Why a Symbol?

Across cultures, symbols are powerful tools used to express beliefs, values, and social ideals. They are more than just images—they are vessels for meaning, shaped by the culture they belong to. A symbol’s significance is not inherent, but learned and shared within a community.

Symbols help us carry stories forward. They unite us around common ideals and inspire action beyond words.

At BLUE WAVE, our team symbols represent the values we live by—and the kind of community we strive to build.

“‘Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.”
—  Lilo & Stitch

In Hawaiian culture, ‘ohana means family—not just those related by blood, but also those connected by choice: friends, teammates, mentors, and classmates. Being part of an ‘ohana means showing up for each other, acting with integrity, and bringing honor to the group.

The honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtle, symbolizes good luck, endurance, and long life. It embodies the spirit of our BLUE WAVE ‘ohana—resilient, supportive, and here for the long haul.

We believe in building lasting relationships rooted in trust and mutual respect. Our focus is on community and legacy—not just what we do today, but how it impacts the generations ahead.

To be part of BLUE WAVE means you share in the responsibility to:

• Care for others

• Build meaningful relationships

• Lead by example

• Teach, mentor, and be a role model

Together, we grow stronger.

Kaizen – We Embrace Growth

Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement. It teaches that big results come from small, consistent changes over time. It's the daily commitment to becoming better—not through perfection, but through progress.

Kaizen is at the heart of our training approach. It keeps us grounded in the process and motivated to evolve.

We believe growth happens when:

• You realize you can get better.

• You identify what needs work and learn how to improve.

• You feel the difference in your body, mindset, and performance.

Through kaizen, we learn to enjoy the journey—not just the destination. We become better swimmers, and more importantly, better people.

Tabono – We Are Dedicated

Tabono is a West African Adinkra symbol meaning “oar” or “paddle.” It represents hard work, strength, unity of purpose, and perseverance. Drawn as four interconnected paddles, it reminds us that progress requires effort and teamwork.

You don’t cross an ocean by drifting—you paddle with purpose.

When you join BLUE WAVE, you commit to becoming the best version of yourself through the mastery of swimming. This shared dedication gives us common ground, even though each swimmer’s journey is unique.

Purpose gives direction.
It helps us make better choices every day—from how we train and eat, to how we support each other as teammates.

Tabono reminds us that nothing worth achieving comes without effort, and that dedication brings us closer to our goals—and to each other.

Living Our Values

Symbols like ‘Ohana, Kaizen, and Tabono are more than just words or images. They are living values that guide our mindset, our training, and our relationships.

At BLUE WAVE, we strive to build a culture where:

• Every swimmer feels like family.

• Growth is celebrated, no matter how small.

• Hard work and shared purpose drive us forward.

We are more than just a swim team.
We are a community built on heart, effort, and the will to become better—together.