For one swimmer, SwimThrough Shasta was her first experience swimming in open water. Others came ready to immerse themselves in The SwimMastery Way. Even members of the crew found opportunities to work on their technique—and a few swam farther than they ever had before.
Over three days, swimmers and crew explored their edges in different ways. We swam beneath clear, late summer skies, experimented with new movement patterns, rested when we needed to, and answered the water’s invitation—in the morning, afternoon, after dark, and into the dawn. Around the table, between swims, and on the top decks of the houseboat, we shared stories, questions, laughter, and the kind of real connection that can’t be written into an agenda.
Each night, we watched the Sturgeon Moon grow a little fuller over the lake. So did the experience. What began as a swim camp became a place for people to try something new, discover what they were capable of, and learn from one another.
Hosting this gathering was an eight-year dream of mine, but the people who said yes are what brought it to life. Their willingness to show up—with curiosity, courage, generosity, and trust—made it better than I could have imagined. One of the lessons I carried home was this: hold dreams loosely, but do not let them go.
Shasta also brought me back to the heart of why I began this work: to help kids, teens, and adults build comfort and confidence in the water.
What that means is different for each of us. Comfort might mean becoming at ease in the water itself. Confidence might mean trusting yourself in cold or deep water, wind or waves. Your edge may be swimming in open water for the first time, changing a movement pattern that has always felt familiar so that you can swim pain free, or discovering that you can swim farther than you thought.
There are many kinds of edges. I’ve spent years exploring my own—and I’d like to hear about yours.
On Thursday, September 24, at 3 p.m. Pacific / 6 p.m. Eastern, I’m hosting a free Zoom conversation about the edges we encounter in the water, how we respond to them, and what helps us move toward them with greater comfort and confidence.
The conversation is open to anyone. If you’d like to join us, let me know and I’ll send you the Zoom link.
Until then, a question to sit with: What might you discover about yourself at the edge of your water comfort?
There are many ways to swim with me this fall. I’ll be offering clinics in Portland and Seattle, along with Beginning and Intermediate classes here in the Rogue Valley at Rogue X.
If you prefer one-on-one instruction, consider a three-day Repattern Mini Camp. Over three private sessions, we’ll identify what’s holding you back and integrate more efficient movement patterns—so you leave knowing not only what to change, but how to continue improving.
If you’re ready to explore your edges this fall, book a Discovery Call to discuss how I can support you.
Swimming alongside you,
Shannon
