February Newsletter 2024

‌ ‌ 
Ojai Valley Athletic Club Newsletter
February 2024

CLUB NEWS

Hope everyone got a solid start to the new year. We definitely felt the January "bump" as the club's energy was buzzing with members working out and getting back on track.  If you have kids new to swim and interested in having a fun week in the pool, please check out the Polar Bear Swim happening this month (19th-22nd). We had one a month ago and everyone loved it! Beth is an amazing instructor and your kid is sure to have a great time.

In other news, all massage chairs are up and running. Please remember that you can reserve the chairs on the club app. It's just like reserving a lap lane and an easy way to enjoy a 30 min massage. If you need help just contact myself or the front desk.  

We also had a great time at the Pickleball/BBQ Social last month. The turnout was awesome and everyone had a great time getting some Pickleball action on a Friday afternoon. Greg Doss is one of the best instructors in Ventura County and I highly recommend getting a quick lesson with him if you are new to the game or want to take your game to the next level. It's such a great sport and getting more popular by the minute!

Enjoy the month and maybe try something new to spice things up!

See Ya at the Club!

Ryan

LOCK YOUR CARS!

We want to send a friendly reminder to make sure you lock your cars while visiting the club.  While we all hope we never have to deal with people trying to steal from us, please be aware that these things can happen.  We don't want anyone losing something of value so please double check before heading into the club!

SOCIAL EVENTS

 img

WINE & PAINT NIGHT

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9th at 5pm

Join us for a fun (indoor if weather is cold) paint night! Inspiration, supplies and drinks will be provided. Please contact Sarah at 805-218-0874 or [email protected] to sign up. Cost is $45 per person due at sign up. 

SUPER BOWL AT OVAC

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11th at 3:30pm

Come on down to the club and watch Super Bowl LVIII with us! Sunday, February 11th at 3:30pm. We will have specials running for that day to either enjoy at the club or take home. Let's goooo!

CHILI COOK OFF

Save the date. One of our favorite tennis events is back- Saturday March 2. Noon, You have until then to perfect your chili recipe. It's a chili competition and a fun doubles social all in one. 

Look up for the sign-up poster in the lobby in the coming weeks. 

 img

PICKLEBALL NEWS

Thanks for coming out for the Pickleball Social in January it was a SMASHing success!! Special thanks to Chef Ryan for grilling up the tastiest dogs and burgs in town! Stay tuned for the Spring Fling coming in March! Extra pickles please!!!
Pickleball Clinics returning in February!
Thursdays 1:00 Beginner/Intermediate (starting Feb 1)
Tuesdays 1:00 Intermediate/Advanced (starting Feb 6)

Open Play Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday - 8:30am - 12:30pm - All Levels Welcome -
Mixed - Single Game Rotation - Four On Four Off - Bring Your Best Attitude!

Private Lessons with Greg Doss, Director of Pickleball
$70/hr for 1-2 players, $75/hr for 3 players, $80/hr for 4 players
Email Greg at [email protected] to schedule
Pickleball Sundays
Every other Sunday - Advanced Pickleball -
(Feb 4th, Feb 18th, Mar 3rd, Mar 17th, 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 -
(Feb 11th, Feb 25th, Mar 10th, Mar 24th, etc.)
All Courts Reserved 8:30-12:30 - See Greg for details or come out and watch! 

 img

PILATES NEWS

We are here for you!
We have a smaller, more intimate Pilates studio here at the club. There are so many benefits to this because it is truly a private time to really learn how to execute Pilates training correctly. And even though we are a smaller studio, we have more afternoon and evening times available again! Now with 4 private instructors, please know we are here for you at the times you would like to come in. Please reach out and I will book your session with one of our instructors.

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

 img

MASSAGE AVAILABILITY 

Just a friendly reminder that I am more than happy to be flexible with massage hours.  Times that are convenient in winding down here at the club are late afternoons. Please don't hesitate and take care of what you want this year! Massage is so important in bringing more fluidity to the body, and then you will enjoy your exercise that much more. You all take great care of yourselves, and you deserve to care about your health in this way as well. I look forward to hearing from you! 

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

 img

WELCOME THE SINGLE LEG SQUAT STAND

-Danielle Wommack, Fitness Director

We have a new piece of equipment in the upstairs and downstairs fitness areas that have been getting a lot of attention and a lot of questions…mostly, "What is it?" Welcome to the Single Leg Squat Stand:

 img

When doing a single leg split squat with the rear foot elevated, we have traditionally put our foot up on a bench, a box, a step, or some riser to complete the exercise. None of the previously mentioned apparatus allowed for fine tuned height adjustments like the Single Leg Squat Stand. Additionally, we no longer need to tie up these other pieces of equipment when performing a single leg squat with rear foot elevated as we now have this dedicated, foam-padded, height adjustable and stable Single Leg Squat Stand.

To perform a Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat (RFESS):

  1. Start with your left knee resting the floor in front of the Single Leg Squat Stand.

  2. Lift the left foot and place it on the bench resting your shoe laces on top of the Single Leg Squat Stand pad.

  3. Keep your right foot planted in front of you with adequate distance between your feet (start with a 90 degree bend in the knee of the right leg).

  4. Keep your torso upright, ribs down and abs engaged.

  5. Drive your right foot into the floor until you are standing, maintaining a neutral spine.

  6. Slowly lower until your right knee is just barely off the floor and repeat.

  7. Switch legs and repeat on the other side.

Common mistakes when performing this exercise include:

  1. Pushing off with the back leg.

  2. See-sawing during the motion rather than moving vertically.

  3. Setting up too close or too far away.

  4. Hyperextending the low back

imgThe RFESS is a great challenge to your body in trying to maintain stability and can be progressed by holding weights in your hand(s). The primary muscles you will be using are the quadriceps, with the gluteus maximus, soleus, and adductor magnus assisting. The stabilizing muscles include the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. Give it a try today! And schedule a session with a certified personal trainer to perfect your technique or for creating a fully integrated and personalized training program that's just right for you by emailing me at [email protected] 


img

CONGRATULATIONS DOLPHIN CLUB SWIMMERS!

OVAC's Dolphin Club swimmers log their swims throughout the year with the goal of swimming 50 miles total for the year. Swimmers who achieve the 50 mile goal receive a Fox St. Cafe meal gift certificate. Swimmers who log throughout the year and log less than 50 miles receive a Cafe Beverage gift certificate. Swimmers can pick up their gift certificates at the front desk. Feel free to join for 2024 by picking up a blue card to the left of the doors to the pool and start logging your swims today!


2023 OVAC Dolphin Club

Name

Miles

Lengths

Meters

Donna Lechman

494.2

31,816

795,400

Douglas Borgatti

275.4

17,728

443,200

Frank Salguero

270.2

11,117

434,813

Walt Hamann

241.6

15,552

38,880

Kim Master

196.7

12,660

316,500

Ron Husted

196.1

12,626

315,650

Jo O'Connell

191.7

12,342

308,550

Scott Wilson

163.1

10,500

262,500

Tom Susanka

149.9

9,650

241,250

Nancy Pierson

144.3

9,292

232,300

Kristen Clawson

132.3

8,519

212,975

Melinda Busch

129.9

8,360

209,000

Kevin Lynn

123.2

7,932

198,300

Thor Koren

109.2

7,028

175,700

Nancy Voyer

108.6

6,990

174,750

Joanie Sherfey

106.0

6,822

170,550

Evie Lynn

103.8

6,681

167,025

Sue Horgan

102.4

6,594

164,850

Dawn Gorman

102.4

6,592

164,800

Claudia Lurie

102.1

6,570

164,250

April Hahn

95.9

6,176

154,400

Mary Iler

73.6

4,735

118,375

Vivia Rutland

73.2

4714

117850

Sherry Doyle

73.2

4,710

117,750

Micheal Frances Smith

73.0

4,700.0

117,500

Greg Iler

61.3

3,949

98,725

Linda Miramontes-Gray

57.6

3,705

92,625

Shannon Levesque

53.7

3,460

86,500

Arthur Kilmurry

49.9

3,214

80,350

Pat Essick

48.2

3,104

77,600

Robert Greaves

47.2

3,039

75,975

Chris Perkins

46.8

3,012

75,300

Marina S. Glasko

41.5

2672

66,800

Devitt Liptak

41.0

2,640

66,000

Jane Spiller

38.4

2,475

61,875

Charles Slosberg

36.8

2,370

59,250

Sharon Baldoni

36.4

2,346

58,650

Stacey Hicks

36.1

2,322

58,050

Paul Lazenby

33.6

2,164

54,100

Shannon Moeller-Spaulding

33.2

2,140

53,500

Alan Doyle

32.1

2,064

51,600

Lisa Porto

31.9

2,052

51,300

J.P. Duboucheron

23.8

1,530

38,250

Lynn Wilson

23.2

1,491

37,275

Lisa Aronson

19.2

1,234

30,850

Bonnie Wickersham

11.6

745

18,625

Derek Poultney

9.2

590

14,750



ADD A FREESTYLE FLIP TURN TO YOUR SWIM WORKOUT

Freestyle flip turns can be a game-changer for swimmers, providing a seamless transition between laps. Follow these steps to master the art of the freestyle flip turn:

1.Approach the Wall

As you approach the pool wall, maintain a steady and controlled freestyle stroke. Ensure you're in line with the wall, typically about a body length away.

2. Timing is Key:

Time your flip turn by gauging the distance to the wall. Start the rotation when you're approximately one arm's length away. Consistency in timing is crucial for a smooth turn.

Practice by initiating a turn from a standing position arms length from the wall before swimming swimming into the wall

3. Tuck and Rotate:

Initiate the turn by tucking your chin to your chest and bringing your knees toward your chest. Simultaneously, rotate your body to a horizontal position, positioning yourself upside down as you approach the wall. Try not to use your arms to rotate.

4. Arm Placement:

As you flip, bring both arms to your side and then extend both arms straight above your head, with  one hand on top of the other. This streamlined position minimizes resistance and helps maintain momentum.

5. Kicking Motion:

Execute a quick, powerful kick as you flip. This adds propulsion and aids in the rotation. Ensure your feet are close together to streamline your body through the turn.

6. Push Off:

As your feet reach the wall, execute a forceful push off the wall with your feet. Use the power generated from the flip and kick to launch yourself into the next lap.

7. Underwater Streamline:

Immediately after pushing off, streamline your body underwater. Extend your arms in front of you and streamline your body to reduce drag and maximize your underwater efficiency. Head is tucked between arms and eye are looking down at the bottom of the pool.

8. Breath Control:

Practice breath control during the turn to avoid inhaling water. Exhale steadily as you approach the wall and during the turn.

9. Practice Makes Perfect:

Freestyle flip turns require practice to perfect the technique. Dedicate time during swim sessions to focus on refining your flip turn skills, gradually building confidence and speed.

10. Stay Relaxed:

Finally, remember to stay relaxed during the flip turn. Tension can impede fluid movement. With practice, the freestyle flip turn will become second nature, enhancing your overall swimming experience.

 img

WINTER 2024 SWIM LESSONS 

All sessions are 4/30 min classes. There are two separate types of Sessions twice a week with classes on Mondays and Wednesdays (2 weeks long) or once a week on Fridays only (last 4 weeks). $95/session

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

Monday & Wednesday Sessions: 
Session 3: February 5th  – February 14th 
Session 4: February 19th  – February 28th 
Session 5: March 4th  – March 13th  
Session 6: March 18th – March 27th 

Friday Only Sessions:
Friday 2: February 9th – March 1st 
Friday 3: March 8th – 29th 

Tadpoles Level 1 (Beginner to Intermediate) – Water Skills and Safety (ages 3-5)
Only offered for Session's 1-5 & 8.
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
Times: 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 and 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: 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: 4:00pm – 4:30pm

Stroke Development/Swim Team Prep – (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: 4:30pm – 5:00pm

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


 img

POLAR BEAR SWIM CLUB CAMP II

Polar Bear Swim Club Camp is back! Kids ages 5-14 are invited to join us at the OVAC heated pool where there will be swim instruction, pool games, diving board, hot tub and hot chocolate! Beth offers a fun and instructional swim camp this winter with new games, and activities for our second round!

Ages 5 and up must be able to swim unassisted. Bring your own snack and lunch.

 img

$245/ 4 day session

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

Presidents Week Break:
Monday February 19th-22nd
9:00am -12:00pm

9:00am -10:00am: check in and games
10:00am – 10:15: snack/ get ready for the pool
10:15am – 10:45am: swim instruction
10:45am – 11:30am: pool games/diving board/free swim
11:30-12:00: change, lunch, hot chocolate

FINE PRINT:  No make-ups, prorating, refunds, or transferring. No shows will not be refunded.  Classes will not be canceled due to rain or cold weather. 

Class Minimum 4---If minimum is not met class will be canceled and registered swimmers will be offered a refund. 

 img

NEW IN THE CAFE

We have two new menu items in the Cafe! 

Acai Bowls with strawberries, honey, granola, banana, mango, and peanut butter for $10. 

Protein Fix with two hard boiled eggs and a half avocado for $5.

Current Cafe hours:
Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm

 img

TENNIS NEWS

CHILI COOK-OFF EXTRAVAGANZA 

Save the date. One of our favorite events is back- Saturday March 2. Noon, You have until then to perfect your chili recipe. It's a chili competition and a fun doubles social all in one. 

Look up for the sign-up poster in the lobby in the coming weeks. 

BALL MACHINE

Our ball machine is located on court ten and is available for hourly rental. Reservations can be made with the front desk. 

*With the ongoing precipitation it's very important that those using the ball mower on court ten cover it when finished so we can keep it looking new. Also please refrain from putting damp/wet balls into the machine as it invariably clogs and must be cleared manually by OVAC staff. Thanks. 

TENNIS BALL RECYCLING

Please do no not dispose of your used/dead tennis balls in the trash or hit them over the fence. We have a recycling program set up at OVAC whereby the rubber from used balls is repurposed and kept out of landfills. Look for the green Recycle Balls cardboard containers near the lobby. The containers are not weatherproof and can't be placed directly on the courts but we do have a permanent receptacle near the deck between courts 5 & 6 that is emptied regularly. We have recycled over 10,000 balls in the last couple of years so please help us do what we can to protect the environment. 

SINGLES LADDER 

Our club singles ladder is up and running and challenge matches are being scheduled. Don't miss out on the fun. The roster and standings are located in the display case near the cafe counter.

We currently have around 20 on the ladder but could use more. It's a great way to get out and meet new players 

NEED A NEW TENNIS RACQUET or SHOES...?

OVAC will be happy to help you with your Tennis needs. We have relationships with Wilson and Dunlop with very competitive pricing and great savings. Please contact Steve at [email protected] with any questions. 

 img

KIDS TENNIS CLINICS 

Owing to the time of year and the potential weather disruptions that come with it - junior clinic sessions have not been set up for January/February. Pre-registered sessions will again be offered after the weather calms down. Until then the clinics will still be held as drop-ins instead. 

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/$18 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. 

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 10:00 AM & 3:30pm
Cronies Doubles: Monday/Wednesday/Friday at 7:00am