April Newsletter 2024

Ojai Valley Athletic Club Newsletter
April 2024

CLUB NEWS

I'm super stoked about this month!  The weather is getting warmer, grass is green and we have water running throughout the valley!  The best part of the month is that we are hosting The Ojai Tournament.  It's always an amazing event but this is extra special since it is the last time the PAC 12 will be around.  After this year, the conference is no more and an end to an era.  I can't stress enough how important it is for everyone to take time to watch some action either at the club or Libby Park.  These are some of the best teams in the country and it is all in your backyard!

In club news, by the time you get this email we should be done with both locker rooms outside.  Leo and the crew are giving it a much needed facelift.  We also had some electrical issues with the rec pool and apologize for the closure last month.  We thank you for your patience as we deal with obstacles that we face here at the club.  It's an older building and things pop up from time to time.  

We can't thank each of you enough for your support and hope you are enjoying the club.

See Ya at the Club!

Ryan

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PICKLEBALL NEWS

IT'S TOURNAMENT TIME!

We will hold our first OVAC Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, May 18th. Registration will begin Monday, April 29th. Round robin format with two brackets: "Just For Fun" and "In It to Win It" - 8 teams per bracket. Each team will play the other seven teams one game to 11, win by 1. Grab a partner and get ready to get into it!!

DO YOU DUPR?

In preparation for this and future tournaments, we have partnered with DUPR to provide and maintain player ratings. DUPR ratings are trusted globally and across multiple platforms. They function in sanctioned tournaments as well as any rec play game where all four players are DUPR rated. 

Learn more and register at dupr.com

FRANKLIN X-40 PICKLEBALLS ON SALE 3/$10 AT THE FRONT DESK

PICKLEBALL CLINICS

  • Tuesday 1:00pm - Intermediate/Advanced
  • Wednesday 9:00am - Advanced (Invite Only)
  • Thursday 1:00pm - Beginner/Intermediate

PICKLEBALL LIVEBALL! 

A fast-paced, non-stop, king/queen of the court pickleball experience!

For 5-7 players. Bring water and a great attitude and be ready to MOVE!!!

  • Wednesday 2:00pm - Intermediate Liveball
  • Friday 2:00pm - Advanced Liveball
  • Contact Greg Doss at [email protected] or (805)798-2662 to sign up!

All Clinics and Liveball $15 for members / $20 non-members

PICKLEBALL GROUP/INDIVIDUAL LESSONS

All Lessons $80/hour. Can be split between 1-4 players.
Contact Greg Doss at [email protected] or (805)798-2662 to schedule.
Open Play Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday - 8:30am - 12:30pm - All Levels Welcome - 
Mixed - Single Game Rotation - Four On Four Off - Bring Your Best Attitude!

PICKLEBALL SUNDAYS - All Courts Reserved 8:30-12:30

Every other Sunday - Advanced Pickleball - 
(Apr 14th, Apr 28, May 12th, May 26th, etc.)
Members and Guests Only - Bring your best game and see how it stands up! 

Every OTHER other Sunday - Super Sunday! -
Very Advanced Pickleball - 4.0+ Only - 
(Apr 7th, Apr 21st, May 5th, May 19th, etc.)
See Greg for details or come out and watch!

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PILATES: LIGHTER AND FASTER

I have had a lot of my clients telling me recently that they are faster with their cardio since doing Pilates. A few of them are swimmers and a few of them runners. This took them by surprise because they did not feel that they did anything different besides adding Pilates into their routine. Meaning, they did not try some fancy; new technique, or change what they wore, or how they prepared right before etc. Pilates simply gets us to engage better, even when we are just standing. The core gets so strong that it constantly is working in bringing weight off the legs and hips and pulls us away from getting into the neck and shoulders. This is the center of our body so that is how it wants to be used. So of course, there are faster cardio times, or at least, feeling much more energized during cardio because we are truly lighter!

We have four instructors in our private studio! Please do not hesitate to sign up for your first complimentary Pilates session across from the front desk, or contact me!


Georgia Cotsis, Pilates Director
[email protected] 
(805)272-5619

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MEDITATION MUSIC

We have talked about why Massage itself is so relaxing and necessary and I will continue to do so. Right now, I want to give the details of why Spa music is so important. Yes, they are soothing sounds and it goes well with the massage and the tone of the room. But it also reduces stress, pain, and blood pressure, and increases mood and sleep quality. In the past, I have caught myself ignoring how essential it is to really take these therapies into my life...like music and aromas. With more of these senses being awakened, we have a much more wholesome experience. That is why even when I get massaged, I can feel that so much more has been done than just muscle work. Having the spa music on, also lowers symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fear. This makes so much sense to me because when we walk in to get a massage, we already feel completely taken care of because there is no judgment. The entire experience is only there to make us feel better. Nothing else is in the way.

I am happy to book your massage and I have flexible hours!

Georgia Cotsis, Massage Therapist
[email protected]
(805)272-5619

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MOVE BETTER AND FEEL BETTER FOUNDATION TRAINING WORKSHOP

WITH ELLEN BAIN

APRIL 13th 1:00-2:30pm
$25 Members/$40 Non-members

Tired of being injured and in pain? Foundation Training may be just the tool you need to live your peak lifestyle! Join instructor Ellen Bain for an all-levels workshop covering the basics of Foundation Training.

Foundation Training https://www.foundationtraining.com/history/# is a series of corrective exercises created by Dr. Eric Goodman to bring us back to our natural movement patterns. Foundation Training uses a combination of powerful movements, intentional poses, and conscious breathing work to activate the muscles in your posterior chain. These exercises teach YOU how to effectively use your body and build it up rather than succumb to the constant breakdown caused by 21 st century living.

This workshop is for ANYONE interested in enhancing their Performance, Longevity, and Recovery.

Ellen Bain is a superstar yoga instructor at the Ojai Valley Athletic Club and the founder of Peak Power Adventures, LLC in Ojai, CA. She is a Midwestern native with a background firmly rooted in the sports and fitness world. A former Division I athlete with a master's degree in sports administration from Ohio University, she has spent over 2 decades in sales and leadership roles for NIKE before opening award-winning Peak Power Yoga & Wellness hot power yoga studio in Ojai in 2017 which closed due to Covid. Ellen is a real estate investor who leads curated retreats featuring real estate investing, yoga, hiking, meditation, self-care, clean eating, and FUN.

PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES EARLY TO REGISTER AT THE DOOR. To pre-register and avoid the lines, simply email Fitness Director Danielle Wommack at [email protected]

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KID'S CLUB NEWS

Come check us out back here in Kid's Club! We need help decorating our window space for spring. That means lots of flowers, critters, and bugs. We are also getting creative with our exploration. Can you make a rainbow by sorting cars? How about discovering how sponges work with colored water? Come and find out with us back in Kid's Club. We are excited to explore with you!

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SUMMER GROUP LESSONS ARE UP FOR REGISTRATION! REGISTER EARLY TO SECURE YOUR SPOT!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

All sessions are 4/30 minute classes. Afternoon sessions are Monday and Wednesdays two classes a week for 2 Weeks. Morning sessions are 4 classes a week Monday through Thursday.

FINE PRINT: No make-ups, prorating, refunds, or transferring. No shows will not be refunded. Makeups due to illness are at the instructor's discretion and are offered only according to availability one time per season (ex. Fall, Summer, Spring) Classes will not be canceled due to rain or cold weather. Non-member's club usage is restricted, and Non-Members must adhere to the Non-Member Swim Policy or risk losing the ability to participate in Aquatic programming at OVAC.

Morning Class Times:
10:30am – 11:00am: Tadpoles
11:00am – 11:30am: Minnows
11:30am – 12:00pm: Dolphins
12:00pm – 12:30pm: Stroke Development/ Swim Team Prep

Afternoon Class Times:
3:00pm – 3:30pm: Tadpoles 
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Minnows
4:00pm – 4:30pm: Dolphins 
4:30pm – 5:00pm: Stroke Development/Swim Team Prep

Morning Sessions:
Morning 1: July 8th – July 11th
Morning 2: July 15th – July 18th
Morning 3: July 22nd – July 25th

Monday & Wednesday Afternoon Sessions:
Session 1: June 17th  – June 26th 
Session 2: July 1st – July 10th  
Session 3: July 22nd -  July 29th 
Session 4: August 5th  – August 14th 
Session 5: August 19th  – August 28th

Mondays Only Baby & Me
Session 1: June 17th – July 8th
Session 2: July 15th-July 24th

Baby and Me (ages 6 months – 3 years old)
Learn the basics and get your baby comfortable in the water. A parent is required to get in the water for this class. Swim diapers are required under swim suit if child isn't potty trained.
Instructor: Bethany
Class capacity: 10
Times: Mondays 1:00pm-1:30pm

Tadpoles Level 1 (Beginner to Intermediate) – Water Skills and Safety (ages 3-5)
Preschool and Beginners/Intermediate start breath holding, blowing bubbles with arm movements and kicking. Emphasizes water safety while having fun and gaining confidence.
Instructor: Bethany
Class capacity: 4
Time  10:00-10:30am  3:00pm – 3:30pm

Minnows Level 2 (Intermediate to Advanced) – Fundamental Aquatic Skills (ages 4 – 6) 
Class requirements: Must be comfortable putting face in the water can swim independently at least a few feet. This is an intermediate/Advanced class.
Focus on front and back glide, breathing, freestyle and backstroke. Swimmers gain endurance and stroke skills
Instructor: Bethany
Class Capacity: 5
Times: 11:00-11:00am   3:30pm- 4:00pm

Dolphins Level 2 – Fundamental Aquatic Skills (ages 6-11)
Class requirements: comfortable putting face in the water can swim independently 5 feet. Focus on front and back glide, breathing, freestyle and backstroke. Swimmers gain endurance and stroke skills
Focus on front and back glide, breathing, freestyle and backstroke. Swimmers gain endurance and stroke skills.
Instructor: Bethany
Class Capacity: 7
Times: 11:30-12:00  4:00pm – 4:30pm

Stroke Development – (ages 7 & up)
*must be able to swim a length of the pool independently 
Focus on Stroke techniques and help to prepare for swim team
Instructor: Bethany
Class Capacity: 14
Times:12:00-12:30pm 4:30pm – 5:00pm

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NEW AQUATIC PROGRAM! Summer Junior Lifeguards!!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Do you kids love to swim? A great way to beat the heat while having fun and learning new skills is Jr Lifeguards! Kids ages 5-14 can come join Jr Lifeguards where there will be swim instruction, daily Jr Lifeguard activities, pool games, diving board, hot tub and lemonade! 

Ages 5 and up must be able to swim unassisted. Bring your own snack and lunch. Jr Lifeguards is from 9:30am – 12:30pm.

Session 1: Monday June 17th – Thursday June 20th 
Session 2: Monday June 24th  – Thursday June 27th 
Session 3: Monday July 1st  – Friday July 5th ( no camp on July 4th)

Session 4: Monday July 29th  – Thursday August 1st 
Session 5: Monday August 5th   – Thursday August 8th 
Session 6: Monday August 12th   – Thursday August 15th 

Daily Schedule:
9:30am -9:45am: check in and games
9:45am – 11:00am swim instruction & pool games 
11:00am - 11:45am: lunch 
11:45am – 12:20pm: rec swim/diving board
12:20pm - 12:30pm:  get ready for pickup

OVAC IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2024 SUMMER LIFEGUARDS! 

Ojai Valley Athletic Club is hiring Lifeguards for the upcoming summer season. This is a temporary seasonal job from June-Sept. in which the employee will be assigned tasks related to water, customer safety, customer service, daily maintenance and other given tasks. A current American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification is required or willingness to obtain one. The certification class will be offered with commitment to the position. Pick up and application at the front desk and return ATTN: Elin Cheverez

SWIM LANE RESERVATION CANCELLATIONS

We hope you are enjoying the swim lane reservation system. Please remember to cancel your reservation if you aren't going to make it to the pool. To cancel you can either use the app and click on "cancel" or call the front desk. This will free up lanes for those who come in for last minute swims.  Thank you!

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TENNIS NEWS

THE OJAI!

The Ojai- the oldest and one of the largest tournaments in the nation returns April 23-28th for its 122st year. The club and entire town for that matter will be transformed into a tennis mecca for those days. There will be tons of outstanding tennis as the tournament features the PAC 12 Mens and Womens Championships which historically have some of the top talent in collegiate tennis such as Cal, UCLA, Stanford and USC. Court use for members will be limited during that time so make sure to check in advance what time matches will be played. Visit the ojaitourney.net website for all the details.

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SUMMER TENNIS CAMPS ENROLLING NOW! 

Camps run for 9 weeks this year. Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm with swimming from 11am-12pm. Ages 5-16. Cost is $195 Members/$235 Non-Members.

OVAC Summer Tennis Camps are a great way to learn the basics of the game, make friends and get outside. Campers will be separated by age and skill level.

Sign up here. For questions, contact Tennis Director Steve Beckendorf at [email protected].

June 10-13
June 17-20
June 24-27
July 8-11
July 15-18
July 22-25
July 29-August 1
August 5-8
August 12-15

RECYCLE YOUR TENNIS BALLS

I continue to see a lot of balls in trash cans. A reminder to please use our tennis ball recycler near the deck between courts 5&6. We don't want our used balls winding up in landfills when they can be repurposed. Also don't forget the cardboard tennis ball recycling boxes located in the lobby of the club.The used balls are ground down and repurposed as material for impact-absorbing surfaces. 

SINGLES LADDER

Looking for mens and womens singles players for participation in the singles ladder at the club. You challenge others above you on the ladder or be challenged by those below you and complete matches within a designated time frame. Please contact Steve at 805-746-0819 if interested.


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TENNIS CLINICS

KIDS TENNIS CLINICS 

Owing to the time of year and the potential weather disruptions that come with it - junior clinic sessions are on a drop -in basis currently. Pre-registered sessions will again be offered after the weather calms down.  

Contact Steve at [email protected] or 805-746-0819 to sign up for any clinic. 

Intermediate/Advanced Clinic- Invitation Only- Children must be able to rally, serve and play points. For players looking to play competitive tennis in tournaments or high school. Ages 9-14 as a loose rule. Inclusion in the clinic is based on Tennis Directors approval. Ages 9-14. Cost: $20 member/$25 non-member

Monday & Wednesday 4pm-5:30pm (90 minutes)

Future Stars- for our youngest players aged 5-8 who are new to tennis. Fun learning through movement and games. Cost: $13 member/$16 non-member.

Tuesday & Thursday 3:45pm-4:30pm, Saturday at 9 AM (45 minutes)

Bigger Littles Clinic- A clinic for our mid to upper elementary age beginners who have some experience. Physical conditioning, stroke production and drills/games are part of this clinic. Ages 8-11. Cost: $15 member/$20 non-member.

Tuesday & Thursday 4:30pm-5:30pm; Saturday at 10 AM, (60 minutes)

ADULT CLINICS- Contact Steve at [email protected] or 805-746-0819 to sign up for any clinic. 

Advanced Live Ball- Invitation Only

Mondays  4:30-5:30pm. Cost: $15 member/$20 non-member 

Intermediate Live Ball (3.5 and 4.0 players)

Fridays- 3 PM. A great fast paced work-out that will sharpen up your doubles play. Cost: $15 member/$20 non-member 

Ladies Intermediate Live Ball- Invitation Only

Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 pm. Cost: $15 member/$20 non-member 
Saturdays 9-10am. Cost: $15 member/$20 non-member

Adult Beginner/Intermediate Clinic:

Saturdays 10-11:30am. Cost: $20 members/$25 non-members

DROP IN TENNIS

Drop in Doubles: Tuesday/Thursday at 3:00 pm.
Cronies Doubles: Monday/Wednesday/Friday at 7am