I joined the Nunawading Orcas so I could make it through the swim leg of an ironman triathlon, but I got much more than I bargained for!!!  Having grown up in the country my main sports focus involved land based activities and when it came to my swimming prowess it was all about keeping your head above water and saving yourself from drowning in the nearest dam. When I decided to take on the sport of triathlons a couple of years ago, I figured my fairly natural athletic ability would sustain me.

What I experienced when I joined the club was much more than expected. Every night of training provided me with something new and exciting and I realized the Orcas had something for everyone no matter what the goal or ability. There are opportunities for learning and improving swim strokes and techniques, you become intimately acquainted with "core strength", you get to improve your fitness and lose weight, and you have lots of fun with a genuine like minded group of people in a range of age groups. What you realize is that the art of swimming, like friendship, is a life long pursuit and that every stroke attracts you to more of life's enchantment and delight.

I had been regular lap swimming at the Nunawading Pool since 1980 and was interested in participating in an evening squad to improve my technique and fitness. Various options had been available for early morning training but the time didn't suit. I joined Nunawading Orcas when it was formed in 1994 and found it ideally suited my needs. The coaching has been professional and well structured to maintain interest while improving technique in all strokes. The intensity and distance varied to maintain a good level of fitness. Social activities and friendships have made swimming in a group most enjoyable.

I came back to swimming later in life when I realized that I wasn't getting enough exercise through other activities.  When the Orcas formed in 1994 I saw it as a great opportunity to provide some focus and discipline to my swimming by training with like minded people. 

Since then the Orcas have become a regular part of my life and although I travel extensively with my work I always enjoy coming back to training even if I have lost some fitness whilst away.

The Orcas also provide good companionship and a variety of social activities that complement and enhance being a member of the club.