28 February 2012
Boating Sports tomorrow night
Scuba, Waka Ama and Kayaking have all been filled - so if you cannot make tomorrow night's session, please let me know asap so that I can offer your spot to someone else. Remember, you need to attend tomorrow night's session if you want to attend the following week for the three boating sports, as the majority of the safety information will be covered at the session tomorrow evening.
Please remember to let your instructors know if you are not a confident swimmer or have any concerns about being on the water - it is imperative that they are aware before you get on one of the boats.
As always, keep active and I'll see you tomorrow night,
Regards,
Amanda
22 February 2012
Sea Swimming Tonight!
This rain seems to have well and truly settled in, which will make visibility in the water for practicing the skills of sighting etc rather difficult - so we will cancel the sea swimming session tonight. Not to worry though, if you are still keen to get wet, then meet me at the Abel Tasman Statue carpark and we can go for a walk/jog instead - that way we can keep warm while still being active and enjoying sunny Nelson weather. ;)
Karen Bateman from the Tri Club has said that anyone really keen to have a go at sea swimming this season, is more than welcome to come along to the Summer Sea Swim Series, held on Thursday nights from the yacht club, and to introduce themselves to her (she will be located at Registration). She will then go over the main points and help guide you through the short course option that they have available each week. There are three more weeks left of the series. I will email some more details soon.
Averil has said that if you want to go swimming tonight, then turn up at the Ngawhatu Gates at 6pm - and Carolyn will let you in to do some lap swimming at your own pace.
20 February 2012
Sea Swimming this week
We will meet in the Abel Tasman statue carpark (Rocks Rd end of the beach) where the Nelson Triathlon Club will talk to us about the sport and what is involved before we enter the water. For this session, we swim parallel to shore, so that you can stand on the bottom at all times and are never far from the shore.
You need to wear a swimming cap during this session (if you don't have one, let me know and I can bring a spare for you to borrow), and it is recommended that you bring some warm clothing to wear whilst on the beach listening at the start (and for after). A drink bottle of water is often nice once you come out of the water too, to rinse out the salty taste from your mouth. If you have a wetsuit, feel free to bring it, but by no means do you need one.
I am busy planning the groups for the following two weeks of boating sports, and there are a few spots in each category left, so if you didn't let me know on Wednesday night your preference, please email me with your full name, then the sport with a number next to it in order of preference. ie if you would like to try scuba the most, then kayaking, then reply to me Your Name, Scuba (1), Kayaking (2) ....
Please note that there are only limited spots for each sport, so you may not get your first preference.
A reminder of the different options:
Scuba - based at ASB Aquatic Centre, exact time still to be confirmed with Dom from Awesome Scuba, but looking likely to be 6.30pm - 7.30pm (half hour session of scuba, and half hour of snorkelling).
Waka Ama - based from the Nelson Marina, 6.30pm - 7.30pm
Kayaking - first week at Migym, 6.30pm - 7.30pm, second week from the Trafalgar Centre Carpark boat ramp (two time sessions, starting at 6.30pm and 7.30pm - you will need to liase with Jane Martin at the first week's session as to your start time for the following week).
Swimming - continue working on your swimming at your own pace at Ngawhatu Pool (6.00pm - 7.00pm).
For the three sports of scuba, waka ama and kayaking, you need to commit to both weeks to be able to attend. The number allocated for each sport is based on how many can fit in each boat, therefore it is not fair on the others in your group if you do not show for that second week.
The first week the majority of the session will be on safety and the different aspects of the boat and sport, technique etc (eg for kayaking at migym for that first session you will utilise the club ergs that are housed there to go over the paddling technique). It is compulsory that you attend the first week to be able to attend the second.
You also do need to be a reasonably confident swimmer, whilst capsizing is unlikely in either waka ama or kayaking, it is always a possibility, therefore if you are not confident in the water at keeping afloat, please talk to your instructor before getting in the water so that they are fully aware and can assess whether it is the best option for you. Otherwise, feel free to give me a call or email to discuss further.
Keep active and I will see you on Wednesday at the beach,
07 February 2012
Swimming this week
This week on Wednesday night we continue our swim sessions at Ngawahtu Pool.
A reminder that the pool entrance (at the end of Ngawhatu Rd, off Suffolk Rd) is kept locked by gate, so if you are running late for any of the sessions, you will need to park outside the entrance and then walk through to the pool.
If you have a kickboard at home, please hunt it out and bring it with you. I will be bringing a pile, however, the more we have, the easier it will be for the instructors and the drills they set.
6.15pm Groupings Arrival
I will be at the gate to let vehicles in between 6.10pm and 6.15pm (I may even be there earlier this week), then will lock the gate. If you arrive after that time, you will need to park on Ngawhatu Road and then walk through to the pool. One of the conditions of our use of the pool is that this gate is kept locked at all times.
6.45pm Groupings Arrival
I will then pop back out to the gate to allow those arriving later for their 6.45pm swim start to drive in (between 6.40pm and 6.45pm), and will then pop out just after 6.50pm to allow those from their 6.15pm start to exit with their vehicles.
For those of you that will want to use the changing rooms in this session, can I ask that you once again utilise the Mens changing sheds, that way when the group that hires the pool after us arrives at 7.15pm, they have a clear run in the change sheds (we use the Mens and they can use the Womens) – there are no Men in our group (obviously - apart from Jon and Nige, two of our instructors) or their group, so no worries about someone coming in on you!
If you want to make it a bit easier on yourself, consider borrowing some googles and a swimming cap (I have some spares if you want me to bring some out, just let me know) - it can make it easier sometimes to put your head under if you're not battling stray hairs and chlorine eyes.
A reminder that these sessions are to give you a few pointers on technique and water confidence, they are not one on one personal sessions, so try and get to the pool again to practice the drills the instructors give you.
EVENTS COMING UP
Entries to the 25th Taylors Nelson Women's Triathlon are open - full details can be found on http://nelsonevents.co.nz/
The Tussock Spirit of the Moutere Cycle Ride is also coming up (March 11th), and this year has a short course option of 19km, which may suit those of you training up for the tri, or those just keen to get out on to the country for the morning and relax at the Estates post ride. All adult finishers receive a bottle of Tussock Wine at Woollaston Estates following the ride, plus Nelson Events will offer any Activator Participant a $10 discount off entry - just write Activator on your entry form when deducting from the fee.
More details on: http://nelsonevents.co.nz/
Don't forget the Heart Foundation's 6hr Spin Challenge up at migym on Friday the 17th of February - I've started a team, so if you want to join me, then $15 donation per person to the Heart Foundation for either a half hour or hour spin - your choice! Just let me know what time between 11.00am and 5.00pm suits you best. They will have instructors up the front for the whole six hours, so you can either follow the programme or just spin away at your own leisure. All good fun for a fantastic cause. Better yet - get your workplace or community group entered with a team, and take the afternoon off work!
NBS NELSON STRIDERS
The Summer Series has now finished, so Striders resume their normal Tuesday evening jog and walk, 5.45pm from the carpark opposite the Suter Art Gallery on Bridge St. All welcome - weather looks stunning today, so might be a nice way to spend the evening. They will start their Off Road Series for three weeks beginning Feb 21st.
31 January 2012
Session this Wednesday evening
This week on Wednesday night we start our swim sessions at Ngawahtu Pool. The pool entrance (at the end of Ngawhatu Rd, off Suffolk Rd) is kept locked by gate, so if you are running late for any of the sessions, you will need to park outside the entrance and then walk through to the pool.
If you have a kickboard at home, please hunt it out and bring it with you. I will be bringing a pile, however, the more we have, the easier it will be for the instructors and the drills they set.
6.15pm Groupings Arrival
I will be at the gate to let vehicles in between 6.10pm and 6.15pm, then will lock the gate. If you arrive after that time, you will need to park on Ngawhatu Road and then walk through to the pool. One of the conditions of our use of the pool is that this gate is kept locked at all times.
6.45pm Groupings Arrival
I will then pop back out to the gate to allow those arriving later for their 6.45pm swim start to drive in (between 6.40pm and 6.45pm), and will then pop out just after 6.50pm to allow those from their 6.15pm start to exit with their vehicles.
For those of you that will want to use the changing rooms in this session, can I ask that you utilise the Mens changing sheds, that way when the group that hires the pool after us arrives at 7.15pm, they have a clear run in the change sheds (we use the Mens and they can use the Womens) – there are no Men in our group (obviously - apart from two of our swim instructors) or their group, so no worries about someone coming in on you!
Finding the Pool
If you are not sure how to find Ngawhatu Rd, easiest way is probably to turn left at the lights at Stoke (if driving from Nelson), head down to the roundabout at the end of the road, turn right, and travel along this road until you see Ngawhatu Rd on your left.
Just a reminder again that Ngawhatu Pool is heated and can get rather warm, so please bring a bottle of water with you to sip on during your session.
Group 1 will be using the area of the pool closest to the changing rooms, Group 2 will be on the opposite side of the pool and Group 3 will be in the middle lane of the pool.
Groupings are listed below (in email). If you haven’t emailed me yet with your preferred group, then please do asap, as I need to manage the group sizes effectively – please note that at this stage we are working towards one Group One, at 6.15pm, that way, at 6.45pm we can spread Groups 2 and 3 out further across the pool and have more in these two groupings.
Remember, that these sessions are to give you a few pointers on technique and water confidence, they are not one on one personal sessions, so I urge you to utilise the swim pass availability at Riverside/Nayland Pools (start 1st Feb) so that you continue to work on the drills the instructors set in your own time. If you would like a swim pass at Riverside and Nayland Pool - then head into Riverside Pool and see Jo to pay for your pass ($55). This will cover public lane swimming for the months of February, March and April.
In the meantime, as always, keep active and I'll see you on Wednesday evening
23 January 2012
Swimming next week!
Next Wednesday, the 1st of February we will resume with swimming at Ngawhatu Pool. For this, I ask that you email me back if you intend on coming to the sessions as I need to put you into appropriately sized and ability matched groups. If I don't hear from you, I will assume that you do not wish to attend the swimming sessions. We have three weeks of swimming, so if want to participate but there is one session you know you will be absent for, please also let me know. Similarly, if you know 6.15pm is tricky for you to be on time for, then let me know and I can put you in a group that will enter the pool slightly later (6.45pm).
Ngawhatu is a 25m indoor heated swimming pool, not as wide as Riverside, therefore it is important that I know numbers in advance to manage the smaller sized pool for groupings. There are changing rooms and showers available, and as it is heated, I would suggest you all bring a bottle of water to sip on throuhout your session. If you are feeling nervous about swimming togs, don't be, others arel feeling exactly the same, and this is not a beauty pagaent, we're concentrating on swim confidence and technique, not what colour or shape your togs are. You can reach the bottom all the way down the pool, and Group 1 will always be next to the side of the pool.
The pool entrance (at the end of Ngawhatu Rd, off Suffolk Rd) is kept locked by gate, so if you are running late for any of the sessions, you will need to park outside the entrance and walk through to the pool.
Please reply email to let me know which of the three groups you would classify yourself.
Group 1: Would not feel confident swimming one length
Group 2: Could swim one or two lengths
Group 3: Could swim many lengths confidently
Swim Passes
Remember to head in and see Jo at Riverside Pool reception if you would like to purchase a three month swim pass.
Riverside/Nayland Pool - $55 for a three month swim pass (Feb, Mar, April)
This deal is for Womens Activator Participants only - fantastic price! Perfect too, if you are going to participate in the Taylors Nelson Women's Triathlon (April 1st) and plan on doing a bit of swim preparation for it. Entries for this event will open Wednesday the 25th of January - it is the 25th year this year, so exciting things planned - limited to 500 participants.
Striders Summer Series
Tomorrow night, is the Striders 5km down the Maitai Valley - it was great to see some of you at the 3km last week! Good on you! These sessions are free and a bit of fun to see how hard you can push yourself over the distance. The 5km starts up round the corner from the Matai Valley Motor Camp (5km down the valley). Some people park half way up and then walk/jog up for a warm up and walk/jog back to their car for a warm down - otherwise there is usually someone around you can grab a lift up the valley from. More details on www.nelsonstriders.co.nz
As always, keep active, and I'll see you soon.
12 January 2012
Latest Emailer Out
Attached (to your inboxes) is some info on the 6hr Spin Challenge coming up in February as a fundraiser for the Heart Foundation.
Let me know if you are keen to join me in an Activator Team! The more we have, the less time we each have to spend on the bike and the less the entry fee component is ($150 divided between team members).
Please also forward among your networks, staff noticeboards etc.
For further info on this challenge contact either Averil West (Heart Foundation)
Averil West | Heart Health Advocate | Heart Foundation
Ph +64 3 545 7112 M 021 30 31 60 W www.heartfoundation.org.nz
Nelson/Marlborough Branch, Level 1, 42 Halifax Street, Nelson | PO Box 535, Nelson 7040
or Rachel Voyce (migym)
info@migym.co.nz
03 539 0116