Hey there. I’m being sent for new job orientation in Irvine CA in April. Never been to the area. Apparently I’m staying near John Wayne Airport. Any Master’s swimming programs/good pools/gyms you can recommend? Thanks.
Try UC Irvine. They have a pool obviously, but not sure if there’s a masters program there or not. Otherwise, I’m sure everyone will tell you to go to Nova for masters. There’s a good aquatics facility in Irvine called William Wollett. They should have everything you need. But UCI will be closer to you. UCI also has a gym, but not sure what the deal is with non-affiliated people using it.
You’re also near Newport Beach if you want to hit the ocean.
Ya, as the other guy said try NOVA masters. They use several pools in that area and have lots of hours for masters swim. Some really good swimmers too if you are an “A” laner. And about 1/2 the groups are triathletes, so there is no negative vibe towards the triple sporters…
Check out the UCI Tri team…depending on when you arrive in April, they will be peaking or just coming home from the NCAA championships in Tuscaloosa. They swim in the campus pool which I believe also has a master’s program. They have other structured workouts throughout the week they may let you in on. Dustin McLarty is on that team.
Thanks for the replies. It appears the UCI pool is under repair while I’m there, leaving the NOVA masters which is an terrific option. Is anyone able to swim OW at Newport Beach? I’ve got plenty of OW experience in lakes but have never done an ocean swim. I would love to do this. There appears to be a group that does classes there (Fearless Swimming). They offer two classes while I’m there. The class that seems perfect is sold out though. The other appears geared toward beginners but perhaps someone can tell me differently. Are there any other OWS options, class or otherwise? Thanks again.
Veto
Yes. most people go to corona del mar and swim. there are buoys there as markers (ask the lifeguards what the distances are, but I believe a lap around them from the beach is 1/2 mile). It’s protected and calm so it’s a popular swim place. There’s usually a few people out there in the mornings and then after work.
Try e-mailing the Fearless Swimming coach. If you tell her you’re from out of town, I’m sure she’ll let you in one of the sold out classes.
Hey there,
For the Novas, try to get to the sessions that Mike Collins is coaching - he is excellent and gears a lot of his workouts toward triathletes.
For OWS, look up the OC Tri Club (www.octriclub.com). They’re a solid club in OC and they have weekly open water swims at Corona Del Mar. When I was a member 7+ years ago, it was on Thurs evenings and had a great turnout. They can also get you looped into the weekly bike rides, etc.
Nova is well known club … btw Monty Mission V is hosting LC USMS in 2013
Thanks for the replies. It appears the UCI pool is under repair while I’m there, leaving the NOVA masters which is an terrific option. Is anyone able to swim OW at Newport Beach? I’ve got plenty of OW experience in lakes but have never done an ocean swim. I would love to do this. There appears to be a group that does classes there (Fearless Swimming). They offer two classes while I’m there. The class that seems perfect is sold out though. The other appears geared toward beginners but perhaps someone can tell me differently. Are there any other OWS options, class or otherwise? Thanks again.
Veto
Another vote for Nova. Can’t go wrong with any of the coaches - heck one is a former world elite…
Plus there are a ton of choices time wise. 6am, 7, 10, 11, 12 every week day.
As for gym… plenty of 24 hour / LA fitness around. Though not sure why you’d want that - strength training?
Just find out when the OWS class is held and swim at that time. At least you will know that there will be poeple in the water with you. I swim at Corona Del Mar once in a while, but I get freaked out in the ocean if there aren’t a lot of people around.
If you want a great gym with a great pool, check out the Renaissance Club (it is also a hotel). They have a masters class (I think) most mornings. They have spin classes on bikes with powermeters. They have a few basketball courts, racqeutball courts, a restaurant and a bar (depending on what time you go at).
As for gym… plenty of 24 hour / LA fitness around. Though not sure why you’d want that - strength training?
Mainly thinking for a spin class or classes since I won’t have my bike.
Ahh. Bring a bike. Or rent one. Some of the best riding in the around. And favorable weather.
Hey Veto and ST’s
Thanks for your email Veto…FYI I am the Fearless Swimming Coach and none of the April classes are sold out-must be a glitch at Active.com.
All of our classes are for triathletes that need help with their swimming.
We do Total Immersion - based Freestyle Technique workshops, Open Water ( Flat) and Ocean Skills (Surf) classes every month in the Irvine area.
The Open Water Course For Triathletes is focused on anxiety management for new and nervous swimmers.
The Ocean Skills Class is for competent open water swimmers that are ready to tackle the surf.
Small classes with lots of personal attention and a very hands-on coaching style in the water with you.
Please contact me for more info. and check the Fearlessswimming.com website for details about our classes.
Thanks,
Ingrid Loos Miller (Daisy)
USAT Level 1 Coach
“Fearless Swimming For Triathletes (Meyer & Meyer 2011)”
“How To Be A Fearless Swimmer (Triathlete magazine July 2011)”