In May of 2020 I had a whim to take a swim in the ocean. I had recently moved back to the South Orange County coast where I grew up after 30 years of living in other places. That day proved transformative and I have maintained a year round 7+ mile a week open water swimming regimen here at the Dana Strand (aka Strands) beach. I consider it just as much, if not far more, of a spiritual practice than an exercise routine. See the first Annual Report for more details.

Most locals know this beach as “Strands” and that is what the parking lot sign calls it as well so I guess now it is the authoritative name. I started coming to the beach as an infant back in the mid to late 1900s. My grand parents owned a trailer in the late 50’s and early 60’s at The Dana Strand Club which had a mobile home park resting on the same slope that now holds 20 million dollar estates. My parents were members in the late 60’s and early 70s and then rejoined a few years later until it shut down in ‘89. We always called the beach “The Dana Strand” or “The Strand.” The name “Strands” caught on in the 80s (I think?), but it never feels natural to call it that even today.

This beach is very special to me and my family. Its a beautiful piece of coastline with no view of a street or sound of traffic. It is protected by cliffs to the North, East, and South. It commands a lovely view of Catalina Island to the West on clear days.

I hope to share my present day experiences here in the Dana Strand Swim Report where I will journal my swims. Some entries may just be a bland recollection of the day’s swim and others may be more reflective depending on my mood and the vibe of the swim. I will try to include at least one picture in every entry of this serene setting.