Swimspiration

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a life long water baby. My mom said I could swim before I could walk :)
I swam with the Langley Flippers in the mid 1980s. Didn’t swim for a number of years, but when I moved to the Okanagan in 2000 I was inspired by the lake and got my PADI (open water scuba training), and set the goal of doing the Across the Lake Swim and Rattlesnake Island swims. I completed both events two years in a row after my 30th Birthday.
I have 2 grown sons and have lived in West Kelowna for 14 years.

How long have you been swimming?

All my life.

Why did you choose the Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim?

A dream come true. I love setting goals and achieving them!

Why do you want to swim across Okanagan Lake?

I had a tragic event that occurred 3 years ago. I almost lost my life and my left arm–I had a complete shoulder replacement June 18th, 2012. They said I’d be “disabled” the rest of my life and have limited mobility and not be able to return to my old job, but I did! I tried to swim again 6 months post op…I could barely get my arm out of the water doing the front crawl. I tried again, a year later and I COULD. I cried tears of joy. If Bethany Hamilton can surf with one arm, I can swim across the lake ONE MORE time. I’m proof that miracles can happen and thankful for all my friends and family that supported me through the years.

Will swimming 2.1km across a lake be an easy or difficult challenge for you?

It will be challenging. I am fit and have the endurance, but I’m still slightly limited in my range of motion. I may have to take breaks, but I will not stop. I do not fear the water. This isn’t a race for me…just want to fulfill a dream.

Can you give us a quick overview of your training?

I train in the pool 2 days a week. I will also go to Peachland and swim along the shoreline in June. I always do a minimum of 80 laps without stopping much. I had years of physiotherapy and lots of other cross training—hiking and cycling. I love to be outside and walk by the lake almost daily.

What do you enjoy most about swimming?

It gives me peace.

What is your one killer swim tip?

Find your “zone” and keep going…don’t stop! Pace YOURSELF.

Thanks Nora for sharing your story with us. You are a swimspiration!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi, I’m Laura! I moved to the Okanagan in May 2013 from Oakville, Ontario and I’ve never looked back. I love everything about the area: great skiing, wine, fruit, and a summer full of sunshine what more could you need?!

How long have you been swimming?

I started swimming when I was just 6 years old, my very first swim coach was Emil Dimitrov (fun fact: he now is the Liquid Lighting head coach). Emil made swimming so much fun I couldn’t imagine not spending all my time in the pool. This love of the pool allowed me to swim for McMaster University and continue now as a masters swimmer with the Okanagan Master Swim Club. You could say I’m a bit of a pool baby. Keyword: pool. I’ve always be terrified of open water swimming, so 2014 is the year I crush my fears.

Why did you choose the Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim?

I chose to sign up for the Across the Lake Swim to get over my fear of open water swimming. For someone who has been swimming their whole life it’s seems a bit silly that I avoid the open water scene. I’m not sure why I have this fear, I blame Shark Week and River Monsters!

Why do you want to swim across Okanagan Lake?

I want to swim across the lake to prove to myself that I can do it!

Will swimming 2.1km across a lake be an easy or difficult challenge for you?

The biggest challenge won’t be the distance for me it is the mental challenge of staying calm and swimming on!

Do you have a fear about swimming across a lake and if so, how do you plan to overcome it?

I plan to over come my fear by swimming in the lake throughout the summer and keeping a positive attitude.

Can you give us a quick overview of your training?

The main part of my training will be swimming in the lake at the Gyro swim loop. I did a bit of swimming there last summer it’s a great place for all ability levels, there is a sandy bottoms and you can almost touch the whole way. Every time I went for a dip there were always people swimming, a great environment!

What do you enjoy most about swimming?

What I love about swimming is that you’re shut out from the rest of the world. Once your head is in the water it’s like putting an off switch on the world and it us just you and the water, I absolutely love that. Another aspect is the social part of it over the years I’ve collected some of my closest friends from swimming, it’s always more fun swimming with a buddy that alone.

What advice would you give someone who is starting out?

The biggest tip I can give to someone starting out is to have fun and remember that you are one step ahead of everyone who’s sitting at home.

What is your one killer swim tip?

Keep Calm and Swim On!

Thanks Laura for sharing your story! Keep calm and swim on!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a Registered Nurse working in the Operating Room at Kelowna General Hospital. I was born and raised in Kelowna, graduating from Rutland Senior Secondary School and Okanagan College. I received my BSN from the University of Victoria. I have an 18 year old daughter graduating from high school this year. My fun time is spent skiing, hiking, cycling, running, swimming and playing the violin.

How long have you been swimming?

My whole life since learning to swim in the Okanagan Lake but my freestyle swimming really improved after taken a few private lessons about four years ago. At that time, I decided I wanted to start training for some races.

Why did you choose the Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim?

It is a goal to work towards in distance training.

Why do you want to swim across Okanagan Lake?

To achieve the goal in comfortable surroundings.

Will swimming 2.1km across a lake be an easy or difficult challenge for you?

Difficult. I only have one other competitive water race experience and that was in the Apple try-a-tri two years ago.

Do you have a fear about swimming across a lake and if so, how do you plan to overcome it?

I would only fear doing it by myself, which I wouldn’t do, so with support, I feel very safe.

Can you give us a quick overview of your training?

I swim once a week at the Parkinson Rec. Center and I plan to start swimming in the lake when the weather is warm enough. I just found out about the Gyro Beach Swim Loop, so I plan to practice on my own time there. I will also try to go to the swim clinics as advertised by this race.

What do you enjoy most about swimming?

I find it meditative when I get into a nice rhythm.

What advice would you give someone who is starting out?

Take a few lessons, join swimming clubs for training drills and support, watch YouTube videos for improving technique and practice.

What is your one killer swim tip?

Keep improving on technique.

Thanks Heather for sharing your story!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am 47 years old. Live in Kelowna with my family. I love the lake in the summertime.

How long have you been swimming?

All my life for fun. Doing laps and fixed distances only about 2 years off and on.

Why did you choose the Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim?

My friend whom I swim with talked me into it.

Why do you want to swim across Okanagan Lake?

I think it is a good challenge and a way to stay motivated to swim laps at the pool and to try to get in shape.

Will swimming 2.1km across a lake be an easy or difficult challenge for you?

It will be difficult, but I plan to reach that distance in training in advance of the event.

Do you have a fear about swimming across a lake and if so, how do you plan to overcome it?

No, I am not afraid

Can you give us a quick overview of your training?

1km in the pool 2-3 times a week, with swim specific exercises in the pool: flutterboard etc. cross training with other cardio, weights and stretching. will begin open water swims in June, adding distance gradually as I go along. Will try to participate in group swims at Gyro Beach if schedule permits.

What do you enjoy most about swimming?

Finding an even rhythm with strokes and breathing, the feel of the water. Of all the exercises I have tried, swimming has shown the most improvement, even though I am in my 40’s its still possible to learn something and improve.

What advice would you give someone who is starting out?

Get some pointers from experienced swimmers, try bi-lateral breathing (both sides) when doing front crawl. get someone who is knows swimming to critique your swim technique.

What is your one killer swim tip?

Try and relax and practice keeping a steady pace. Hydrate to prevent cramping. Keep it fun and swim with a buddy.

Thanks Colin for sharing your story!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Since 2009, I have lived with my husband Paul in West Kelowna, but I grew up in Ottawa, and lived for 4 years in England from 2005-2009. I was a self-employed wedding and portrait photographer for 2 years in the UK, and continued to do portraits, business and events photography when we moved to the Okanagan.

Now, I’m self employed as an online marketing strategist with my company Bright Spark Media, teaching business owners and entrepreneurs how to use social media, photography and video marketing to get found online to attract more customers and grow their business. I also developed the curriculum and teach Social Media for Photographers as part of the Digital Photography program at the Centre for Arts and Technology.

One of the reasons we chose to live in the Okanagan was to enjoy outdoor activities year-round, from swimming in lakes and camping throughout BC, to snowshoeing and hiking.

How long have you been swimming?

I’ve always loved the water. I grew up with a backyard pool and we had a lakefront cottage until I was 11 years old. I wouldn’t call it “swimming” as much as splashing around with friends to cool off at the beach, or floating on inflatables and relaxing.

I didn’t start to learn proper swim technique and distance swimming until last August, and I guess you could say that my husband’s swim involvement finally rubbed off on me. Paul had always swam in pools in the UK – up to 2 miles at a time – then he decided to try the ATLS in 2009 and he joined the Okanagan Masters Swim Club (OMSC) in 2010, and he’s been hooked on lake swimming ever since.

I became a regular fixture at OMSC events as I occupied myself photographing the swim events, and was the official photographer for the ATLS for the last 2 years.

Last summer Paul started giving me tips from his own swim training experience, and within a few months I was swimming up to 1500m in the lake.

Paul is also Canada’s only official “ice swimmer” having swam 1 mile in water colder than 5*C. He and I kept swimming in the lake in the autumn, and I was able to swim 1200m at 12*C and 400m at 7*C. I’d love to be the only “ice swimming couple” but I have a long way to go before I could safely make that attempt :)

Why did you choose the Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim?

I love open water swimming, especially lake swimming, rather than pool swimming.

Having been the ATLS photographer for a few years, and seeing the fun and supportive environment for all levels of swimmers, I decided it was time for me to take up the challenge.

Why do you want to swim across Okanagan Lake?

The group swim of the ATLS gives the only opportunity to swim across Okanagan Lake in safe environment. It will also be a big achievement for me to say that my first big open water swim is across the lake in my home town.

Will swimming 2.1km across a lake be an easy or difficult challenge for you?

I think it will be fairly easy for me. I’m a slow swimmer, but I can swim for a long time. My only concern is if it’s windy or rainy, but fingers crossed that the July ATLS weekend is as clear and sunny as it has been the last few years.

Do you have a fear about swimming across a lake and if so, how do you plan to overcome it?

I would definitely say that I am an open water swimmer and I have no fear of swimming across the lake. I am not a big fan of pool swimming at all. The only reason I started training indoors over Christmas holidays was that I signed up for the ATLS, and knew I needed to improve my technique, which is somewhat easier to do in the controlled environment of a pool.

I love the “zen” feeling of swimming in a lake, and the scenery is enjoyable and relaxing, both above and below water…except when the occasional weeds or stick brushes against me making me squeal.

Can you give us a quick overview of your training?

Paul coached me on technique from his OMSC training, including sculling, rotation drills, and breathing. We watched “Swim Smooth” videos demonstrating swim technique training.

In February I signed up for the British swim magazine H2Open’s 12 week training via email, that includes 3 workouts each week, leading to a 1 mile open-water swim. This added sprint drills to build up stamina, and 100m timed drills to develop a consistent baseline of my swim abilities.

In May, Paul and I will get back to outdoor swimming, starting with short distances until the water temperature increases. We also plan to swim in various lakes to change up the scenery, starting with Tuc-El-Nuit in Oliver and Lake Osoyoos, which will be several degrees warmer than Okanagan Lake.

What do you enjoy most about swimming?

I love the rhythm – the Zen feeling – and beauty of open water swimming. Like I said, I don’t particularly enjoy pool swimming with the chlorine and dodging other people.

What advice would you give someone who is starting out?

Take some lessons or get a coach right from the start, so you can swim efficiently and not have to unlearn bad habits.

I think the swim clinic series at Gyro Beach that take place over several weeks before the ATLS event is a good place to get some tips and feedback.

Visit Angelique’s website: www.BrightSparkMedia.ca

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I was born and raised in Kelowna and graduated in 1965 from the old KSS. I completed grade 13 there as well and continued on to SFU where I received a teaching certificate in Primary education in 1968. I taught for 6 years then married and raised 3 daughters. My husband was a banker and we lived in several different areas. I resumed teaching in 1989 when we permanently settled in Langley. I retired in 2005 and we decided at that time to retire in Kelowna. We spend summers here and partial winters in Arizona. I have two brothers living here still and our daughters and families enjoy many visits during our wonderful summers. We enjoy golfing, the beaches and the wineries.

How long have you been swimming?

I took lessons from the time I can remember at the cold sands in City Park. The water was always cold and I can remember that we had to walk out to our waist to begin our lessons. Back in the day we were able to walk to the lake without much supervision. I used to take part in some of the synchronized swimming events that took place prior to the Regatta grandstand events. Of course our summers were spent at the hot sands beach back when there were still lifeguards. I swam recreationally throughout my adult years both at “Y” pools and in pools we had access to through our recreational homes etc.

Why did you choose the Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim?

I’ve heard about the swim over the years and after hip replacement surgery last May I thought in would be a good goal to improve my fitness after the surgery. I asked my brother, Dennis, if he would be interested and much to my delight/horror he agreed right away. He has previously done swims and triathlons so he had more of an idea of what to expect and is being a super coach.

Why do you want to swim across Okanagan Lake?

It’s always been in the back of my mind to do the swim and I now have the time to train. We spent a lot of time in the lake as kids swimming and water skiing so why not across the lake swim at 66.

Will swimming 2.1km across a lake be an easy or difficult challenge for you?

It is definitely going to be a challenge. I think making the switch from the pool to the lake will be the biggest challenge but plan to take part in the clinics offered in June at Gyro Park. Having started swimming in open water, I’m not too worried about not seeing the bottom but weather could be a factor. I’m hoping to complete the swim within an hour. Who knows?

Can you give us a quick overview of your training?

I started swimming lengths at our pool in our Arizona complex in Oct. Since returning to Kelowna in January, I have been going to the H2O complex for either swimming, cross training or water aerobics. I go with my brother 4-5 times a week. We have been swimming the 25 m lengths but will also start with 50 m lengths in Feb. We are planning to attend the sessions at Gyro I June. I still need to look into purchasing a wet suit because the cold water is a concern.

What do you enjoy most about swimming?

I like the feeling of freedom when I’m in the water. I’m also challenging myself with my own time.

What advice would you give someone who is starting out?

Don’t give up. Start slow and build endurance. Make a commitment to someone else so you have someone to train with and keep you going.

What is your one killer swim tip?

Even if you don’t feel like it get in and swim.