Golden Gate to Aquatic Park

March 18, 2015 found Jacee in San Francisco for an exciting swim.

It was to be an intriguing morning, swimming for the first time from the Golden Gate Bridge to Aquatic Park. Paddy and Bob would be our technical crew for this swim. It was a beautiful San Francisco Morning, the excitement of seeing Paddy and Bob again was the main focus, of course the swim was the key to our gathering.

As we prepared the kayak for the journey, we enjoyed our moments and memories of our previous adventures with Bob and Paddy. Thank you to you both!

As dawn was breaking the kayak was placed in the water by Jacee and Paddy. Bob boarded the kayak followed by Paddy and finally Jacee.

The three of them headed out to the Golden Gate and positioned the kayak for Jacee's jump.

As I looked at the kayak with the three of them, it looked miniscule compared to the huge towers of the Golden Gate Bridge. Oh, I had seen the towers on several occasions but seeing them this way gave me a different perspective. Once again realizing how incredible the skills are to even attempt these types of swims. Jacee has been swimming these swims since she was seven years old.

As Jacee jumped the clock started and she headed to her destination, Aquatic Park.

It was incredible to see how swiftly she started. As she continued her swimming she picked up speed but the cross current at times, seemed to halt her progress. Those are the moments of open water that experience teaches keep going even when your progress is slowed, you will get to your destination.

Interestingly enough, after the three passed my position on shore, they seem to move more swiftly. I headed to aquatic park. By the time, I arrived it was over an hour after the start of the swim. Patiently, I waited for them to come into view. Then they were in front of me, Jacee swimming easy and relaxed, Bob and Paddy paddling along. Jacee seemed to be playing in the water as she has most of her open water swimming career. She loves to swim and continues to do most every day.

This day would be a quiet end to her swim with just Mom cheering her finish and thanking Bob and Paddy as they paddle away. Jacee successfully, completed her swim in 1:28.00. She was happy and relaxed. This swim was shorter than her daily workouts so, this was just plain fun.

Thank you Bob and Paddy for the continuing Memories and Friendship!

Xterrawetsuits continues to sponsor Jacee For Kids.

The House of Rice is another on going sponsor of Jacee for Kids

Thank you to all of your who support our journey of helping kids in swimming!

TikiSwim 4

TikiSwim 4 was September 29, 2014

It was a beautiful day to be standing at the oceans door. Today, the final check-in was busy with the excitement of many athletes, being skillfully directed by the TikiSwim crew and volunteers. Each person met up with the friends and competitors. Each athlete had begun their preparation for the swim that would start in the next 30 minutes.

Today, would be just another race for Jacee Frivaldo and Carson Gossler who have been doing this swim since its first year. What is so phenomenal about the swim is that you start in the same place and finish in the same place but, no one swim is the same. As open water swimmers say, welcome to open water where no one day is the same.

The youth from the Catalina Channel Relays were well represented - The Children's Crusade Relay and The Channel Cat's. Spencer, Ethan, Jacee, Carson, Cayden, Valerie and Colin. As excited as they all were to see one another, this was an individual race the challenge was on!

As the horn sounded the sea of swimmers jumped in and got caught up in the surf. Except for a select few. Those were the ones that road the waves out successfully. Trust me, it did not look easy for those swimmers either. The surf had delayed the start for the race and would end the race for others.

Those that escaped the surf were off and the thrust of the current would decrease the overall speed for a period of time. But finally, the current relented and the lead swimmers began to make headway toward the turn 2 miles away.

As the lead swimmer entered the marina with a kayaker to guide his swim the pack followed.

Ethan McVeigh was the second swimmer that kept a close eye on the lead swimmer. The remaining swimmers swiftly followed. The first female came into site only to discover there were two female swimmers challenging one another to the finish. With each stroke who would win was the question at hand. The young ladies pushed each other to the finish. In the end, only one would finish first.
As they exited the water Haley Chasin would edge out Jacee Frivaldo by the elusive 3 hundreds of a second.

Congratulations, Haley!

We never want to forget our fabulous training partners from La Jolla Cove Swim Club that continue to encourage our youth to reach for the seas. Doug Burleigh, Kim Miller great job in your race. Thank you for all of your support!

The Inaugural Lake Tahoe Relay July 28-29, 2014

The Inaugural 2014 Lake Tahoe Relay was a success!

Sunday before the relay there was the final training swims that were done in Lake Tahoe to verify that each swimmer was comfortable with the water. During the evening the swimmer’s completed the dark swim. They began the swim at twilight and completed the swim chasing fish and crayfish in the dark ,that were attracted to the lights that were being used.  The kids finally left the water 15 minutes after they completed the dark swim.

The swimmers for the relay were Jacee Frivaldo, AJ Tran, Jack Cahill, Bianca Reinisch and Devin Esser. Each of these swimmers had completed many open water swims and training to prepare for the event. These swimmers exceeded the minimum requirements, by several miles, to be considered to participate in the relay for 2014.

The swimmers and their parents (a.k.a. volunteers) loaded the boats at approximately 7:00pm. The first boat took off with three foot chop, as the second boat was then prepared with the kayakers, and followed shortly behind. The swimmers squealed with delight, as the waves crashed into the bow of the boat. The water appeared to be a very deep blue as the cloud cover continued to thicken.

Forty-five minutes into the ride southward a light rain began and each swimmer found a way of protecting his or her self. The light shower lasted a few minutes and then the sun peaked out from the clouds creating a spectacular double rainbow. Shortly, after that the sunset became apparent as the descent of the sun became more breathtaking with each moment until finally it set.

Navigation to the starting point was guided successfully with a GPS and a navigational map. The kayaker paddled into position for the kids to make the jump into the water and make their way to shore. The only guidance was the lights from the shoreline and the lights from the boats guiding the swimmers to shore.

The kayaker radioed in they were ashore and the kids gave a yell as they began the First Youth Relay to Cross Lake Tahoe (South to North). Four of the five swimmers decided to begin the relay. The first swimmer passed the boats and the three other swimmers boarded the boat to prepare for their leg of the relay that would begin as each hour passed.

Jacee began her leg of the relay as the lead swimmer to swim past the boats.  The kayak caught up after making sure the remaining three swimmers were within the safety of the boat.

The clouds reflected the generous light from the shoreline and the lights from the boats. The target was sighted and the kayaker, swimmer and boats headed north toward the lights of Reno. For a very dark night the sky was magnificent with clouds, stars, winds, and light showers on and off.

The first hour of the swim seemed to move swiftly as AJ prepared herself to jump in with her lights aglow she headed to give Jacee a high-five.  Jacee exited the water as AJ and the kayaker continued their journey. AJ’s stroke was relaxed and she seemed to swim at an easy and confident pace.

The hour the AJ swam the wind had picked up and there was a small amount of chop. Jack prepared himself for his leg of the swim and before you know it he was in the water and giving AJ a high five and moved the relay forward as he and the kayaker began the dance of the learning to stroke next to a swimmer. Oh, did I mention, his sister, Molly was one of his kayakers. (Nice Job, Molly!)

Jack swam very well maintaining his rhythm keeping the kayak and boats in sight. Jack appeared to belong in the water with a smooth relax stroke that covered significant amount of water as he pulled through with each stroke. Bianca prepared to enter the water.

Bianca made her jump into the water and she was aglow giving a high-five to Jack. She looked bright and the folks on the North Shore could see her if they would look that way. Bianca got into her swim with excitement and energy that enabled her to reach a goal that enabled her see herself in a new place this night. Her quick stroke enabled her to create a wake as she moved through the water. Her tempo kept her energy moving swiftly throughout her hour.  Devin, gathered himself with his glowing wrists, a glow stick and a flashing light on his cap, as he made his jump and gave Bianca a high-five.

Devin was the youngest swimmer on this relay. In the pool he is a distance swimmer and he loves the open water. He kept his pace throughout the entire hour with little fluctuation on tempo. His excitement, kept the entire team moving throughout the night. Jacee prepared for her second leg during the relay, for this portion she decided to wear her wetsuit to stay warm, knowing she would have a third leg.

Jacee jumped in the water with a quiet hoot, from those on the boat.  One little problem, her glow stick was not affixed to her suit as planned. She had her flasher and that was visible. Jacee kept her long stroke going as she continued the journey to the north shore. Swimming at a more consistent pace, keeping the engine moving during her second hour leg of the relay. The sky was beginning to dawn as AJ prepare for her second leg of the relay.

AJ made her jump and looked great as she headed toward the kayak to give Jacee a high-five transfer of the swimmer. AJ took a moment to adjust her goggles. And the relay was headed north again. AJ liked the opposite side of the kayak as she continued her relay leg. She looked afire with her light and glow sticks. AJ did awesome, as dawn became clearer. Jack prepared for his leg of the relay. It was going to be great the north shore was clearly in sight.

Jack jumped in with his lights and glow sticks and headed to AJ to give her a high-five. After a long night Jack looked great and his pace and the rhythm of the kayaker was a beautiful waltz. Since this was an adventure swim with marathon as the distance. Jack was able to swim for a few extra minutes. The sun had broken the horizon by the time Jacee was preparing to make her third jump.

Jacee gathered herself as she headed to Jack to give the high-five transfer of swimmer. She began reaching for the north shore and drawing it closer with each stroke knowing that she could potentially land the relay. After 41 minutes the shore and landing site was spotted and Bianca and Devin jumped in, to land as part of the final leg team. After a little over an hour Jacee opted out of finalizing the finish and gave Devin the high-five. Bianca and Devin headed to the finish on shore.

It seemed to take forever to land the final leg of the relay but steadily the shoreline drew closer. Devin and Bianca pressed into the landing site with everyone watching anxiously. Moment by moment, stroke, by stroke the finish site grew larger and the kayakers and swimmers were in the water to the finished.

Devin landed the relay 9:22.30 after it began. The celebration continued as the long excitement filled night, was behind us. Devin and Bianca decided to walk to the dock, the kayakers headed to the dock and the boats carefully navigated the boats to the dock. We were met by Scott and his team to pick up the boats. Scott graciously, brought donuts, the much needed snack before breakfast, thank you!

The relay was a phenomenal achievement and each person began the celebration of the morning.

Each person had completed their individual goal. The main focus of the relay was to align the individual goals and create a successful relay of Lake Tahoe.

Many thanks to each person the enabled the success of the relay helping, these five awesome youth reach a goal they set and accomplished in a night.

Congratulations!

 

Xterrawetsuits - donated a wetsuit for each swimmer to use.

Lake Tahoe Boat Rentals – were gracious enough to rent us the boats.

The Parents, awe the parents that withstood the night and days of excitement! Awesome job!

Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Thank you to the following sponsors for helping Jacee For Kids send off the Inaugural Lake Tahoe Relay on July 28-29. It was a Great Success!

We would not have made it without these sponsors that really helped out and did not make the t-shirt.

Paseo Water and Ice: Here is their Yelp Review

http://www.yelp.com/biz/paseo-water-and-ice-scottsdale-2

Chopstick Express:

www.chopstickexpressaz.com


Help us to make their business a little brighter! Please mention you heard about them from Jacee For Kids.

Xterra Wetsuits Link

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154274423915408&set=pb.63476045407.-2207520000.1405548919.&type=1&theater

Catalina Channel Swimming Federation Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152363311837779.1073741853.157942197778&type=1

Channel Cats 2014 Catalina Relay

June 30, came very soon for Jacee. As she traveled to California once again to her second swim from Santa Catalina Island to Palos Verdes, a distance of 21 miles with a mix gender relay of all 14 year olds. We arrived at the La Jolla Cove for Jacee’s swims that would accumulate 6 miles in two days. She had fun seeing all of her La Jolla Cove Swim Club friends. Thank you to everyone who helped Jacee with her daily workouts.

On July 2^nd, Jacee traveled to San Pedro for the second time in one year. This would culminate into a second successful crossing of the Catalina Channel in a mix gender relay, as a 14 year old.  The energy filled the environment and the kids and parents prepared taking the necessary steps to avoid seasickness. Gathering at the local Mexican Food Restaurant, and taking the endless pictures for the memories.

Dan and Doug shared their wisdom and advice as they always have in preparing the teenagers for various swims. This swim would seem the same but it has all the new and excited teenagers that would enthrall the hearts of everyone as the set out for their journey.

Each swimmer had their own plans for the swim but each would become part of a successful relay crossing for the first time in their lives. Accept Jacee who has swum the first relay last August 12/13, 2013. The attention was endless and each child was set with their personal preparation for the swim. Of course, the goal was successfully completing the swim as one unit.

Jacee Frivaldo, AZ

Isabella, Back, CA

Carson Gossler, CA
Ethan McVeigh, CA
Cayden Pangelinan, CA
Valerie Chin, CA

Morgan Hartley, CA - Alternate
Colin Grubensky, CA – Alternate

Each swimmer entered the water to do their part as they encountered many jellyfish, currents and waves throughout each leg of the relay. Cayden, had the pleasure of swimming with the dolphins this year and stated, “That he could hear their clicking before he actually saw them.” It was a pod of dolphins the he would swim with most of the leg of his swim.

Jacee’s journey this year was successful because there was no seasickness and she enjoyed her time with the Jellyfish. As she says, “would you let these jellyfish just jump in your house and do what they wanted. Of course, they are going to sting you.” She also stated, “That the jellies that got in her suit were just going to visit their friends as she swam through them and they fell out of the suit.”

Bella, landed the team at 8:42.xx mark unofficially. The overall swim was relatively calm and the finish had a high tide which definitely helped at the end. These awesome swimmers including both alternates Morgan and Colin had the proper preparation and joined together for a successful crossing of the Catalina Channel. Of which only 92 successful relays have been swum since 1926 through 2013.

Congratulations, to our successful Channel Cats!

 

Special Thanks goes to Julie, Violet, and Jim! Julie and Violet kayaked and Jim was our second observer for the swim. The LA County Fire Rescue Unit attended the finale of the swim. Oh, maybe that is because it was Julie’s Husband. Thanks for the ride back to the boat! It was much warmer than swimming the way back.

Two Mile Champion at the Southern California Cup

Jacee volunteered again this year at the USA Swimming National Open Water Championships. She enjoyed speaking to the all the great swimmers, officials and organizers. Her favorite job is marking the numbers on the swimmers. She also enjoys cutting the chips off the swimmers at the finish line.

The 10k was swum on Friday and the 5k was swum on Sunday. There is a Southern California Cup swum on Saturday where everyone in the National Championship and age group entries are invited. There was a 1-mile swim and a 2-mile swim.  Jacee encouraged the 1 mile swimmers and made friends with many of them. She then swam the 2 mile swim having a great race. In the last 500 meters Jacee, in the middle of the pack, Jacee decided to win the race and went for the finish. She and another female swimmer were working hard to be the first female in the race. In the last 50 yards Jacee commanded the field with a moved enabled her to take the lead and hold onto it, as she out touched the second place swimmer by 3 seconds.  It was a great finish for all of the swimmers.  Congratulations, to Jacee and everyone who swam all of the championship races.

The 10k races were won by Mann, Becca and Gemmell, Andrew.

The 5k races were won by Meyer, Alex and Anderson, Haley.

Congratulations, to our National Champions that will go to represent the USA at the various World Championships this year!

2014 Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge Swims

It was an excellent day for an open water swim and Alcatraz was the swim of the day. Approximately, one hundred swimmers entered the water that beautiful day. The water was moving swiftly and the chop was substantial. The swimmers jumped in one at a time, to promote safety first. The water was a warm 56 degrees that day and wonderful for the swimmers that did the practice swims in the very cold Scottsdale Lake. Each swimmer entered the water with their personal goal in mind.

The swift current from Alcatraz is always an issue but with the professional help of Bob Roper and his pilot Paddy and the awesome crew and staff, the swimmers knew the plan and were ready to tackle the intrepid waters of the San Francisco Bay. The reason for the swim was the Annual Swim from Alcatraz for F.A.S.T.  (The Foundation for Aquatic Safety and Training). To promote drowning prevention each year for many people that still need to learn to swim.

Jacee and Cole Whitener were two swimmers that have come back year after year, swimming this extremely fun and fast swim. The challenge is always at a personal level because there is a first place finisher that does not mean there is only one first place finisher. The main goal is for each person to add to their community. Making a difference in their community becoming and community leader by focusing on helping others  learn to swim, also encouraging a water safety mindset that will and does help save lives.

This year the first place person was Jacee and Ryan was the first place male, her challenger from last year. It was interesting Jacee commented, “The swift choppy water was the toughest in years for Jacee.” She also stated, “This swim was one of the most enjoyable swims, she has encountered.”

One special guest that Jacee was able to befriend was Liz Hunter our official Coast Guard entry. Along with Liz, there are so many individuals that make it a national and international event. It creates a goal for many swimmers to focus on during their daily training. The swimmers will take the experience back to their friends and family to encourage others to focus on swimming and drowning prevention. Enabling each swimmer to swim the “impossible swim”!

The day after the infamous Alcatraz Swim, a wonderful weekend of swimming continued with the Golden Gate Bridge Crossing (GGB).  You ask why? The best answer I can think of and have heard from several swimmers is “Why not”.  Well, yes the current is swifter, yes, you can find yourself swimming in place for several minutes and yes, you never know what to expect out there. Once again Bob Roper, Paddy and crew know how to handle the entire process. There are many safety precautions even in the toughest situations.

This year’s GGB had its stopping point for Jacee. Jacee and Liz Hunter were off and swimming together once they jumped. Starting in the middle of the pack Jacee took off passing the entire field to what looked like a first place finished until the moment came where the destination and current came together to stop the swimmers. Ryan and his friend found the way out of the current and finished the race first. Jacee finally, got to her destination and completed the swim as the first female. This year the focus would be touching the rock. Having fun in these swims is truly the goal and of course, first place is in the heart of each swimmer.

Thank you again for the wonderful event planners and organizers of these annual events!

If this article has piqued your interest here is the link for this swim. The event planners will help you through the process.

http://thefastfoundation.com/

First Graders that Excite and Dream Big!

Once again, Jacee was invited back to Mrs. Horton’s first grade class to speak about goal setting and leadership. Her main focus is sharing her life to enable the kids to see a goal and achieve their individual goals in their lives. There is always much excitement from these young folks that truly inspire Jacee to see herself in new ways she could only see through the excited and encouraging eyes of these children.

Jacee has a very interactive session with these first graders as they begin to see that they can make a difference at a young age. Keep in mind Jacee was only in the second grade when she swam her first Alcatraz swim and she keeps these children close to her heart. She decided at the end of her first grade year to make this “impossible swim”.  Knowing anyone of them could become an “overnight” success, by making the choice to be challenged.

Jacee shares her life experience with the children and they respond in such positive ways. Sharing their hopes, dreams, and presenting their goals. Even though Jacee’s main focus is swimming, music and school.  Her desire is to help make excellent children of all ages. Helping others see their individual potential is the main focus.

Imagine being six again..

Someone comes into your classroom and helps you see you can make a difference in others’ lives. How far do six year olds dream? How long can they hold on to that dream with encouragement?

Building good citizens that will make a difference is the key in the succeeding. Knowing deep down no matter what, you will make a difference. That is the secret that is parlayed to approximately thirty students each year.

As always Jacee, is asked if she will swim in the Olympics by one of these bright first graders. The answer is always yes, that is a goal and I have to keep working really hard to reach that goal.

This year Jacee shared her steps and the process of swimming across the Catalina Channel with a great group of six relay swimmers. Setting the record for the first 14/15 year old relay team to be recorded by the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation the name of the relay team is “The Children’s Crusade Relay”. Oh, by the way that is a 21 mile swim from Santa Catalina Island to Los Angeles.

If you would like Jacee to speak at your group or organization please go to the link on the follow me and enter you information and she will get back to you!

The TikiSwim is an exciting swim that is just the right distance...you have two choices!

 The Tiki Swim, now in its fourth year, is southern California's premier open water event taking place in conjunction with the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Harbor Days Festival. With over 400 vendors, kid's zone and our Double Decker shuttle buses, TikiSwim4 is without a doubt the most family friendly endurance event taking place on the west coast. While all swimmers are provided a complimentary pancake breakfast from the Oceanside Firefighters Association, family members can also enjoy breakfast with a small donation at their booth.

 The 2.4 mile swim starts south of the Oceanside Pier, rounds the pier and heads north for the still waters inside the Oceanside Harbor to finish at the small craft launch ramps. There is an aid station provided by the Oceanside Outrigger and Canoe Club that will have Hammer Nutrition hydration and fuel products.  The 1.2 mile swim starts on the sand of the harbor beach across from the finish, merges into the 2.4 mile course and then too finished at the launch ramps.

Remember all athletes receive:

Free Pancake Breakfast
Finisher Lei
Finisher Medal
Custom TikiSwim4 bucket hat
Course marked with 10+ buoys and an on-water aid station
Complementary Double Decker Shuttle Bus Ride
and one amazing experience

Awards go to:

Overall winner in the 2.4 and 1.2 mile swim for both Wetsuit and Traditional divisions(no swim snobbery here!)
Top 3 in the 2.4 mile age group finishers for both Wetsuit and Traditional divisions.
Top age group finisher in the 1.2 mile swim for both Wetsuit and Traditional divisions.

For all of our multi-sports friends, this is a perfect opportunity to work on your Ironman or Half Ironman swims. As you may know WTC has decided to implement some changes to the swim portion at a number of events for safety reasons. Don't short change your swim training, gain experience and confidence with your swim by participating in TikiSwim4!!
  Register now at www.tikiswim.com

The Next Alcatraz Swim

This year’s training has begun for the Alcatraz Swimmers for Drowning Prevention Awareness. Jacee has been out with each cold water swim to help the kids adapt to the differences of cold water versus the warm pool water.

One swimmer that is exceptional because she is determined to be successful is Annie. Yes, she has a goggle issue and yes the water is cold. Annie decided to brave the cold water and had a technical difficulty like many. Learning to be an overcomer does help you succeed.

Annie, made over one hour of the swim and her goggles got discombobulated and she had to get out. She will take the challenge on January 4^th to work out the goggle issues.

As Annie overcomes this goggle issue she will find herself having more fun than she ever thought possible.

Here is a story of Jacee’s goggles getting lost in the ocean.

Jacee was swimming her first Optimis Sport Challenge and was coming into a check point when a very large wave came in and rolled her as she headed to shore. She lost her cap and goggles that day. A fellow swimmer grabbed her, as he saw her having difficulty and helped her get into the check point. She was of course crying. Well, when the safety folks told her she did not have to swim any longer she cried harder. They asked what wrong she said, I do not have a cap and goggles and I want to finish the swim. The safety team ran to their perspective cars and got her goggles. You see she was not crying because took a tumble she was crying because she couldn’t swim any more.

That day looked like it was all finished and the safety team was concerned that they had an injured child on their hands.  To their chagrin they had a child that did not know what to do because she lost her goggles. You see her pair of goggles at the start of the race broke so; she had a double surprise when she lost a second pair of goggles that she had borrowed. The lesson learned that day was to bring extra goggles and when you have enough, bring another pair.

Every open water swim can be fun and challenging. Isn’t that why you are out of the pool anyway? For the challenge!  The first step to knowing you will be an open water swimmer is being willing to give it one more try.

The Alcatraz swim is to raise money for children who may not know how to swim or need water safety classes. This swim affords you the swimmer to make a difference in the life of another person who does not know how to swim. Make it through this swim and you have not only become an open water swimmer but you get to help someone else have an opportunity to swim that may never have a chance if you do not swim.

Jacee (center) and Lilli(right) teaching Water Safety

To get involved it is not too late.

Here is the link:     http://thefastfoundation.com/swim-fast/

 

 

LJ Kids Take the TikiSwim Prize

It was a beautiful morning for a swim, The TikiSwim 2013 excitement could be felt from the parking lot. Entering check-in was busy, for the volunteers. The swimmers were excited moving from the check-in to the start line of the race.

As with all ocean races the current dictates the position of the start. The race organizers picked the best position for these athletes to begin their 2.4 mile journey as they gather for the start. Each competitor had prepared for this race with their own goals in mind. Three competitors had their own plans that would be revealed at the start and finish of the race. The horn sounded and three hundred swimmers hit the 5-6 foot surf. Several were tentative but a few headed for the first buoy as if they had been there before.

The spectators boarded the double-deck buses as they watched the first swimmer hit the second buoy past the pier.  The spectators were taken to the finish area. As with each TikiSwim this was the Oceanside Harbor Days, an event that brings together a community for fun events throughout the day.  The 1.2 mile event start takes place on the west side of the harbor. 

By the time the 1.2 mile event began the first 2.4 mile swimmers were already passing the starting shoot. Heading to the corner of the harbor is a special place for spectators that desire to walk their swimmer into the boat launch of the harbor, which is the finish line. The first swimmers came around the final turn in the harbor, in approximately 45 minutes. The second place swimmer looked strong working to chase down the lead swimmer. The third place swimmer was pressing into the race narrowing the distance from the second place swimmer. The fourth place swimmer was directly on the feet of the third place swimmer. This was going to be a fun finish, which swimmer would have the stamina to finish third.

The first place swimmer finished in 51:17. Congratulations, to Luke Weniger the first place finisher and top wetsuit finisher. The second place swimmer completed his race Ben Bleichwehl his time was 52:26. He was the top traditional swimmer also the first LJ Kid Team Member. The third swimmer held on for third, Jacee Frivaldo she was the first female in the traditional category with a 53:34 finish, the second LJ Kid Team Member. And Carson Gossler finished out the LJ Kid Team in the traditional category with a 57:35. Let’s not forget the best kid training partner ever Doug Burleigh. Super job, LJ Kid Team Members!

Jacee (right) Ben (Center) and Carson (left)

 

Who is the LJ Kid Team they are from La Jolla Cove Swim Team and they won the prize for the fastest traditional swimmers relay.  Yes, this is year two! The kids take it again!  Doug, Carol, Toni, Steve and other team mates from La Jolla Cove Swim, Known as LJ Cove Too each had their Tiki’s when they went home! Let’s hear it for the La Jolla Cove Swim Club!

Once again the TikiSwim was a blast! An absolutely a fun event for the whole family including the dog!

Keep up the great work Brian and John!

We’ll Be Baaaack!

Congratulations, to Mateusz Sawrymowicz and Ashley Twichell the prize winners for the Tiburon Mile.

 Jacee

Balancing School, Music and Swimming?

As Jacee continues to swim open water successfully, the secret is out how she balances it all. She also plays viola with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony of Mesa, Arizona. And swims competitively in the pool with Swim Neptune.

Here is her secret -


http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/AZVABacktoSchool/prweb11067280.htm

Congratulations to Diana Nyad!

http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/diana-nyads-mantra-drove-her-historic-cuba-florida-142602322--abc-news-topstories.html?vp=1

Kudos from Swimming World

http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/USA/35721.asp?q=Six-Teenagers-Set-Record-As-Youngest-Relay-to-Cross-Catalina-Channel

Swimming World has written a very nice article.

Thank you!

Catalina Channel Chilrens' Crusade Relay - The Heart of Champions! - Imagine

Imagine                                                                                     by Carol Frivaldo

Imagine being seven-year-old and having a dream of swimming a channel swim. Not many seven-year-olds have that kind of a dream. One did!

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/video/9199873-teen-group-becomes-youngest-relay-team-to-swim-from-catalina-to-calif-mainland/

Jacee Frivaldo(14), Jacob Miller(15), Spencer McVeigh(15), Seth Mandel(14), Bejamin Bleichwehl(15), and Lael Proffit(15) the two alternates were Kealan Harris(15) and Cole Whitener(14).  These swimmers joined together for the first time with the dream intact on August 11, 2013, each having prepared individually for this swim. 

 

The goal this night was to make it through the night swim, that only a few had completed to this point. The reality of swimming 21 miles in a relay is a wonderful opportunity but failure could happen at any time from this point to the completion of the swim. The night swim went off with great excitement and enthusiasm. Each child was prepared for this portion of the swim.  The excitement began to build!

The open water experience being represented by these eight swimmers exceeded 600 miles. How do such young people accumulate over 600 miles in open water? Ultimately, this is a passion for each of the swimmers. The open water giants have train many of these kids for at least a year, some of the kids longer. La Jolla Cove Swim Club has nurtured the gifts of the children’s desire to accomplish such a goal.

August 12, 2013 the day of travel to San Pedro, seemed to last forever, gathering for the final meal before heading to the boat. The energy in the room could ignite the restaurant grills for days. The Catalina Channel Observers were present and they began the pre-swim briefing for the kids. Knowing what it takes the Observers are giants of this sport, you do not succeed without them. 

Once the briefing was completed the destination was the boat, but containing this group of swimmers was an insurmountable task. Or was it? “Hey, guys the television station is at the boat.” The kids moved swiftly to the boat and really enjoyed the attention and fun that was had by all.

As dusk was approaching the gear of eight swimmers was loaded and their parents were prepared for the commute to Santa Catalina Island. We waited for the final preparations of the crew, the captains briefing, and finally the rules of the swim. These young swimmers listened tentatively and with exuberance, because the “real” business was about to begin.

At 9:30 pm, the boat released the mooring and headed out to Santa Catalina Island. Oh, what a journey, this would become!  Yes, they were prepared yes, they took the medicine but seaworthiness would not be at hand.  Two hours and thirty minutes later the boat anchored at Catalina Island.  The first swimmer struggled to her feet. Knowing if she could just get in the water she would be fine.

The key was getting to the water. Finally, Jacee got in to the water, to her own chagrin and swam around. Not feeling “it” she headed to the island and prepared to start. It seemed like eternity had passed before she began the first ever youth relay recorded by the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation on August 13, 2013. Of course, what was next was not unusual for Jacee accept it was night. The illuminations in the water were beautiful, as Jacee lit up the water. So were the jellyfish, schools of fish and the dark water that engulfed her.  For her this was her destiny no matter how she felt. One hour pass relatively quickly. Before you know it Jacob was giving her a high-five.

Jacob heading for the exchange with Jacee

Jacob had jumped in having been prepared, in case the first swimmer did not make it for the start. He was mentally ready, and you could see it in his stroke. Jacob swam like the champion of heart that he is and shared his life with the marine life. The night seemed to melt away for him as he lit up the water with his delight and strong stroke. It was his turn to show, it was his time for success! He gave the high five to Spencer.

Spencer hit the water gracefully and powerfully with her head spinning. She patiently waited two hours to feel the salt water around her and the illuminations she encountered not only in the water but reflected from her as she entered the water. Spencer seemed to have been made for this moment in her life. She created her direction, for her purpose in life. Nice job, Spencer as she gave Seth a high-five to begin his portion of the relay.

Seth is known for his strength and power in the water. He was going to need it as the tides had picked up and he powerfully navigated his hour of the swim.  He would not be humbled in strength by the waves but he was well challenged after he completed his hour. He gave a high-five to Ben.

Ben took off with an even pace and swiftly. He had the swells, as they would be  on this day. Ben focused on the business at hand. His grace, talent and skills showed it was all worth the training for this moment. He was here and going to make a successful attempt with his new found friends and teammates. Lael was up next as she entered the water to give Ben his high-five.

Lael took off with the cheers of her mother. Lael, knows her business in the water and it showed that the real cheering came from within who she was created to be at this moment, in time. She swam a swift pace that was consistent with a kid that was not on vacation! She kept moving mightily through the water as though she was destined for this portion of the swim. Fabulous swim, Lael as she gave a high-five to Jacee.

Jacee’s second swim went off with a pod of dolphins that surrounded her. Jacob went in for the second swim and showed he was still having fun, as land broke the horizon. Spencer came in the water and the waves stood still, or was it she was swimming so fast because there was ”land”. Finally, Seth was up and ready as he was getting coached about the landing and being careful at the finish. He jumped in and another pod of dolphins came around the aft of the boat.

This would be the finish of all finishes. The first of firsts, for these awesome swimmers that showed that there are no barriers if you dream big, live the dream and focus on the goal. Seth had some sleep during the night and was feeling the dawning of the day.  He jumped in with approximately 2000 yards to land this team. It was different from the start because there was no pebble beach; this was rock and sea urchins everywhere. Carefully, and tentatively, Seth continued the relay until it was determined he had landed by the CCSF observer standing on the shore.

It was done the first ever 14/15 year old relay had succeeded in 9:34.53 for their crossing. A moment of eleven months and a lifetime of preparation had been completed. The successful Catalina swimmers made their way back to the boat as pods of dolphins would escort them back to the mooring in San Pedro. What a beautiful experience that was successful because of the volunteers that put it together, the parents that took the journey and the CCSF Observers and organization that made it all possible. Thank you!

A job well done, these kids that became “Channel Crossers” in a night.  Congratulations!

 

Jacee Frivaldo, Jacob Miller and Cole Whitener train in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Seth Mandel trains in Woodlands, Texas.  Spencer McVeigh, Ben Bleichwehl, Lael Proffit and Kealan Harris train in San Diego, California.  Thanks for the memories!

 

Sponors for the Channel Crossing included, La Jolla Cove Swim Club and Xterrawetsuits.

Vessel: The Bottomescrather

San Diego Union Article

The San Diego Union Presented an article this morning with three of our relay swimmers comments for the Catalina Channel Children's Crusade Relay. Here is the link

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/aug/16/this-just-in-teenagers-Catalina-Channel/

Carol Lebeau's comments

Carol Lebeau is one of Jacee's swim friends.

Here is what she had to say in January.

Thank you, Carol!

http://www.palomarhealth.org/ContentPage.aspx?nd=1059