Reflections from the water

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Spring Edition

My yard is full of weeds and the Scarlett Oak has finally lost its fall leaves, alas, spring has sprung here in Southern Oregon! Here’s what Intrepid Water has been up to locally, regionally, and abroad, as well as what to look forward to as we look toward summer.

On March 28th I flew into PDX after an impactful 10 days in the company of some amazing women. We’ve been wrapping up and integrating Swimbound, a five-month virtual coaching program that culminated in an in-person open-water experience on the island nation of Dominica. The cohort was 6 swimmers strong and for many it was their first time in wind, waves, current and ocean chop. Persevering in the face of jellyfish and sea lice zaps, and the ineffable fear of larger ocean dwellers, they each walked away with a sense of pride in their accomplishments and a better understanding of what they’re capable of in the wide open water. If a houseboat based version of this experience on Lake Shasta sounds like something you’re interested in to increase your capacity and understanding of your power in the water, reach out to me!

In The Swim Continuum — my virtual cohort of curious swimmers preparing for whatever water calls to them — we tackle shared sets weekly and meet monthly to compare notes and keep the fundamentals in focus. Additionally, the shared practice reduces our risk of injury and keeps us engaged so swimming feels steady, not strained.

Recently two US Masters Swimmers came to visit me in Southern Oregon due to recurring niggles in their shoulder that led them to question if they would be able to swim comfortably for years to come. With their first strokes, I could see exactly what was contributing to their discomfort. We spent our time together learning joint safe movement patterns and how to make change that lasts. They walked away with a sense of hope and options for what to do if discomfort crops up again.

It’s a quandary: swimming, an activity that is easier on your joints than most land based activities, also has a high rate of shoulder injury. Upon closer inspection, it makes sense. In the unstable medium of the water, it’s easy for us to compromise our joint spaces which leads to impingement, soreness, and in extreme cases, tingling and numbness. However, this is completely preventable. Join me for a 3 Day Repattern Mini Camp and discover how joint safe swimming also leads to efficiency so that you can enjoy swimming for the rest of your years.

For the teens and kiddos out there looking to build comfort and confidence in the water, I’m putting the finishing touches on my summer calendar and will follow up with detailed information on packages.

Whether you’ve been swimming alongside us, reflecting quietly from the edges, or simply letting these ideas land where they may, I’m glad you’re here.

With gratitude,

Recent Substack Articles

Here are three recent reflections on boredom, our relationship with water, and the the edge in all things between pushing and easing:

Can you stay? On boredom, open water and learning to be where you are

Held by the water: A conversation with Veruska De Vita

Repeatable: On finding the edge between pushing and easing

Recent Event Recap

In my adult swimming classes at Rogue X, swimmers have learned how to move in ways that protect their joints and discovered glimpses of ease in the water. The next 4 week session starts Friday, June 5th: Join Now

Swim Studio Updates

Here’s what’s happening:

Engineer stamped architectural drawings were submitted to Oregon Health Authority (OHA)! Upon review, two petitions for variance were needed to justify features of the Endless Pool that differ from standard public pools.
While my energy for the project is waning, I’m reminded that I’m a marathon swimmer. This feeling of hopelessness, though familiar, will feel fleeting in time.
With OHA approval of the two petitions for variance, building can (FINALLY) begin…