What a year it’s been for NAC Avalon Ocean Club — a small but mighty nonprofit founded by Southern California lifeguards Dempsey Haynosch and Madison Feldman. What started as a simple ocean safety initiative has grown into a thriving program that’s trained over 40 island kids in all things ocean.
From their first duck dives beneath the waves to mastering ocean currents, swimming technique, and bodysurfing skills, these young watermen and waterwomen have discovered that the ocean is a limitless classroom for growth, confidence, and connection.
This year’s highlights included afterschool surf trips to Shark Harbor, where kids loaded up gear to catch waves — thanks to the support of Catalina Divers Supply for wetsuits and vehicles from the church and the Conservancy. Support from local businesses has been a vital part of the success, notably from The Lobster Trap, which got on board from the beginning. Another milestone was the new partnership with Belmont Pool in Long Beach, allowing our students to receive formal swim instruction and competitive swim training for the very first time.
And of course, the big event of the year — the Off Da Couch Canoe Paddle! Thirteen of Avalon’s student athletes traveled to compete in Newport Aquatic Center’s annual race, and they absolutely crushed it. After weeks of training in singles, doubles, and six-man canoes, our ocean warriors made history by entering three six-man canoes in the 4-mile race — a first for Avalon.
As Harbormaster Kevin shared, “It has already been said, but please let me emphasize how great this program is for our island youth. Dempsey and Madison work wonders with the boats provided by NAC. It’s very cool to watch from this office. Thank you all.”
With a bright future ahead, Avalon Ocean Club will wrap up the season this weekend at the Mermaid Festival, featuring a special performance and Bingo at the Biergarten to raise funds for our ongoing water safety initiatives.
Here’s to another year of waves, growth, and ocean family.
