Changes and Cancellations (Ontario Holidays and Jewish Holidays)

• Thanksgiving Oct 10
• Jewish Holidays Sept 28 (evg closed), 29-30, Oct 12 (evg closed), 13-14, Oct 19 (evg closed), 20-21

e-Newsletters Archives (as emailed to our members)

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Sept 8, 2011

Well, we hope you have enjoyed a bit of a break from either our infamous outdoor program or your other summer endeavours...it's time to get back in the pool next week! Starts September 12th week (Sundays start on the 18th).

Here's the quick scoops, more to follow:

• Please attend the sessions that we have confirmed together. There may be opportunities to do make-ups at a later date but any requests have to be made via myself so as to ensure adequate lane space.
• Mon/Wed 5:30 am'ers...meet by side door for entry a few minutes before. This is the door that is to the right of the main entrance. We usually prop it open. This is the same entry arrangement for early Sun 6:45-8 am.
• Be prepared to show photo ID at JCC entrance. OR, you can now purchase a pass for $10 that you can quickly swipe upon entry. Inquire at front desk and fill out the forms and get a photo taken. Good for one year, valid only for our swim program.
• I will not charge any new members until it is apparent after the first week that you fit in one of the lanes adequately. This is for the benefit of both sides as we want to ensure that you fit in and feel comfortable.
• Expect a drill focus for each practice for a few months as we spend time on TECHNIQUE with less distance. Also, do expect to swim/learn all four strokes at some time :)
• You have a choice of Sun am early @ JCC (6:45-8:00 am {yawn}-get it over with early) or Carleton U (10-11:30 am-more people, wider lanes, $2 parking). Same practice.
• You are all invited to my 7.14th birthday (in dog years) dinner. Details to be announced later. We will also have a special b'day practice Sun Sept 25th. Just keep in mind I thrive on all four strokes. And, no, you are not doing a 3K IM...
  
  *For those paying by cheques, please submit at your earliest convenience. Drop off in mail box at 963 Killeen Avenue (Maitland and Queensway area).
  
  Questions? Send away.
  
  See you (indoor) poolside,
  
  Tom
  www.swimottawa.com

 

• If you haven't paid yet for paddles and other swim equipment, please do so before we send Hudson to...lick your hand.
  
• Early Indoor (Sept-May) Registration for returning members (who registered last indoor session) is now open. Deadline will be in a few weeks before new members are invited. We have three indoor lanes and a full six on Sunday at Carleton U (drop-in available on Sundays at CU 10-11:30 am).
  
  This will be the first of several registration reminders as I understand many members are on holidays.
  
• Some of you have enquired about our Kids/Youth pre-comp and comp programs that start this Fall. You can take a look over at www.swimottawa.com/swott and read info or register online (evals required for new members).

We are into our backstroke week (if you are reading this, yes, you survived the butterfly last week!) as we get you to follow the clouds in the sky? Keep in mind the beauty of swimming and the four (five if you count I.M.) strokes it offers. Even if you primarily compete in front crawl, the other strokes will help you develop specific muscle tone and general feel of the water. Coach Katy sent this video as when swimmers were allowed to kick as long as they wanted to underwater (now changed to 15m max). Note the Canadian, Mark Tewksbury, who become Olympic champion the following year in Lane 1.

Came across this today - to go with our backstroke.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oTlD6SuvNk

I sure do miss all that posturing at the beginning of backstroke races.

... Who won this even in the following Olympics with the 15m underwater rule?  Right... Tewks!!

:)

K

BOTB Blurbs 

Hi Tom,

 

I just wanted to thank you and Swim Ottawa for supporting Easter Seals through another Regatta Week-end. As you are aware this year’s Bring on the Bay Swim continued to grow and become more successful, featuring 307 registered swimmers who raised over $30,000 towards the week-end’s grand fundraising total of $73,000!!

 

I would like to thank you for your efforts and Swim Ottawa for being a part of this outstanding achievement. We are fortunate to have your support and look forward to working with you and Swim Ottawa again next year for our July 14^th, 2012 event!

 

I have sent the attached documents in the mail to you in paper form but thought I would send them in soft copy in case you want to use them on your website or electronically in anyway.

 

Thanks again for your support... if you would like to check out pictures from the week-end please see the link below:

 

Swim Photos:

https://picasaweb.google.com/102571695398765611723/BringOnTheBay2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCMqOmP2Bn8LGFg#

 

Regatta Photos:

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/18108983_CG7LMP

 

Thanks,

Krystal Walters (formerly Wallace)

Development Manager, Ontario East

Easter Seals Ontario

 

As a newbie Swim Ottawa member (June 2011), I have got to say that swimming in the Bring on the Bay marathon this Saturday was an absolute thrill for me. It reminded me of being a kid and spending the whole summer in my bathing suit - such freedom – such fun!  It was so exciting to dive into the River and wait for the starting signal and then watch all the people in their neon green bathing caps splash off and away towards the dog-leg course.  All that human power and enthusiasm was so mesmerizing.  If it weren’t for the fact that I was swimming this marathon I would have been taking photographs for sure.  So beautiful.

  

I placed myself at the very back of the swimmers and found it to be a bit hectic to find a space without bumping into anybody.  But that sorted itself out as I figured out my strategy for getting past people.  Once I let go of the worry of bumping into someone (their bubbles ahead of me was ample warning) I settled in to a relaxed swim and soon found my rhythm. The water temperature was perfect and I loved feeling the slight current that would drift me towards the buoys from time to time.  I was so grateful to be swimming in the fabled and mighty Ottawa River and feeling the warm sun and not getting freaked by thoughts of “monsters” because there were so many other people swimming with me J  So now, all I can say is a great big thank you to Tom, Trevor and (forgot girl coach’s name) and ... when is the next one?  Bring it on!!!!

~ Carolina B  

Bring on the Bay: happy I did it and made it, felt like I never really got any rhythm going until the 2K mark as I found it tough sort of knowing where I was going. First part of the race, I wondered what the heck I got myself into, but 2nd half when I could see BOATS, then thought this is pretty cool and it was so much fun being in the water. I didn't feel overly tired at the end and then wondered if I could have pushed harder but the rest of the day I was a total zombie/exhausted so yah I worked hard.

Are there anymore open swimming events in the area over the summer?

Thanks for encouraging club members to join, as otherwise I wouldn't have.

~ Lara

Didn't have a great start to the swim I was actually swimming towards the dock when people started maddly swimming the other way. I still have no idea where the start line was.  Apart from that things went well.  I did try and focus on a longer stroke in the swim, I actually did your drill in  the middle of the course when I felt like I was getting too choppy.

thanks

~ Frances

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