Amateur swimmers take to open water

(CBAC): Swimmers – and water walkers – are gearing up for the second part in the Camana Bay Aquatic Club (CBAC) Open Water Swim Series, which takes place on Saturday 9 March. Originally scheduled for last weekend, the series was postponed due to the Nor’wester storm. The event starts with a 200m Lollipop Dash, followed by a 600m Sea Swim and a 600m Water Walk. This is the second year the local competitive swim club has hosted the open water series, which is open to swimmers of all ages and abilities. The series will conclude on Saturday 23 March with a 200m Lollipop Dash and a rewarding 800m Sea Swim and a 800m Water Walk.

The first event, held on Saturday 9 February, saw more than 130 participants turn out for a host of beginner- friendly events.

“It went really well,” says CBAC Assistant Coach Jessica Siegele. “We had great parent and volunteer support, which led to a well-organised meet and a positive experience for the swimmers, many of whom were taking part in an open water race for the very first time.”

More than 20 little ones enjoyed a Lollipop Dash, designed for swimmers 10 and under, while more confident swimmers participated in a 400m Sea Swim. The last event of the day was a 400m Water Walk, where participants walked through the water at waist height. “The Water Walk is a great beginner event,” explains Siegele. “It’s all about encouraging less confident swimmers to come out and experience a new sport, build water confidence and basic swim skills, in a social safe environment.”

The Sea Swim was won by Darren Mew, who completed the race in an impressive 4:40 minutes. Second place went to Will Balderamos, with a time of 5:06 minutes. Coral Tomascik finished third with a time of 5:15 minutes. “The Sea Swims are great practice for the Flowers One Mile Sea Swim in June,” adds Siegele.

A Camana Bay Aquatic Club travel team also had a unique opportunity to practice for the 2013 CARIFTA Swimming Championships taking place later this month. A team of 24 swimmers recently travelled to Jamaica to compete in the Walter Rogers Age Group Swimming Championships, held 14 – 17 February at the National Stadium Pool in Kingston.

Not only is the Walter Rogers Championship a CARIFTA-qualifying meet – the National Stadium Pool is also the venue for the swimming championships taking place 30 March – 3 April. “The Walter Rogers meet was a great opportunity for our CARIFTA team swimmers to get to know the event pool and to achieve their times to make the team,” explains Siegele. Eight Jamaican teams, two Caymanian teams (CBAC and Stingray Swim Club) and one USA team competed in the event.

As one of only three international teams, CBAC finished in an impressive third place and saw a record-breaking number of fast swims. Overall, the team achieved 111 Personal Bests, 18 gold medals, 15 silver medals and nine bronze medals and set a new meet record. Highlights included Eddie Weber, who saw a huge time drop in his 400m Freestyle to finish in third place with a CARIFTA-qualifying time. Avery Lambert, Carmella Ylagan, Maeve Anderson and Amber Barnes all achieved Personal Bests in the 50m Backstroke, with Lambert taking first place. Danielle Boothe smashed the previous meet record for the 200m Individual Medley, clocking an impressive time of 2:26.16 minutes.

“We are very proud of all our swimmers,” says CBAC President, Jeffrey Wight. “The team swam really fast and there was a great team spirit. The results are just one of many examples of the success of CBAC’s swim programme – congratulations to all the swimmers, coaches and volunteer parents on a successful meet.”

“We’d also like to thank our sponsor MaplesFS for their continued support,” adds Wight. In June 2012, MaplesFS became CBAC’s first platinum sponsor, signing on to supporttraining of CBAC’s top training group, now named MaplesFS Select, as well as to assist with team travel expenses and to support a scholarship programme. “Their sponsorship shows the willingness of the community to support what we are doing, and it’s also recognition that we are doing it well. Less than a year into the two-year sponsorship, it’s rewarding to be able to stand back and see where we started and how we have grown. And not just in numbers, but what we have grown into and achieved.”

The Club is now getting ready for Saturday’s open water swim event. Taking place at Governor’s Beach, the series is open to the public and is a great way for everyone in the community to learn a vital life skill, enjoy a great workout, get wet and have fun.

For more information on the Open Water Series and upcoming CBAC events, visit camanabayaquaticclub.com, email cbac@camanabay.com or call 345.640.2878. To stay up to date with the latest Club happenings, like Camana Bay Aquatic Club on Facebook.
REGISTRATION: Registration is CI$30 for a Series Package (all three races) or CI$15 per individual race. All swimmers will receive a CBAC Swim Cap, and those who sign up for the Series Package will receive a CBAC Open Water Series T-Shirt. Registration can be made on the day at the event or online at caymanactive.com.