Week of Jan. 26: Zone 2 Meet (Jr Group)
TEAM BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS:
I am writing to remind all athletes, and parents, of the behavior expectations and standards of Orinda Aquatics. For thirty years we have openly and painstakingly strived to be the character and behavior leader in USA Swimming, and in youth sports for that matter. From as far back as the 1980’s when Ronnie was aggressively imploring (battling) swimmers not to drink, to endless talks on drugs and alcohol over the decades, to social media cautions, to character meetings on compassion and humility (not common in a sports setting), we have, in a very real sense, dedicated our lives to this mission; a life, and a team, anchored in character. The reality is that the only measure of this effort, is in fact the behavior of each member of this team, regardless of age. And it is not necessarily during workout, but in the less overt areas of the locker room, the parking lot, the team area at meets, and most significantly, away from the team, that define one’s character, and ultimately, this team. We ask that swimmers not only embrace the team’s mission (with pride), but the profound benefits of a character-driven life; for yourself, your teammates, and your community.
-Donnie
VIEW/PRINT: 2025-26 Fall/Winter General Workout Schedule - ALL Groups...
2026 Spring Workout Schedule (high school swim season)-begins March 23...
Senior Meet/Block Party: As always, a huge thank you to our Parent group and Meet leads for your extraordinary support this weekend hosting the Senior Open Meet and providing our Jr swimmers with real race opportunities at the Block Party. And thank you to all swimmers for their help with post meet clean up and their support of the Block Party. Your time and commitment is much appreciated!
For calendar purposes, our next team hosted meets will be long course meets June 13&14 and June 27&28.
Senior Group:
- Monday, Jan. 26 - AM Workout - cancelled
- Regular Workout Schedule: Monday PM thru Thursday PM (refer to link above)
- Friday Update (Soda Center conflicts)
- Sr4 AM Only: Regular Time
- Sr2/3 PM Only: 5:00-6:30
- Saturday:
- Sr4: 7:15-9:00
- Sr2/3: 9:00-10:30
Additional Senior Group Important Information:
- High School Swimming begins Feb. 9th
- Fast Suit Workout - Saturday, Feb 7th
Junior Group:
- Regular Workout Schedule Monday thru Thursday (refer to link above)
- Friday Update: 6:30-7:45
- Saturday: None; Zone 2 Meet, Chabot College, Hayward
- Saturday Meet Starts at Noon; Warm-ups at 11:00
- Sunday Meet - be there time is 7:30
- Watch for Zone 2 team assignments (check-in desk, timing & officiating)
Dryland Note: dryland is canceled if it is raining.
SOCIAL:
- Team Bowling: Saturday, Feb. 7, after practice - Clayton Valley Bowl, Concord; $10 per person includes shoe rental and two games of bowling. Be sure to RSVP via Team Unify
- Neptune Invite Swimmer Dinner, Saturday Feb. 14 6:45; Mary's Pizza Shack - Please RSVP here on the Sign Up Genius link: NEPTUNE INVITE SWIMMER DINNER RSVP...
- Updated Buddy Lists:
MEET SCHEDULE & ENTRY INFORMATION: Team policy is that swimmers stick to the approved team meet schedule and only enter meets listed for their swim group. 2025-26 Meet/Event Schedule (rev. 1.25.2026)....
MEET ENTRY NOTE: Before entering ANY meet, be sure the meet is on our TEAM meet schedule and be sure your swim group is supposed to enter. DO NOT enter meets blindly (it impacts our team & official requirements when swimmers enter meets and then do not attend). Before entering ANY meet, check the team meet schedule FIRST and be sure the meet is listed on our meet schedule for your swim group.
FEBRUARY MEETS:
Jr Group: Neptune Invite, Feb. 13-15, Santa Rosa Jr College. Family Travel optional. Single Age Trials & Finals Fast Suit Meet. Minimum Qualifing times (coach verified times allowed within reason), check with your coach on events if you are not sure if you qualify.
Senior Travel: Juanita Allington Invitational, Feb. 19-22, Clovis. Sr Group Team Meet/Team Travel - More information coming soon.
Already Closed: Jr Group - Saturday Only: TERA C/B/BB+ Saturday ONLY March 21, Concord. Added as a 1-day option for Jr Group Swimmers - under two conditions:
- We are attending Saturday ONLY - ONLY Enter Saturday Events (recommend swimming only 3 events)
- Do NOT enter the 500 free (girls) - swim it at the block party or Neptune
Senior Optional: Spring Sectionals, Feb. 26-March 1, Hosted by CCA, Roseville. Family Travel. Coaches will connect with swimmers on entering/entries.
MARCH MEETS (high school swimming season):
Opens Feb. 2 - Jr Group: SRVA B/A+ Last Chance, March 7&8, San Ramon. Junior Group Meet.
Spring Age Group Champ, March 20-22, Pleasanton. 14&under AGC Qualifiers (high school kids check with coach). In past, they have allowed 2 bonus events for spring.
Opens Feb. 23 - Venue Change: PST C/B/BB+ dual venue meet, March 28&29, Mills College, Oakland. All Jr Group Swimmers. New site added and we have been shifted to Mills College in Oakland (host Piedmont). Peak/Fast Suit for all non-FW swimmers. Optional for Sr 2/3 (don't enter unless you will positively attend).
GENERAL MEET ENTRY INFORMATION:
- Swimmers are responsible for meet entry and entry fees
- Meet Entry is online - thru the online platform - FASTSWIMS
- New Swimmers - you can enter meets (even before registering with USA swimming - must be registered before the meet)
- You should enter 3-4 events each day
- Try new events - if not sure, ask your coach
- You must enter an entry time. Estimating Times for 1st-Time Events...
- Meets tend to fill up fast and close well before the entry deadline. Be ready to enter when the meet opens
- It is recommended that you create a free FASTSWIMS account
- Parents must fill a team assigned timing shift at meets that your swimmer is entered
- If you are interested in becoming an official (Stroke n Turn). No experience required - just a willingness to volunteer!
BEYOND THE POOL:
SWIMSTRONG DRYLAND UNIVERSITY (SSDL U):
- NEW: Elite Swimmer's Guide to Eating Out... Making optimal eating decisions when eating out.
- Recovery Modalities... Breaking down the effectiveness of popular recovery modalities.
- Fast & Slow Carbs... Breakdown of fast & slow carbs, and when to eat each one so your athlete can be ready to train and race.
- Streamline Overhead Mobility Series... Movements & muscles that contribute to maintaining a great streamline position!
- Signs You Are Eating Enough... Underfueling is a common issues swimmers can run into. Outlines indicators are eating enough!
MERCHANDISE:
Team Apparel/Equipment: Order apparel/team gear or equipment online at Conejo SwimWorks Team Store....
MISC:
USA Swimming Registration: All swimmers must have current USA registration.
- 18-years-old or soon to be 18-years-old athletes:
- Once you turn 18, you must create own SWMM's membership account.
- You are required by USA swimming to take the Athletic Protection Training (APT) course. The course is free and can be access online in your SWMM's account under the Education Tab.
MASTERS CORNER:
For Information on the Regular Orinda Aquatics Masters program or Open Water swimming, please email New Master's Coach Tiffany Forbes and visit the Orinda Aquatics Masters Website...
NEW - MASTERS SWIMMING 101: Swimming 101 is a 12-week learn-to-swim BETTER program for adults. Read More - OAPB Masters 2026 Swimming 101...
