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Long Time EVO Student Making Waves Since 2010

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Karson Leavitt, Age 9, has been swimming at EVO Swim School since 2010. He began in our Otter class (first level of swimming lessons) and is now a member of our Competitive Swim Squad with RIO Salado Swim Club (EVO’s competitive swimming component).

Karson is a great example of what the EVO/RIO system of instruction is designed to do. Karson learned how to swim with us, learned the competitive strokes with us, experienced our Development Swim Team, and is now among the ranks of our Competitive Swim Team. We hope to see Karson swimming in college one day and at the rate he is going, he can do it!

We recently took a moment to ask Karson a few questions about his time here at EVO/RIO and what he loves about swimming:

Q: What do you like most about swimming?
A: I love the water! Swimming is calming, smooth and feels great when gliding through it. Nothing feels better in the Arizona summer than swimming.

Q: What do you like most about EVO Swim School?
A: I loved my instructors. Kelly, Jordan, Ben, Chris, Andrea and of course our man, Patrick! All of them taught me a lot along the way. You also get a certificate and small toy every time you graduate to another level. Ringing the bell is pretty cool too!

Q: If you had to describe EVO & RIO using one word, what would you say?
A: FUN

Q: What were or are some goals you currently have in swimming?
A: A past goal I achieved was breaking 40 seconds in the 50 freestyle. Three future goals I have are to: 1) get state times before I’m ten, 2) make the varsity high school swim team freshman year and 3) swim on a college team and make the United States Olympic team.

We also took a moment to ask Karson’s parents a couple of questions about their time at EVO Swim School:

Q: What do you like most about EVO Swim School?
A: Great Instruction!!! The instruction was comprehensive and complete. The school achieves this by providing an excellent learning environment along with a staff that understands swimming and how to help your child find success.

Q: What are you most proud of regarding your son in relation to swimming at EVO Swim School?
A: My son of 9 years old has learned that hard work, persistence and patience pays off when you are focused on goals. For the last six months Karson has been in the the “CJ” (Competitive Juniors) training group with Rio Swim team. His past and present instruction has enabled him to achieve being in the 100 yard butterfly finals at the Lost Dutchman Invite (the largest meet in AZ) and qualified for six races in this year’s Age Group Regional Championships. He would not have been able to do this without the proper form.

Q: Do you see/does Karson strive to go to the College/Olympics one day for Swimming?

A: Definitely, what a great sport swimming is! The atmosphere created by EVO and RIO has inspired my son to set and achieve goals while having the time of his life. He currently wants to swim for ASU and represent us in the Olympics. Thank you for the positive impact this organization has made in my son’s life.

We are rooting you on Karson! We hope to be a part of your continued success for years to come.

EVO Staff Spotlight: Head Site Coach Andrea Courtney

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Meet Andrea Courtney, the Head Site Coach at EVO’s competitive Gilbert swim school, RIO Swim Club. We recently sat down with Andrea to learn more about her and help our students get to know her better, too.

David Tait, owner of EVO and RIO: Hi, Andrea. Thanks for chatting with us! For those who don’t know you, tell us about your role at RIO Swim Club.

Andrea: As the Head Site Coach at the Hamilton pool, my primary role is running practices every night for four different groups, helping our competitive swimmers with their technique on all of their strokes, and working with them on their turns and dives. I also run monthly evaluations to see what they could improve and determine if they are ready to move to the next group.

David: You’ve coached some of our best students, and I know you were a competitive swimmer, too. How long have you been swimming and coaching?

Andrea: I started swimming competitively when I was 6 years old and continued swimming through high school. I hurt my knee and wasn’t able to continue swimming, so coaching allowed me to stay with the sport. Once I got involved with coaching, I fell in love with being able to help others improve in a sport that I enjoy so much.

Now, I have been coaching for almost 13 years! I have coached high school swimmers since I graduated, led a swim team at a local gym, and I have been coaching at RIO for three years.

David: We’ve loved having you as part of our team. Out of all of your time in swimming, what has been your fondest memory?

Andrea: I started swimming in Colorado during the summer while I was visiting my grandparents. I remember the first time I won the 100 backstroke at a championship meet. It was the same meet where our co-ed relay took first! It was a huge accomplishment for me and pushed me to continue. It also was awesome to do it with my friends that I had been swimming with for so long.

David: Wow, I bet that was an amazing moment! Outside of swimming, do you have any special talents or fun facts that most people don’t know about you?

Andrea: I don’t really have any special talents, but one thing that a lot of people don’t know is that I am a survivor of cancer. It has helped me be who I am today and given me a huge appreciation for my family and friends. We spend a lot of time together going to sporting events, concerts, and camping whenever we can.

David: We’re so glad you’re healthy now and thankful to have you as part of our Gilbert swim school.

Andrea: Thanks, Dave. It’s been so much fun helping kids reach their goals, and I love working with the EVO/RIO team. They feel like part of my family!

Benefits to Early Age Swimming Lessons

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Here are our top 5 benefits to early age swimming lessons:

1. Water Safety
Tragically, drowning is one of the biggest causes of accidental death among children. Learning the basic skills of rolling to your back to breathe and swimming from point A to point B can give your child a significant advantage to survival in the water.

2. Confidence Booster
Providing your child with swimming lessons by the age of three can help to prevent a fear of water developing later in childhood. Over coming this fear paired with exercises that involve moving independently in the water will give them a sense of accomplishment and confidence that they can do things that appear to be hard in the beginning.

3. Promotes Bonding
This applied specifically to our Parent-tot groups. Active participation between you and baby promotes bonding and trust. Skin-to-skin contact strengthens the bond between you and your little swimmer.

4. Promotes Physical and Mental Health
Swimming is a great way of getting little ones exercising while engaged in an activity that is fun! Being in the water helps improve coordination while using their whole body in dynamic ways during swimming lessons.

5. Supports Learning and Success
Many children thrive in environments that offer structure and routine. Swimming lessons are ideal in providing both structure and routine. Success can be realized as they graduate from one level to the next when master skills are developed.

Stop into any of our three locations for a tour or to observe one of our classes. Click HERE for a class schedule or call anytime with questions.

480-404-6191 SanTan Gilbert Location
480-539-2660 North Gilbert Location
480-404-6191 Queen Creek Location

EVO Endorsements: Our Favorite Goggles for Kids

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Over the years, our instructors have taught thousands of kids and adults how to swim with our Gilbert swimming lessons. During those lessons, we’ve tried tons of different equipment and experienced what works best firsthand. In the coming months, we’ll be sharing our top picks for training equipment, learn-to-swim tools, and accessories to help you or your child learn the right technique and have fun!

This month, we’re gabbing about goggles for kids. Here are some of our favorite brands.

**Finis H2 Jr.

Who these goggles are good for:

Ages 5-8

Why we recommend them:

We like that these goggles are comfortable and come in cool colors that kids love. Their soft frame and silicone eye gasket create a watertight fit without hurting their sensitive faces, and the silicone strap and back clip allow easy adjustment.

**Finis Fruit Basket

Who these goggles are good for:

Ages 3-8

Why we recommend them:

The Fruit Basket goggles have the same benefits as the H2, and they smell good. Children can pick their favorite out of four scents, so don’t be surprised if they start begging to go swimming once they have these goggles!

**TYR Kids’ Swimple Goggles

Who these goggles are good for:

Ages 2-6

Why we recommend them:

These goggles are so simple that even young kids can put them on without help. They come in multiple colors, and the single strap splits into two straps behind the head for a secure fit.

**TYR Qualifier Goggles

Who these goggles are good for:

Kids moving from swimming lessons into development swim team

Why we recommend them:

Qualifier Goggles are racing goggles that are a bit bigger to help swimmers see better in the water. They also have the same strap as the Swimple Goggles, which keeps them tight yet comfortable.

All of these goggles, plus our other favorite swimming equipment, can be purchased at EVO’s pro shop. For more goggle recommendations or details about our Gilbert swimming lessons, contact EVO Swim School at 480-404-6191.

What Should I Expect At My First Parent-Tot Swimming Lessons?

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We are thrilled to welcome your little swimmer to their first experience with swimming lessons. This will be the start of their journey in water safety and development.

Upon arrival you will be greeted by your Site Manager. He/She will give you a tour of the facility and introduce you into our program.

Your swimming lessons will begin with introductions and a small description of what to expect. We will start off slow to allow time for your child to acclimate to the environment. Crying is normal and expected, but not to worry. We will move slowly and perform consistent drill sets in order to encourage comfort through routine.

Goals for your first 1-3 lessons:
• Comfortable introduction to the water
• Small amounts of water poured over the head
• Water gently introduced to the face, eyes, and lips
• No tears before getting out of the water

Goals after confidence is achieved (no more tears or tension):
• Holding breathe while being submerged
• Kicking
• Back Floats
• Wall Exercises
• Passes to and from the instructor
• One on one interaction with the instructor (preparing for a group lesson without Mom or Dad)

Our water is warm! ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR CHILD TO EXPERIENCE SWIMMING LESSONS THE EVO WAY?!

Please stop into any of our three locations for a tour or to observe one of our classes. Click HERE for a class schedule or call anytime with questions.

480-539-2660 North Gilbert Location
480-404-6191 SanTan Gilbert Location
480-404-6191 Queen Creek Location

Myth Busting: Is It Safe to Swim After Eating?

eating-to-swimAt EVO’s Queen Creek swim school, we often overhear the same words of warning from protective parents and caretakers: “You just ate! Wait a few minutes before you get in the pool.” But is their sage advice accurate after all? Let’s see if they’re sharing facts or fiction.

There are two common concerns about eating before swimming:

1. You won’t be able to swim as strongly.

FICTION

Blood flows to your digestive tract after eating, so many people think this takes away blood flow to your arms and legs, and inhibits your ability to swim. According to Mark Messick, MD, a family doctor with Duke Primary Care, “The body does supply extra blood to aid in digestion, but not enough blood to keep your arm and leg muscles from properly functioning.”

2. You’ll get a stomach cramp.

IT DEPENDS

This one could be true, but the stomach aches and cramps are likely due to strenuous activity, not the fact that you’re swimming after eating. As long as you listen to your body and don’t push yourself too far, this shouldn’t be an issue.

So, while there is a relationship between eating and exercise, having a snack or meal before jumping in the pool is perfectly safe, and it may even help you. For the best results, doctors recommend eating a healthy snack that has both carbohydrates and protein 2-3 hours before swimming. If you swim first thing in the morning, be sure to have a small snack — even if it’s not a full breakfast — to fuel your workout and burn as many calories as possible. Also remember to drink water before and after swimming to stay hydrated.

For now, we can consider this myth (mostly) busted. For more information about water safety or lessons at our Queen Creek swim school, call EVO at 480-539-2660.

Ella Williams Age 10 Seal Graduate

Ella Williams Age 10 Seal GraduateEVO Swim School is pleased to announce that Ella Williams, age 10, has graduated from the Seal class level. She is now considered a proficient backyard swimmer with the ability to swim three widths of our pool (30 yards total) with a strong kick and great breath control. She can also jump from the side, get a breath on her back, and return to the side of the pool as a safety habit. She will be moving to the Sea Lion class to receive an introduction to the freestyle stroke with an emphasis placed on “big arms”. On behalf of Ella’s instructors; Alexis, and the entire EVO Swim School staff, we say…CONGRATULATIONS!

Eleanor Colombe Age 5 Sea Lion Graduate

Eleanor Colombe Age 5 Sea Lion GraduateEVO Swim School is pleased to announce that Eleanor Colombe, age 5 has graduated from the Sea Lion class level. She can now display the ability to swim a basic freestyle stroke (otherwise known as “big arms”) while taking a breath on her back. She is prepared for the Porpoise class where she will learn the freestyle side breathing technique and backstroke. On behalf of Eleanor’s instructor, Griffin, and the entire EVO Swim School staff, we say…CONGRATULATIONS!

Diego Sotomayor Age 7 Porpoise Graduate

Diego Sotomayor Age 7 Porpoise GraduateEVO Swim School is pleased to announce that Diego Sotomayor, age 7, has graduated from the Porpoise class level. He has learned to swim a proper freestyle stroke with the side breathing technique and backstroke. He is now ready for the Dolphin class where he will learn breaststroke and butterfly. On behalf of Diego’s instructor, Victoria, and the entire EVO Swim School staff, we say… CONGRATULATIONS!

Dane Heinlein Age 6 Seal Graduate

Dane Heinlein Age 6 Seal GraduateEVO Swim School is pleased to announce that Dane Heinlein, age 6, has graduated from the Seal class level. He is now considered a proficient backyard swimmer with the ability to swim three widths of our pool (30 yards total) with a strong kick and great breath control. He can also jump from the side, get a breath on his back, and return to the side of the pool as a safety habit. He will be moving to the Sea Lion class to receive an introduction to the freestyle stroke with an emphasis placed on “big arms”. On behalf of Dane’s instructors; Zack, and the entire EVO Swim School staff, we say…CONGRATULATIONS!