Have you registered yet? In order to participate in any Ski-n-swim event you need to register!

We’re excited to be welcoming many of our IGLA friends from across the continent as well as local USMS swimmers including a large group of adult amateurs from Utah State University and Southern Utah University! We’re expecting Ski-n-Swim 2010 to be one of the fastest and most competitive meets we’ve ever hosted!

Plus, you won’t want miss our famous Ski Day, once again at Snowbird Resort where we’ll be pampered in grand style at their Cliff Lodge Resort and Spa.

Three Days, Two Major Events, Three Fantastic Parties! What are you waiting for?

Register TODAY!

Opening social – Friday, February 12th , 8.00 PM – 10.00 PM, Sheraton Hotel

Swim meet and Water polo tournament – Saturday, February 13th, 11.00 AM – 7.00 PM, Steiner Aquatic Center at Salt Lake City Sports Complex

Dessert party – Saturday, February 13th, 9.00 PM – 11.00 PM, Club Jam

Ski, Spa and Snowshoeing Day – Sunday, February 14th, 9.00 AM – 6.00 PM, Snowbird – Come and ski and snowboard at – Snowbird, a number one resort in the country, snowshoe, if you prefer. Enjoy the tasty lunch buffet, and relax at the Spa at Cliff lodge.

Closing social – Sunday, February 14th, 8.00 PM – 10.00 PM – Gossip!

United States Masters Swimming announced today that (among other things) full body tech suits (and other high tech suits) will no longer be permitted at USMS sanctioned swim competitions.

Hooray!

Here’s the full statement from USMS Rules Committee Chair, Kathy Casey:

EMERGENCY RULE CHANGE

Due to the change in Masters swimwear rules published by FINA January 16, 2010, and pursuant to Article 601.4.8, the USMS Rules Committee and the USMS Executive Committee have approved the following emergency changes to the USMS swimwear rules. These changes are effective immediately for short course meters and long course meters competition. The changes are effective June 1, 2010 for short course yards competition. Note that the new swimwear rules no longer allow modesty/privacy wear underneath the competition suit nor zippers or fasteners of any kind except for a waist tie on a brief or jammer. The new swimwear rules will not govern the One Hour Swim being conducted January 2010.

Changes to the swimwear rules are underlined below.

102.14 SWIMWEAR

102.14.1 Design-The swimsuits worn for competition shall be nontransparent and conform to the current concept of the appropriate. The referee shall have authority to bar offenders from competition until they comply with this rule.

102.14.2 Swimwear shall include only a swimsuit, cap and goggles (a nose clip and ear plugs are allowed). Arm bands or leg bands shall not be regarded as parts of the swimsuit and are not allowed.102.14.3 In swimming competitions, the competitor must wear only one swimsuit in one or two pieces. All swimsuits shall be made from textile materials. Except for open water competitions, for men, the swimsuit shall not extend above the navel nor below the knees, and for women, shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor extend below the knees.102.14.4 Only swimsuits complying with FINA swimsuit specifications may be worn in any U.S. Masters Swimming sanctioned or recognized competition.

102.14.5 Exemptions to the foregoing restrictions may be granted to a swimmer, on a case by case basis, by the Chair of the Rules Committee or designee. Exemptions will be granted only for conflicts due to the swimmer’s verified religious beliefs or verified medical conditions.

A – Procedures for applying for an exemption will be established by the Rules Committee and posted on the U.S. Masters Swimming website.

B – No exemption to these restrictions will be granted for a swimsuit that will give the swimmer a competitive advantage.

C – The decision of the Rules Chair may be appealed only to the entire Rules Committee whose decision shall be final and binding on all parties.

102.14.6 Swimmers are not permitted to wear or use any device or substance or swimsuit to help their speed, pace, buoyancy or endurance during a race (such as webbed gloves, flippers, fins, etc.). Goggles may be worn, and rubdown oil applied if not considered excessive by the Referee. Any kind of tape on the body is not permitted unless approved by the Referee.

102.14.7 Advertising-Products involving tobacco, alcohol or pharmaceuticals containing drugs banned under IOC or FINA rules may not be advertised, but the advertiser’s name only may be used. Offenders may be barred from competition until they comply with this rule.

For any questions contact:
Kathy Casey, Chair
USMS Rules Committee
rules@usms.org

_________

So in a nutshell:

International Gay & Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA) is proud to announce that our 2011 championship to take place July 6-10, 2011 in Honolulu, Hawai’i (USA) at the University of Hawai’i pool complex!

While there are both thriving masters aquatics programs and a vibrant LGBT population in Honolulu, there is no IGLA team in this city yet. Thus, longtime IGLA member West Hollywood Aquatics has agreed to coordinate with constituents in Hawai’i to put together a fantastic competition.

For more details, see the PowerPoint slides here: http://www.igla.org/championships/powerpoint-presentation/

Read the letter from West Hollywood Aquatics here: http://www.igla.org/championships/igla-2011/

by Wes Heaps-
As you might know– Gay Games is happening this year in Cologne, Germany at the end of summer (31 July – 7 August). If you have never experienced Gay Games– it is a wonderful week of athletic competition, exciting events, and great friendship.  Teams and individuals from all walks of life and all sexual orientations come to support the values of inclusion, understanding, and excellence.

Don’t think you need to be on the level of Michael Phelps to go either!  No matter your athletic ability, you can go and compete.  So even if you’ve never swam in competition before or your trophy shelf is about to break, there’s sure to be a place for you at Gay Games.

If you are interested in going, there are a few things you will need to know.

Registration:
You must register for the Gay Games at: www.gaygamescologne.com
Cost:  Approximately $285 USD (converted from Euros)
Water polo players need to get a code from Wes Heaps to register with the QUAC team.
Note: You may get a call from your credit card company when you register because the charge is going through overseas.

Flights/Travel:
Current cost:  Salt Lake City to Cologne, Germany: Approximately $1600 USD

You will need to make your own arrangements for your flight to Europe.  I suggest working in small groups so you can arrive and depart together.
The cheapest way I’ve found so far to get to Cologne is to actually fly into Dusseldorf, Germany and take the train to Cologne.  Doing this can save you about $200 to $300 from flying directly.  Rail tickets can be purchased there– or pre-purchased from www.raileurope.com about 2 months in advance.

Note:  You will get a metro pass for the Cologne subways/trams when you pick up your registration packet.  Be prepared to pay for metro fees until you pick up your packet.

Hotels/Hostels:
Personally, I love staying in hostels while in Europe.  I’ve already booked a private four person room at a hostel in downtown Cologne.  It is walking distance to a tram stop, about 4 main stops from the main Gay Games venues, and walking distance to one of the main gay centers of Cologne.  It is called MEININGER Cologne City Center.  You can book private rooms for yourself, rooms shared with up to 6 of your friends, or go for dormitory-style type accommodations.  Prices range from $28 to $75 a night, depending on your choice.  Private rooms have a shower, toilet, and wash basin, as well as single beds.  Hostels fill up fast, so I recommend reserving a room or space now if you want to stay at this hostel.  You can book through www.hostels.com

Near this hostel is a hotel called Ibis Koln Centrum.  They feature rooms with double beds for about $75 a night.  It is walking distance to the above mentioned hostel and tram stop.  You can book rooms there by going to www.accorhotels.com (Trick:  Once it shows you the list of hotels in Cologne, arrange this list from cheapest to most expensive to see the particular hotel I’m talking about.)

You can also book numerous hotels through the Gay Games site.  It is great for finding hotels in Cologne, but not so great for indicating where they are in relation to venues or tram/metro stops.  Hotels range from $70 to $225 a night through the Gay Games interface.

Language:
Many Germans speak a little English and some are quite fluent in it.  You will only occasionally run into situations where speaking German is absolutely necessary.  However, most Germans really appreciate it if you attempt to speak German to them first.  (Even if it only to say that you don’t speak any German!)  I suggest learning a few phrases or having a little phrase book along.  A little good will in attempting to speak German will go a long way during your stay!

Please fill out the Gay Games form and give to either Wes Heaps or Charlie Ward if you are thinking about going to Gay Games.  It will help the QUAC Board keep track and plan for those of you who want to go– and also allow us to send you special emails and texts to help you along in your journey to the Gay Games!

I hope to see you all there in Germany!

The annual QUAC Awards party was held last Saturday at Club Jam. It was a complete success with a full house, great food, priceless entertainment and inspirational stories and awards.

Lisa LeDuc, team Vice-President, was the main organizer and worked very hard coordinating all details, organizing the pot luck, and preparing the gifts and awards – Thank you for your time, skills and a job very well done!!! Thanks also to Charlie Ward, team President, for helping with everything and being the M.C. for the evening.

The program started with a star-filled rendition of Cell Block Tango, from the musical Chicago, QUAC style…. it also included some -unexpected- audience participation.

To recognize QUAC’s 15th year anniversary, Doug Fadel showed a touching presentation remembering and honoring QUAC co-founder wYllis Dorman-Li.  We heard the inspirational story of how QUAC had its

roots in a hot tub chat after a Masters practice with wYllis telling Doug

of her experience at the 1994 Gay Games. We were told about wYllis’

vision of an organization inclusive of all people, which set the tone for

QUAC to this day.

In honor of wYllis, Doug Fadel made a matching grant challenge; himself and two anonymous donors would match every dollar donated during the night with $2.5 dollars, up to $2,500! The crowd obliged and the challenge was maxed out! Thank you to all that donated, this will help tremendously to take the team to Gay Games in Cologne, Germany.

Our volunteer coaches were recognized with QUAC umbrellas and T-shirts, along with Au Naturale gift certificates and presents from Lisa and Charlie. The coaches are: Paul Reynolds (head coach), Suzanne Topp (assistant head coach), Brandon Hutchinson, Jim Viney, Jocelyn Housley, Jake Rosquist, Peter Sorenson, Josh Bass, Charlie Ward, Doug Fadel, Trina Pendleton, Victor Gappmaier, Bryan Woolley, Pat Hayes (water polo head coach) and Tom Taylor (WP assistant head coach).

Pat Hayes received the ‘Passion of the Duck’ award for his dedication to the sport of water polo and to QUAC.

Some team members received special recognition. Margo Smart received the ‘most dedicated’ award in the Multi-Sports category. Swimmers Delaney Pederson received the ‘most improved’ award, while Raul Peragallo received the ‘most dedicated’ award. Water polo players Jason Olofson was presented with the ‘most dedicated’ award, and Trina Pendleton received the ‘most inspirational’ award. Ryan Ring was recognized with the ‘team spirit’ award, and Scott Chaffin received the ‘volunteer of the year’ award. Congratulations to all!

Finally the “wYllis Dorman-Li Founders Award” was introduced and given to Doug Fadel for his dedication, leadership, support and inspiration to QUAC through the years.

Thanks to all that contributed to the success of this event! QUAC is the most enthusiastic and best organized amateur sports team in Utah and we are all proud to be members of it. We are very excited for what we are planning for 2010, including Ski and Swim Weekend, Pride Festival, Gay Games in Cologne, Germany, Swim-a-thon 2010, and several fundraising and social events. Cheers to the New Year!

By Raul Peragallo

With the holiday season over, now we have to really start working on those New Year’s resolutions. For many of us, some of the resolutions are ‘health’ related; we want to have healthier lives because we know it is best for ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.

Being healthy is a combination of luck and dedication. There is not much we can do about our genes, and the environment we live in can be changed so much. But there are lots of possibilities to have healthier lifestyle and habits on a personal level. It boils down to eating right, playing safe and staying active.

If more swimming is in your short list, you have to get back in the pool. I know, the days are short and the weather is cold, but in the spring you will be happy to have spent some time in the pool and you will be proud of your ‘swimmers body’.

This is the time to set some personal goals for the year an start working on them – flip turns, 50 free at Ski and Swim, the mile-swim (it’s only 35 laps!), 100 fly at Gay Games, 100 freestyle in less than 1:06 (my own), 100 back without being DQ’d (another one of mine….), 100 x 100s on Swim-a-thon, etc, etc. Our very skilled, friendly and dedicated volunteer coaches can help you set attainable goals and work towards them.

Remember that QUAC wants to help everybody achieve their fullest potential in the pool.

Here are some tips:

Do swim often

Do challenging workouts

Do easy workouts

Do set up ‘uncomfortable’ goals and work towards them

Do streamline at every wall

Do swim with good technique

Do drills in every workout

Do finish every set strong and at the wall

Do not get hooked up on cheater habits (drop that pull buoy and fins)

Do ask someone to watch you swim

See you at the pool!

Dear Quacers and Quac supporters,
We are excited to host our annual Ski-n-Swim weekend again during the weekend of February 12 to 14th, 2010. Here are more details for you regarding the Ski-n-Swim 2010 events:

Friday, February 12: Opening social at Sheraton Hotel at 8.00 PM. Come and pick up your registration materials, buy our Ski-n-Swim t-shirts, meet other participants and make new friends. Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar available.

Saturday, February 13: Swim meet at Steiner Aquatic Center at 12.00pm. Warm-ups start at 11.00am. On deck swim meet registrations will be available until 11.30am for $15 dollar fee. USMS registration required.

Saturday, February 13: Water polo tournament at Steiner aquatic center starting right after the swim meet, around 2.30pm. You don’t have to be a member of a water polo team to play.

Saturday, February 13: Dessert social at JAM at 9.00pm. Come and party with us after a great day in the pool. We got a couple of fun things planned. Make more friends before our Ski out day.

Sunday, February 14: Ski out day at Snowbird. Ski, snowboard or snowshoe at Snowbird, the number 1 ski resort in North America . We got a ski out room at the Cliff Lodge where we are going to have our lunch buffet again. Lunch buffet ticket required to attend. You can purchase the tickets during the registration. The Cliff spa also available for a discount during our event.

Sunday, February 14: Closing social at 8.00pm. Location TBA. Come and party with us before we say goodbye.

In order to attend, please register at http://www.ski-n-swim.org/ski-n-swim-registration The registration will stay open until February 2nd 2010.

Information about the host hotel available at http://www.ski-n-swim.org/accommodation

emails us at skiandswim@gmail.com if you have questions.

We are looking forward to seeing you in February.

Regards,

Ski-n-swim 2010 committee

In 1995 a small group of Utah athletes traveled together to one of the first International Gay & Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA) Championships. The group, who called themselves Queer Utah Aquatic Club (QUAC), has grown steadily over the years. Ultimatley QUAC has become the best organized and largest amature adult swimming group in the state of Utah and rivals many IGLA teams from larger (and “gay-er”) cities around the world.
The success of the team is in no small part due to the volunteer spirit and inclusive attitude of our members. We welcome everyone “interested in adult amature aquatics regardless of age, ability, gender, or sexual orientation”.  As one of our members quipped recently, “We even like STRAIGHT people, of all things!” Having a group of people from diverse backgrounds makes the group stronger and more interesting.

In 2010 QUAC turns 15 years old. On January 9th at our Annual Awards Party we’re encouraging everyone who has ever swam with QUAC to come to the party. QUAC wouldn’t be the organization it is today without everyone who ever swam, volutneered, or supported us.

We’re looking forward to our next 15 years.  GO QUAC!

Please join us for the annual QUAC Holiday and Awards Party . It will be held on Saturday January 9th at Club Jam (751 North, 300 West, Salt Lake City; map here)

On this yearly event we celebrate and recognize the team accomplishments from the previous year. We also give several awards to team members and appreciation gifts to our volunteer coaches.

We have planned an exciting evening for all our team members and supporters. Please bring a potluck item with serving utensils to share. QUAC will provide plates and eating utensils. Dinner will be from 7 to 8pm. The awards ceremony will be at 8:30pm. Beer and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided by Club Jam. Unfortunately, only people 21 and older can attend.

We will be renewing membership registrations for QUAC and USMS; also, registration for the upcoming Ski and Swim 2010 will be available. Remember to bring your checkbook and some cash for drinks and donations!

PLEASE Click here to RSVP!!! Help spread the word, invite your friends, and come ready to have a good time!

(Club Jam is a 21 and over venue.)