Nationally recognized for character, culture, and performance

Character First

“Don and Ron are among the world’s leading experts on team character and culture.”
— Michael Stott, Swimming World Magazine

"Integrity has no need of rules." Albert Camus

Orinda Aquatics has served Lamorinda and the surrounding areas in Northern California since 1995. At less than 150 swimmers, the team has achieved tremendous success over its history, as the top scoring team in USA Swimming's Virtual Club Championships (for the ~2,000 teams under 200 swimmers), as well as producing 30 Olympic Trial swimmers, 250 National-Level swimmers, averaging 40-50+ Sectional swimmers, 25 Futures swimmers, and placing a very high percentage of swimmers in top collegiate programs. In 2025 Orinda Aquatics ranked #1 in the nation in ASCA’s Top Group Programs (Small Club Division). The team motto and mission is to put "Character First" in swimming and life, and it translates to "the better the person, the better the athlete, the better the swimmer, and the better the team," which is lived daily by the coaches and the swimmers. This has produced a truly inspiring culture at the athlete and parent levels.

2025 Theme Quote:
"The good effort of each man benefits all men...as moves the part, so moves the whole." - The Urantia Book

Character First philosophy

As time and years go on, we become more convinced that what can and should be gained from sports, is truly invaluable and can be life-changing.  For the countless hours committed, the physical, emotional, and financial commitment, and the sacrifices made, there has to be more than a time at the end of this process.  We see these kids as not only wrapping their lives around a sport, a team, training, a process, and a coach, but in many ways, their emotional development, college path, and the person they become will be shaped as well. 

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Utilizing our "Simple Formula" of process and team, this video illustrates how the pool serves as a life classroom where integrity, humility, and service form the foundation for athletic excellence. See how we guide swimmers to become true stakeholders in their growth, building a character that lasts long after their competitive days are over.

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🏊‍♂️🏆 Orinda Aquatics Continues to Rank Among the Nation's Best! 🏆🏊‍♀️ For the second consecutive year, Orinda Aquatics has earned recognition as one of the Top age group swim teams in the country. We are proud to be ranked the ✨#3✨ in th
Congrats to Chloe on committing to Wesleyan University for swimming and academics! ✨️🏊‍♀️📚 So proud of your hard work. Go Chloe and go Cardinals! ❤️ #wesleyanswimanddive #studentathlete #CollegeSwimming #OrindaAquatics
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 from all of us at Orinda Aquatics! 🎓✨ Today, we celebrate your hard work, dedication, and perseverance in reaching this important milestone. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you and all that you h
Congratulations to Sofia Zibell on an impressive 50m Breaststroke swim with a 32.92💥 and a NEW Summer Junior cut! Way to go, Sofia!🚀
TYR Pro Series Update – Congratulations to Lily Yung and Sofia Zibell on earning Summer Junior cuts this past week in Sacramento! Friday and Saturday brought more impressive swims too: • Lily Yung – 200 Fly, 2:20.7 (with the 2nd fas
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Testimonials

  • "It is said that in everyone’s life there is a transition that occurs in the latter years. This is where the focus changes from personal success to significance. Fortunately for us, you and Ron have spent your careers and lives empowering children to see their potential, as well as how to achieve it. In doing this, you have transcended coaching and been a positive influence in a lot of lives. And what could be more significant than that."

    — A Fall Swimming Parent

  • "You have had such a profound impact on me and have really contributed to my growth as an athlete and more. I get a little teary when I think about how my swimming career is over, but I have achieved so much and have competed at a level I never thought I would. Thank you for everything!"

    — OA Graduate swimmer

  • "Knowing that my son has such a team of caring, professional, and motivating coaches in his life brings me a sense of comfort. It is an honor to be a part of OA, and I believe that I will never find another organization that will have such a positive influence on our family."

    — OA Parent

  • "'I'm thrilled that my daughter made the decision last year to move from summer rec swimming to Orinda Aquatics. She is so happy being in the water/swimming, and although she may never be a super-star in the swimming world, she is a super-star in my world, as I admire her dedication to something that helps to build her self-confidence. I love the "Character First" motto of OA, and the leadership that is demonstrated by the coaches, and the older swimmers."

    — OA Parent

  • "Working with you and the Orinda Aquatics team definitely help keep my confidence strong, it helped keep me grounded and helped me to continue believing in myself even in the face of adversity. I really can’t express how thankful I am for your encouragement, listening, laughter, guidance and friendship."

    —OA Swimmer

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