The van Zuthems' Annual Migration to Orinda
The van Zuthem family joined the swim team at Orinda Park Pool (OPP) in 2009 when they were living in Oakland. None of them, including the parents, knew what they were getting into. The experience they describe is common among new swim families.
The kids start out fearful and reluctant. Parents are overwhelmed by the time commitment involved in producing a meet so they can cheer for their kids for 30 seconds.
Eventually they all see the bigger picture. Friendships are established. Skills improve. Confident leaders develop. Traditions are passed on and communities are formed.
The community was so strong that when Dad’s work took them all to the Netherlands and then Tanzania for a few years, they still returned to Orinda each summer so the kids could swim and continue to be a part of that community. That’s real commitment. It speaks to the powerful culture that exists within the entire Contra Costa rec swimming community.
This is exactly the kind of story I want to tell in the documentary. It’s not just a film about swimming, even though we all love that part. It’s about the bigger picture around swimming, the continuity of teams where families may be involved for decades and the strong social bonds that grow around that.
I’m not sure yet how the pandemic is going to affect this season and the production of this film. I will keep finding and sharing stories through zoom if I have to, and then decide whether I need to wait another summer to complete it.
For now, I hope you and your families are well. With a little luck, I’ll see you on deck sometime in the (near) future.
Do you and your friends from swimming have some stories to share? Please let me know. I want to hear how your family got started in rec swimming. I’m counting on your help to make this a success. Here are some ways to contribute:
Share this blog with your family and friends near and far.
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Contribute archival photos, film or digital recordings of rec swimming activities in years past.
If you have a story to share, please contact me.
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