Otter Aquatics Newsletter Index45. March 2019

The inaugural Redcliffe Cliff to Club swim on 6th April 2019Martin Strel, ‘Fish Man’ and ‘Big Rivers Man’Queen Beach North: Dog off-leash area campaign renewedNew goggles have arrivedOnce Were the Happy Isles: A book to buyQuiz of the monthNew competitionQuote of the monthDitty of the monthPic of the month

44. February 2019

Exercise and self esteemThe inaugural Redcliffe Cliff to Club swim on 6th April 2019The truth about chlorine in poolsSwimmers with poor visionThe future of our swimming tour programGoggles on orderThought for the month: slow swimmingQuiz of the monthQuote of the monthDitty of the monthPic of the month

43. December 2018/January 2019

Date claimers over the Christmas/New Year periodNotable recent endurance swimming featsHow to see in the water: advice to swimmers with poor visionA book to buy if you’re looking for a Christmas present – or just a good book to read – from a famous author (not)Shark Attack – Why does it happen?Swimming technique myth #3: you need to look forward so you can see where you are going2019 European swimming holidaysAnd our quiz, quote and pic of the month.

42. November 2018

Sharks – should we be worried about them as we venture into ocean swimming?Marine stingers – the curse of the open water swimmerSwimming technique myth #2: you need to pull past your hip2019 European swimming holidaysExercise: the key to good heart health

41. October 2018

‘Overcoming the monster’Collette’s storyBut what about experienced swimmers?Fear of the unknown – or unseen – in an open water swimHow to get into your rhythm and flow2019 European swimming holidays – it’s time to give them some serious considerationStroke trip of the month – a new series on swimming technique mythsAnd our quiz, quote and pic of the month.

40. September 2018

New pool swimming arrangements

Stroke trip of the month –how and why to avoid the ‘cross over’

And our quiz, quote and pic of the month

39. August 2018

Some new and some amended swimming timesWhy we should continue swimming over winterStroke trip of the month – propulsive thrust, the body roll and the importance of core strengthDown Syndrome World Swimming Championships, Truro, Nova Scotia, CanadaQuiz of the month – who are we? Part 2Quote of the monthPics of the month

38. July 2018

A new mid week swimfit and technique advice sessionA danger of OWS … and an opportunity2019 European swimming holidays updateMore on plastics in our oceans: plastic contamination reaches Earth's last

wildernessSwimmer of the month – who?Stroke trip of the month – entry/glide/reachA special quiz this monthAnd our quote and pic of the montha collage of some of the exotic places we have swum in

37. June 2018

Winter is here. How to swim in the open water in winterIs cold water swimming good for your health?Watch for ‘the drop off’A Scottish method of measuring water temperatureSwimmer of the month: Ross HughesBronze Medallion

Stroke trip of the month – how far should we turn our head to breathe in freestyle?And our quiz, quote and pic of the month

36. May 2018

New winter venue for Sunday adult learn-to-swim, stroke correction and swimfit training

Trial dog off-leash area at Queens Beach North: developmentsA world record on our doorstep: Brisbane woman swims across Moreton

BayCome open water swimming; it’s the best time of the year to do itSwimmers Ear: what is it and what can we do about it?Stroke tip of the month: the ‘catch’Swimmer of the month: Collette Walsh’s story on overcoming aquaphobiaAustralian and European swimming holidaysA note from Tracey Lloyd on swimming capsAnd our quiz, quote and pic of the month

35. April 2018

New winter venue for Sunday learn-to-swim, stroke correction and swimfit training from the beginning of MayOur regular open water swimsWednesday morning pool training sessionsTrial dog off-leash area at Queens Beach NorthA new service from Otter Aquatics: Swimming as TherapyMore history in the making: Dutch woman undertakes annual marathon swim in Bali to protect the environment2019 Australian and European swimming holidaysStroke tips of the monthA new series on our swimmer of the monthAnd our quiz, quote and pic of the month

34. March 2018

History in the Making: 99 year old man breaks record‘Hell of the West’. A report by Don PezetKicking: why do we do it?Stroke tip of the month: avoid hyper-extension of the elbowWhy be afraid of sharks when there are far more dangerous animals that can kill you?2019 Australian and European swimming holidaysAnd our quiz, quote and pic of the month

33. February 2018

Training Aids: An Assessment ……………………………………p1The joy of Open Water Swimming (OWS)………...……….……p3Stroke tip of the month: ‘sighting’ in OWS …………………..….p3Safe OWSing at Queens Beach North, Scarborough: our ‘rules’.. p4Heat exhaustion and heat stroke……………………... ………….p5

Beware of Stonefish ………………………………………………..p7Beware of Rips……………………………………………………...p8A new distance word record ………………………….…………...p9Australian and international swimming holidays……………..….p10New Year’s Resolutions…………………………………..……..…p11

32. December 2017

A note about our Adult Learn-to-Swim, Stroke Correction and Swimfit sessions over the Christmas-New Year periodStroke tip of the month: Forward Quadrant Stroking (FQS)Random thoughts on ocean swimmingOcean swimmers are stupid?19th century advice to women swimmersA report on ‘The Iconic and Historic Swimming Places of Sydney’ Swimtour and the Cockatoo Island swimIn defence of the gadget – a heretical piece by a guest writerThe second in the series of strengthening our core: the obliquesAn update on the 2018 European swimming tours – including a couple of fabulous new ones

31. November 2017

A notice about a Bronze Medallion course coming up before Christmas. Let me know if you or anyone you know are interestedStroke tip of the month: ‘Don’t look up’A think piece on the choice between using electronic gadgetry or your brain in your swimming trainingA new series on exercises for swimming: ‘Strengthening your core and obliques’An interesting article on swimming philosophyAn update on drowning statistics in AustraliaDetails of our three 2018 European swimming holidays

30. October 2017

A report on this year’s European swimming holidays – plus a few picsAn article from Outdoor Swimmer magazine about a certain group of open water swimmers at Queens Beach North, Brisbane‘The Fourth Lap’: Chloë McCardel’s attempt at a fourth English Channel crossingYet another new venue for our Sunday Adult Learn-to-Swim, Stroke Correction and Swimfit training: Murrumba DownsA note about our 2018 swimming holidays

29. July 2017

An update on our 2016 swim touring program, including the August-September European program, the Sydney trip in November as well as the forecast 2017 programA report on a mass rescue at Sydney’s Bondi BeachA story about swimming to overcome depressionSwimming technique: when can we stop thinking about it?The next in our new series on ‘our fellas in the swim’: Trent Grimsey

Open water swimming (OWS) techniques #4: How to steer a straight(er) line in the open waterOur pic and quote of the month.

28. June 2017

A note about the end of our Sunday swimming for the Winter and our return date in the SpringNew merchandiseAn update on our swimming holidays, including new advertising brochuresA swimming tip with a difference: the ‘smoothest swimming technique in the world’A swimming love storyThe first in a new series on ‘our fellas in the swim’: Des RenfordOpen water swimming (OWS) techniques #3: How to reach the ultimate high in OWSIs cold water swimming good for your health?A novel way to measure water temperature: a lesson from ScotlandAnd a couple of other notes on OWS

27. May 2017

End of season for our Sunday swimmersNew OWS start timeSwimming holidays – this year, next year and the one after thatAnother Marieta masterpiece from Lake OrtaMore on ‘Swimming as Therapy’The third in the series on freestyle technique – the ‘entry’, the ‘reach’ and

the ‘catch’An article entitled ‘Is cold water swimming good for you?’Advice on wetsuitsAn article on nonagenarians in the swimA tip about swimming as the best form of exerciseAnother article on the threat that plastics pose to our wildlife – and our

wellbeing

26. April 2017

Expressions of Interest sought for the August 2018 European swimming holidays

A note on the November 2017 Iconic and Historic Swimming Places of Sydney swimming tripSwimming as therapy for a variety of health conditions

25. March 2017

No swimming on Sunday 5th MarchNew shipment of goggles has arrivedSwimming safety buoys/dry bagsWildlife Rescue ... Eat your heart outStretches for Swimmers #3 – the LatsThe first in a new series on improving freestyle technique

24. February 2017

Last call for our 2017 swimming holiday program: three trips in Europe in August and two in Sydney, in March and NovemberThe start of the year for our adult learn-to-swim, stroke improvement and swimfit programAn update on marine stingers – especially new information on IrukanjiThe third and final in the series ‘Swimming as Meditation’The second in the series on stretching for swimmersAn article on water quality in Moreton BayAn update on drowning statistics while boatingAn article on drowning at our beaches, particularly in rips

23. December 2016

A reminder about dates for our 2017 European Swimming Holiday Program, as well as the Sydney trip in March 2017Christmas gift vouchers – for that special person who needs to get swimmingSome stroke improvement tips – this time all about stroke countingThe second in the series on ‘Swimming as Meditation’The first in a new series on stretching for swimmersAn article on marine stingers commonly found in southeast Queensland waters

22. November 2016

A reminder about dates for our 2017 European Swimming Holiday Program, as well as the Sydney trip in March 2017Some stroke correction tips – this time all about kickingThe first in a new series of ‘Swimming as Meditation’How to get the most out of your swimming – and how to get the least out of itYet another swimming statistic: a new long distance swimming recordOur pic and quote of the month.

21. October 2016

The start of the new season of Adult Learn-to-Swim, Stroke Correction and Swimfit on Sunday 9th OctoberFirm details and dates for our 2017 European Swimming Holiday Program, as well as the Sydney trip in March 2017Details of Bronze Medallion training on 5th and 6th NovemberWith the advent of the Australian summer, it’s a good time to have an article on water safety awareness as well as one on drowning statisticsSome more information on swimming statistics, including two recent English Channel swims by Brisbane-based swimmers

20. July 2016

An update on our 2016 swim touring program, including the August-September European program, the Sydney trip in November as well as the forecast 2017 program

A report on a mass rescue at Sydney’s Bondi BeachA story about swimming to overcome depressionSwimming technique: when can we stop thinking about it?The next in our new series on ‘our fellas in the swim’: Trent GrimseyOpen water swimming (OWS) techniques #4: How to steer a straight(er) line in the open waterOur pic and quote of the month.

19. June 2016

A note about the end of our Sunday swimming for the Winter and our return date in the SpringNew merchandiseAn update on our swimming holidays, including new advertising brochuresA swimming tip with a difference: the ‘smoothest swimming technique in the world’A swimming love storyThe first in a new series on ‘our fellas in the swim’: Des RenfordOpen water swimming (OWS) techniques #3: How to reach the ultimate high in OWSIs cold water swimming good for your health?A novel way to measure water temperature: a lesson from ScotlandAnd a couple of other notes on OWS

18. May 2016

A note about closure of our pool for the winterAn update on our swimming trips – ‘swimming holidays’ - including a repeat in November of our very enjoyable Sydney tripAn article on crampAnother on freestyle breathingThe second in our series on Open Water Swimming (OWS) – this one on rough water

17. April 2016

A note for our Sunday swimmers on temporary pool closure and a new sign-on systemA report on the inaugural ‘Iconic and Historic Swimming Places of Sydney’ swimtourAn article on ‘Brain Training and Swimming’The first in a series on Open Water Swimming (OWS)Yet more on sharks, the last one for a while – this time, some tips to help you stay safe in the open waterThe next in our occasional series of articles on ‘Our Gals in the Swim’: Susie Maroney

16. March 2016

Updates on arrangements for this year’s swimming holidaysThe second in the series on shark attack theoriesAn article entitled ‘Does swimming help to lose weight?’More English Channel record information

Swimming tip of the month: the importance of the ‘recovery’

15. March 2016

Updates on the swimming tours on offer in 2016The resumption of Sunday adult learn-to-swim, stroke correction and swimfit classesAnother article on sharks – especially debunking some of the myths out thereA note on the importance of maintaining a good watch over our children in and around the waterAn article on the history of lifesaving in Australia.

14. February 2016

Updates on the swimming tours on offer in 2016The resumption of Sunday adult learn-to-swim, stroke correction and swimfit classesAnother article on sharks – especially debunking some of the myths out thereA note on the importance of maintaining a good watch over our children in and around the waterAn article on the history of lifesaving in Australia.

13. December 2015

More info on the 2016 swimming tours – in Australia and EuropeA report on the 29th November Bronze Medallion courseA report on training for the Sandgate Canoe ClubAn article on how to avoid shoulder injuriesWhy you should avoid LSD (perhaps it’s not what you think)One of a series on sharks and how to avoid themYet another English Channel Record – the youngest swimmer to do it

12. November 2015

The Sydney swimtour in March 2016Christmas holiday break dates for our Sunday swimmersThe Bronze Medallion course happening on 29th NovemberThe July 2015 National Drowning ReportSwimming tip of the month: breathingSome more stories on records held by Australians swimming the English Channel.And probably more bits and pieces.....

11. October 2015

Introduction to OWSReport on 2015 swimtour to Italy

10. July 2015

Date claimer: the new season for adult learn-to-swim, stroke correction and swimfitPublic pools open over the winterA change of dates for the Sydney swimtourTentative swimtour dates for 2016The first in a new series of articles on ‘Our Fellas in the Swim’: Cyril BaldockThe third in our series on the history of Australian swimming: ‘Australian Crawl’A couple of open water swims coming up later in the year

9. June 2015

New merchandiseSwimming tour news, especially concerning Italy and SydneyNew finish date for our swimming season – yep, we have to finish earlySwimming tip of the month: the ‘recovery’An invitation to train for your Bronze MedallionThe fifth in our series of articles on ‘Our Gals in the Swim’: Dawn FraserThe second in our series on the history of Australian swimming: the Trudgen stroke

8. May 2015

Our best wishes for Les Stumer, one of our ‘senior’ swimmers who has just had a big opA report on the Byron Classic big swim – yet another cancellationSwimtour newsSwimming tip of the month: Three-Stroke BreathingThe fourth in our series of articles on ‘Our Gals in the Swim’- and this one is not only still very much with us but is far from oldThe first in a series on the history of Australian swimming – freestyleRemember that, from 10th May, our swimming group will be back at Bracken Ridge State School pool.

7. April 2015

Important dates for our Adult Learn-To-Swim and Swimfit programsSwimtour newsSwimming tip of the month: the Two-Beat KickThe third in our series of articles on heroes of Australia’s heyday of swimming: Fanny DurackA note about the Otter Aquatics blog.

6. March 2015

An update on swimming tours on offer in 2016An important water safety tip: ‘Don’t hold your breath!An invitation to do Bronze Medallion trainingAn invitation to do CPR training – everyone should do this!The second in our series of articles on heroes of Australia’s heyday of swimming, Mina Wylie.

5. February 2015An update on our line-up of this year’s swimming tours and a taste of what to expect in the futureOur stroke tip of the monthAnd another tip – more of a note on swimming philosophy than a stroke tipAn article on drowning deaths in Australia – and a profile of where they occur and the people affectedFollowing on from this: why is that most Australians cannot swim – or swim properly (it’s true!)And, finally, the first of a series of articles on heroes of Australia’s heyday of swimming, Annette Kellerman.

4. January 2015

New venue arrangements for learn-to-swim and swimfit sessions from when we re-start on Sunday 11th JanuaryAn update on this year’s Italy swimming tour and a heads up on a few other swimming tours in Europe at about the same timeOpening up of applications for the new Sydney Swimtour in Easter 2015: ‘Iconic and Historic Swimming Places of Sydney’An article on sharks – to add to last month’s article on rips (both important knowledge for the summer holiday season)

And another article on those other marine critters - stingersA swimming tips special on the ‘elusive’ catch, and My favourite swimming pool.

3. December 2014

arrangements for learn-to-swim and swimfit sessions over the holiday period

an update on next year’s Italy swimming tour (the registration deadline is rapidly approaching)an article on rips (important knowledge for the summer holiday season)watch out for heat exhaustion and heat stroke over the summer

whose responsibility is it for watching your kids in the pool or at the beach?a new world record in distance swimmingand, of course, other fun stuff such as my blog, open water swimming training, open water swims coming up, goggles and more.

2. November 2014

OWS trainingEquipmentItaly 2015

1. October 2014

Otter Aquatics ClubTurkey swimItaly tour 2015BreathingGoggles & caps