Meet Romina Caristo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Romina Caristo. 

Romina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up swimming in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 12-17 when I got to stop after breaking 2 of my 3 ligaments. After recover, my godfather took me the Necochea for 5 days. The day after I got there, I signed up for an open water race, and since then, I love it. My first one was at 12 years old. I started competing open waters before pool competition. But it wasn’t until I moved to Redondo Beach on 2002 that I started doing it more regularly. My son almost drown at 2.5 years old, and since then I started teaching water safety in pool and ocean. 

We started Ocean Fever in 2018 to focus mainly in water safety, but in 2020 we understood the real meaning of the program, not only water safety but also mental health. 

Mental health and Suicide prevention hit me very close in 2020 after losing a youth and my mom within 2 month. Since then, I became an advocate on this topic including the Ocean as healing medicine for people suffering and for people grieving their love ones. 

Our program is base in community, Youth volunteer their time on Sundays during the Sunday Free Program (water safety), and everybody in our program help either at another group level or by doing community services. 

We celebrate every little milestone, from going under a wave, swimming to and around the pier, swimming the first open water race, standing on a surfboard, running to the pier, cleaning the beach, spending the Day at the Beach during our opening day on Memorial Day and swimming to the flag, to crossing the Catalina Channel overnight as a relay. 

All these activities and goals are possible thanks to our ocean community support and some local business that believe in our mission. This 2022 our slogan was “Transform FEAR into ACTION.” 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The start was tough. I am a single mother, so financially was a challenge, but with the support of my teenager children, Ina and Ruka, we made it happen. The first year, I lost money, but the second we didn’t have profit, but I didn’t lose money. The third year we got a sponsor from one of our families, and last year we got 2 sponsors and support of many local business. Every year we learned something new, things to change that didn’t work the previous year, or things that was a success. 

Last year I got COVID the day of our First Catalina Swim Crossing Relay, and we had to postpone it. Definitely, we always have bumps in the road that make us keep believing in our goals. We believe water safety should be a right and not a privilege. 

Open waters is something that requires a lot of risk, so everything we do has to involve insurance, liability, waivers that of course, cost money. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Nobody know I am a graphic designer, but everybody know I am a Swim Coach. I coached all levels, from babies, toddlers, special needs, youth, teenagers, high schoolers, masters, and seniors! And now getting my credentials to be a certified Open water swimming coach. My goal before I turn 50 is to have Open water swimming included at high school and college level. I think it would be a WIN-WIN for the students and their mental health and for the schools too! 

I think I am a better cheerleader than technique coach; I love to be out there in the ocean all the time (coaching advance, intermediate, and/or beginner level). I am proud to be part of this amazing ocean community that come together to support each other. 

I am known for having a thick accent and a loud whistle, but at the same time, that is what sets me apart from other coaches. I am consider myself a very passionate coach that learns something new from my swimmers, beginners, intermediate, advanced, youth, masters, lifeguards, etc. 

What matters most to you? Why?
Community The sport wouldn’t be possible without the support of each other. It takes a village to run our Ocean Fever program. I am super proud of our tribe! 

Pricing:

• * Sunday Free Program
• • Affordable summer camps
• • Affordable private swim and surf lessons
• • Based on donations and community Services
• • gear sale to fund cost

Contact Info:

• Website: www.oceanfever.info
• Instagram: ocean_fever_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oceanfeverr

Image Credits
Dorian Toledo
Craig Blank