise =)

Click HERE to link to the full results of the meet.
Click HERE to link to the photos!

Individual Results:
Chico Rooroh:

100 meter Breastroke - 1:44.13 (6th)
50 meter Breastroke - 45.93 (4th)
50 meter Freestyle - 34.43 (9th)

Alan Smallwood:

100 meter Freestyle - 1:04.81 (8th)
50 meter Breastroke - 34.20 (2nd)

2nd Annual Long Distance Ocean Swim - 2007

2007-08-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU TO EVERYONE PARTICIPATING IN OUR 2ND ANNUAL LONG DISTANCE OCEAN SWIM!

.
Now that was definitely one awesome and exhilerating swim! Thank you to everyone joining in and helping out on our swimming adventure. And special thanks to our support crew (Al, Annie and Cindy), whose contributions helped so much in making this event not only possible, but wonderfully enjoyable...you made my job so much easier. I also want to thank all of you for your patience and support as we sorted through our logistics issues. As it turned out, we had to work through a few bugs in getting everyone up to their respective starting points, but once we got there, the stage was set for what was a truly exciting and memorable swim.

The weather conditions on the morning of the swim were absolutely ideal, with slightly hazy skies in the morning helping to keep the winds down, leading into a beautiful sunny afternoon with calm to choppy seas, but a favorable current. The format of the swim had originally been designed to allow for the formation of kayak/swim groups, but when I asked the group of 27 who would be doing the relay, not a single hand went up...which meant everyone had decided to do the swim SOLO! Now that hit me completely by surprise, but extremely impressed and confident that the groups would have no problems completing their swims.

The group starting from Santa Claus Lane entered the water first, not only happy to be starting the swim, but also glad to finally be in the refreshing water after baking in their wetsuits for the last 30 minutes while we resolved our "up the creek without a paddle" dilema...I don't think I even finished saying "GET READY" before everyone was making a mad dash for the cool water =) When I met up with the group doing the 4.5 mile swim, the nervousness I saw in their faces earlier in the morning had completely disappeared. Everyone was excited, everyone was confident, and everyone was ready! So we launched our kayaks, got everyone in the water, and off we went.

Both groups had strong swims, and everyone paced the course extremely well. Throughout the course we had numerous sightings of seals, dolphins and bat rays, though most of the swimmers encountered more plant life than animal life (cheers to our sea weed "magnets"=) One of the benefits of doing a rather long open water swim such as this is that it provides the opportunity to swim through a range of different and changing conditions. We swam along a variably contoured coastline with conditions ranging from choppy seas with breaking waves, to flat and almost glassy conditions. All of which requiring a certain amount of navigational skill in order to keep on course. So congratulations on this accomplishment, you are officially now in an elite group that can say...

I SWAM FROM SUMMERLAND TO CARPINTERIA!

.......CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS

Swim Meet - July 14 - Santa Barbara

2007-08-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

Join us for our next Master's swim meet here in Santa Barbara on July 14 (Saturday). This is the annual Reg Richardson Memorial Swim Meet (aka - Semana Nautica), and is always a fun event to go to for both swimmers and spectators (also well-known for turning a few spectators into swimmers). We'll be swimming in a 50 meter pool for this event, which means fewer flipturns!!! The only drawback is of course, where you're use to the wall being, you'll be in for a little surprise as you realize you've only swam half-way across the pool =).
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They will be accepting deck entries, so you can either sign up now or wait until the day of the event. The meet starts at 11:00 am, with warmups starting around 10:30 am. Master's swimming registration forms and meet entrance forms are available at all workouts, or on-line at the SPMA website:
.
(http://www.spma.net/spma_calendar.php).
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Our club number is 069-CIM. The cost of registration is $35/year, and includes a subscription to "USMS Swimmer" magazine and the SPMA Newsletter. Please let me know if you're interested in going to a swim meet (maybe need a ride or can drive?), or have questions regarding Masters swimming. COME AND SUPPORT THE CIM SWIMMERS!

CHECK OUT THE MEET PHOTOS AND RESULTS-

CLICK HERE

Workouts at Noon ("Dip and Dash")

2007-04-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

Starting on Tuesday, May 8, we're going to start having "Dip and Dash" workouts on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Carpinteria Community Pool. They are called "Dip and Dash" because they are quick 40-45 minute workouts perfect for anyone trying to get in a little swim during the lunch hour.

Workouts will be either coached (in/out of water) or written on a board if I have to work through lunch and can't make it to the pool. The idea is to do a warm-up, followed by a few short, heart-pumping sets (30-35 minutes), and then cool-down. Leaving 10-15 minutes to get back to work. We can also do some stroke work during this time, but will limit that to maybe once per month.

The cost to join us will be the regular lap swimming fee normally paid (not the Master's Swim fee, so don't use your punch cards). We will have a few lanes reserved just for our group, so look for us. Once again, here are the details:

==================================================
What: CIM Noon Workouts (coached / board)
Where: Carpinteria Community Pool
When: Tuesdays/Thursdays from 12:00-12:45 pm (starting May 8)
Cost: Regular Lap Swimming Fee
==================================================

See you there!

WHAT'S GOING ON???

2007-04-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

Depending on how you look at it, Old Man Winter has come and gone, though it seems he didn't make much of an appearance this year, and Summer is right around the corner. I can tell Summer is almost here by all the June-Gloom fog we've been having lately. That, and the fact that lately I seem to be eating more and more bugs when I go running, but that's another story... Nonetheless, it's time to start getting the word out about all the exciting activities we have planned for the Summer...and if you like eating bugs and seaweed, you're going to be in for a real treat!

First off, let me just stress how important it is to keep an eye on our CIM Blog, and not just this page, but all the links to the various CIM sites. We have a ton of pictures and helpful hints and tips on the site that I hope everyone has a chance to checkout, and I'm planning on putting a lot more up over the next few months, so please STAY TUNED. In addition, the site serves as a quick source of information in the unlikely event of a workout change or pool malfunction...knock on wood that we don't have too many "code brown" alerts or "pump grump" this year. So without further ado, LETS GET STARTED!

~~SOUND OF MUSIC~~
Yes, the rumor is true...In April we are going to introduce something quite new to a select number of workouts. For the first time in CIM history we're going to swim to the soothing background sounds of "easy listening" instrumental and motivationally uplifting music. In other words, definitely not elevator music, but something everyone can be comfortable listening to during the workout. This is just something we're experimenting with, and I realize that not everyone likes to listen to music while exercising. But I thought it would be fun to every once in a while try something a little different. Besides, it gets kind of old just hearing me all the time =) The down side to this is that it may not work at the YMCA just because the indoor setting of the pool results in a poor sound quality. But, I have a brand-spankin new boom box, so we'll give it a try. OUR FIRST WATER WORKOUT WITH SOUND WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 (at both pools). BRING YOUR 'EASY LISTENING" OR INSTRUMENTAL CD'S TO WORKOUT!

@@VIDEO TAPING STROKE ANALYSIS SESSIONS@@
I'm planning on doing a couple of these during the Summer season, with the first one coming up in early May. All the details will be posted on the Blog, and announced at workouts. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get the underwater system put together for this season, but it is still in the works.

^^OCEAN SWIMS^^
This season is going to be a very interesting and exciting year for ocean swimming. I can say this without a doubt based on all the enthusiasm and anticipation that has been expressed regarding the upcoming season. We are so fortunate to live in an area with almost perfect conditions for open water swimming, and it is exciting to hear people getting fired up about getting back in the ocean. In fact, quite a few of you have already expressed an interest in jumping in NOW (despite the temperature being a "brisk" 55 degrees on the average, but now starting to warm-up!) So here's the scoop. Traditionally, our Sunday swims start in early June, when the water temperature has reached 60-62 degrees. That also coincides with the start of the beach concessions season, and the availability of kayaks. So we probably won't change that start date (tentatively set to start the second Sunday in June). BUT, we've been invited to join the OCEAN DUCKS for a swim on Sunday mornings at Butterfly Beach. They typically swim year-round, so for those interested in getting in the ocean now, here's your chance. Butterfly Beach is located across from the Biltmore, and they meet next to the steps at the bottom of the hill (just look for the Ocean Ducks banner). They start around 9ish, and swim anywhere from 1000 meters up to a 5k. I've been in the water with them a couple times already this year, so if you're interested in going let me know and I'll meet you there.

**OIL-RIG SWIM**
This was one of my highlights of 2006, and I'm definitely hoping to have the opportunity to get out there and do the swim again this year, provided we can line-up the resources. Organization for this type of event starts NOW, so if you're interested in doing the swim, or would like to volunteer as part of the support crew or kayakers, let me know. We're also looking for boaters to join us as well, so if that's something you would like to do, please please please contact me. I cannot thank everyone enough for their generous support and efforts in last year's event, so lets continue the tradition and make our 2nd annual Oil-Rig swim even better this year! Details on the swim will be posted on the blog as soon as they become available (tentatively scheduled for 1-2 weeks before or after the Carpinteria triathlon).

==SWIM MEET==
Our next planned meet is the Reg Richardson Memorial LCM swim meet in July. This is the local meet held at the Los Banos pool, and is always one of our most enjoyable swimming events of the year...definitely something to train for and look forward to! Details of the meet and links to entry forms will be posted on the blog as soon as they become available.

Hmmm, there's something missing...ah yes, a PARTY! It wouldn't be CIM without a little shin-dig or two in there somewhere. We'll officially get the Summer season rolling with a little get-together sometime in early June. As soon as the date gets finalized, I'll put all the details up on the Blog.

So from the looks of things, I would say we're off to a good start. Of course we have a whole lot more going on that I haven't even mentioned, such as the Santa Barbara and Carpinteria Triathlons, maybe a 10k workout or two, Brick workouts, Saturday morning breakfasts and of course our end of the year party. Did I miss anything? If there's an activity or event you would like to see suggest for our CIM group, let me know and I'll post it on the Blog.

Here's to another great Summer of safe and

(in)sane swimming - cheers

~Vic

SwimTrek Information

2007-03-09T16:19:00.000-08:00

NEW MALTA PHOTOS ARE UP!

(updated 6/30/07)

Check out my photos and other fun stuff during my SwimTrek adventures to Malta (2007) and Greece (2006), by clicking on the link "Swimming Adventures - SwimTrek".

For SwimTrek Malta photos, click HERE

For SwimTrek Greece photos, click HERE

(click on the SwimTrek banner at the top of the post to link to their home page)

Cal Tech Pentathlon - RESULTS

2007-03-08T19:59:00.000-08:00

What a great day for a swim meet! Sunday, March 4th a group of CIM swimmers ventured down to Pasadena to compete in a swimming pentathlon. The format here was, each swimmer participates in 5 events, 50 fly/back/breast/free and a 100 IM. The fastest cumulative time in each age group determines the order of finish, and I must say, we had a pretty impressive order of finish! Congratulations to Todd and Alethea for their 2nd and 3rd place finishes respectively (ask them to show you their medals!). Mark and Eric had excellent swims as well, with Eric finishing 7th overall, and Mark probably around the 11th position if not for the DQ in the breastroke. BUT, a special nod for Mark in not getting DQ'd in the 100 IM...a special feat all in itself =)...though not as fortunate in the breastroke, I wish I had a picture of the official during this particular swim...priceless!

Here are the official results of the Cal Tech Pentathlon:

Todd Sessler: 50 fly-26.50 / 50 bk-29.16 / 50 br-31.60 / 50 fr-23.87 / 100 IM-1.03.69
Alethea Buttler-Nalin: 50 fly-31.06 / 50 bk-35.00 / 50 br-37.53 /

50 fr-27.58 / 100 IM-1.11.61
Mark Urish: 50 fly-30.26 / 50 bk-34.82 / 50 br- / 50 fr-26.15 /

100 IM-1.10.49
Eric Widmer: 50 fly-28.58 / 50 bk-31.21 / 50 br-35.03 / 50 fr-25.81 / 100 IM-1.03.86

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE PENTATHLON PICTURES HERE

GREAT JOB EVERYONE!

2007 SHORT COURSE YARDS SWIMMING SEASON

2006-12-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

The short-course-yards season will be here in January, and we're gearing up for going to a couple meets in 2007. Championships this year will be held in Santa Clarita, so I would really like to get a group going down for that one. Plus maybe one or two others. The pentathlon is always fun, and then there's Vegas and Mission Viejo. The Las Vegas meet is well, in Las Vegas, enough said. The Mission Viejo meet is arguably one of the best run Master's meets around, and they always have a little something fun going on before and after the meet. I have posted the schedule below. Let me know if you're interested, and LET'S GO!

SHORT COURSE YARDS
-2007 Las Vegas Short Course Yards (SCY), Saturday January 20, 2007

-East Lake Aquatics SCY Meet, Saturday January 20, 2007

-Cal Tech Pentathlon SCY Meet, Sunday March 4th, 2007 (PUT THIS ONE ON YOUR CALENDARS - WE'RE GOING!)

-Southwest Masters SCY Meet, Sunday March 18th, 2007

-Mission Viejo SCY Meet, Sunday April 1, 2007

-SMPA Regional Championships (SCY), April 20-22 in Santa Clarita

-2007 USMS SCY Nationals Swim Meet, Federal Way, Washington, May 17-20

-UCLA SCY Meet, Saturday May 5, 2007

FOR DETAILS AND ENTRY FORMS TO ALL THE MEETS, CLICK HERE