Outside The Box
For those with a passion, interest or curiosity about open water swimming and who wish to talk about how to get more people of color informed and involved in long distance swimming.
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Naji
- Male
- San Francisco, CA
- United States
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Naji's Groups
Naji's Discussions
Learning from the Aussies
Started this discussion. Last reply by Kofi Anku Jun 18, 2011. 9 Replies 0 Likes
Naji's Page
Latest Activity
Naji commented on DAP News's blog post 'Chiefs TE Pope saves six-year-old boy from drowning'
I'm glad Mr. Pope was there to save this young man, but what needs to happen more than ever is for this mother and the other parents to get their kids into a swim program to prevent this from occurring again.
Naji left a comment for Michelle G.
Michelle, I know Mellon Dash the founder of MSI. Congratulations on overcoming your fear of the water!
Naji replied to Michelle G.'s discussion 'Swim in an Endless Pool?'
Endless pools are great for working on stroke technique. If you can utilize one that has a mirror at the bottom that would be good to see how your "catch" is coming along. They usually have various current settings so you can work at…
Kofi Anku replied to Naji's discussion 'Learning from the Aussies'
At Columbia University passing a swimming test or taking a semester long swimming class is a graduation requirement.
If coercion is the order of the day in the Ivy League why not give it a try in other educational institutions like…
Jayson Jackson commented on Naji's video
Thanks for sharing that truly inspiring story. "Dare to be Different."
Jeannie Brown Johnson left a comment for Naji
Hey Naji,
Appreciate the friend invite :)
And to answer your question about water aerobics, YES, I've had quite a few folks cross train with me when I was working at Sports Club LA-DC and Vida Fitness. Although those 2 clubs…
Naimah Fuller commented on Naji's video
Thank you for sharing this interview with Mr. Chapman - he is a very inspiring person. His generosity in sharing his story and his encouragement to young people and people for all ages to swim, was priceless. Blessings to him and to you…
Naji left a comment for Jess Riden
Welcome to DAP!
An Interview with Marathon Swimmer Charles Chapman Part 4 of 4
In this fourth and final segment, Charles talks about that historic day back in 1981 when he stepped into the cool ocean waters of Dover and began his quest ...
Video posted by Naji
Profile Information
- Relationship Status:
- Single
- About Me:
- Devoted open water endurance swimmer who wants to share the beauty of this world to low income African American and Latino youth. It would be nice to see kids go beyond the pool and dream of swimming the Channel or other marathon swims.
Although, I am excited when I see Black folks learning to swim in the pool it occurs to me that many accomplished pool swimmers find open water a place that is far out of their comfort zone. I feel it is essential that one be able to be around a natural body of water (i.e. lake, Bay or ocean) and feel just as comfortable as they would in the pool.
For many the main issues of not swimming in open water are; the cold, salty taste, not being able to touch the bottom, and aquatic life. But all of these hesitations can be overcome. I am hoping to bring a diverse group of men and women together to show the beauty of swimming in nature and enjoying the wonders of two-thirds of this world.
I'm happy that more and more people of color are taking up scuba diving and the like, but I'm hoping to connect with others on this site about introducing kids and adults of color to long-distance swimming.
Keep Swimming!
Naji
- Aquatic Interest:
- Competitive Swimming, Recreational Swimming, Lifeguarding, Swim Lessons, Surfing, Rowing
Naji's Photos
Naji's Videos
Comment Wall (21 comments)
- At 7:58pm on December 10, 2011,
Tankeeya said… Hi Naji! Thanks for supporting The Josh Project! Take Care!
- At 8:22pm on June 26, 2011,
Michelle G. said… - Hi Naji! Thanks for stopping by my page and for your note! I really appreciate it. How do you know Melon Dash?
- At 4:28am on June 18, 2011,
Kofi Anku said…
Hello Naji,
Any interest in getting a few black open water swimmer together to organize an open water swim in Ghana? Such an event would certainly raise the profile of the sport in the country and garner a ton of media attention around the issue of water safety.
Best Regards,
Kofi
- At 6:18pm on May 31, 2011,
Jeannie Brown Johnson said…
Hey Naji,
Appreciate the friend invite :)
And to answer your question about water aerobics, YES, I've had quite a few folks cross train with me when I was working at Sports Club LA-DC and Vida Fitness. Although those 2 clubs had shallow water pools, we were able to work on full body strength & toning with bands, weighted balls, ankle cuffs & bells. The class I teach on Saturdays from 9-10a @ Waterside Swim & Fitness Club in South West DC is a shallow deep pool where we have more room to do cardio, plyometric training, strength & toning, plus, incorporate fins (if you have a pair) in the deep water segments of class. You're welcome to join us on on that day or Erica on Tues/Thurs from 7-8p (although I will be subbing her class this Thurs.)
You'll be able to enjoy a fun, challenging class with great music :)
Look forward to seeing you one of these days.
The club is @ 901 6th & M Streets, SW, WDC. If you need subway or driving directions just Google them or shoot me a note so I can help ya' get there, OK.
Peace, Prosperity, Health & Harmony,
"Aqua Power to the People!"
Jeannie Brown Johnson
- At 8:04pm on May 15, 2011,
Naimah Fuller said…
Hi Naji - thanks for making your friend here on Diversity in Aquatics. I look forward to learning from you and everyone here, more about the aquatic culture.
Blessings
Naimah
- At 12:11am on May 5, 2011,
Educator and Rower said… - So, I have a question---how does one overcome the fear of aquatic life? The idea of open water sounds a bit interesting to me until I think about jellyfish and sharks and even little schools of fish (ahhhhhh!!!)...
- At 12:07am on May 5, 2011,
Educator and Rower said…
- Thanks, Naji! Rowing is the most challenging physical activity I've encountered yet, but it's also quite addictive. Only the craziness of my first few years of grad. school could keep me away so long...I am SO excited to be back into it! Glad you're interested and want to learn more. The row your friend took you on certainly wasn't a novice trip, so although rowing is tough I think you probably got an overdose! haha I hope that you try it again! And if I'm bold enough, someday I'll go for an open water swim. Happy swimming :)
- At 5:49pm on April 26, 2011,
Wanda Jean Butts said… - Naji - how are you? I miss talking to you. Hope you are well and still swimming! We are getting ready to have our 1st Annual Water Safety Day on May 28. May is the National Water safety Month so we are getting our day in. Wish you could be here! I still love you, thank you, and appreciate all you did and have done for The Josh Project! Peace, Blessings & Joy to you! Your friend and sister - wanda
- At 2:48pm on December 15, 2010,
Shaun Anderson said… Naji, Will you be doing any long OW practice swims during your trip?
- At 12:45pm on June 1, 2010,
Jayson Jackson said…
- How did it go on Saturday?
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