Re: I wasn't expecting this email.

On Wed, Aug 5, 2026 at 11:31 AM Jose Gallagher <josegallagher@ripcurrentsports.com> wrote:

A coach set out to evaluate Dual Boards. What happened next surprised the both of us.  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

I wasn't expecting this email. A few months ago, I spent an afternoon with a high school swim coach introducing her swimmers to Dual Boards. The initial feedback was exactly what I hoped to hear. Several swimmers said they felt higher in the water. Others noticed improvements in body position. A couple even dropped time at their very next meet. As rewarding as that was, it wasn't the part of her email that stayed with me. A few days later she wrote something I never expected. She told me she hadn't really been swimming for herself in more than fifteen years. Like many former swimmers, coaching had gradually replaced swimming. Life got busy. The years went by. She got in the water to evaluate Dual Boards. Then she got back in again. And again. At one point she wrote: "Maybe I actually like swimming and being in the water?" Then she shared something that genuinely stopped me. "The Boards were part of getting me back in the water, and I didn't see that coming." She went on to swim 2,000 yards with fellow coaches. She started looking into a summer pool membership. She found herself enjoying the water again. As an inventor, I spend a lot of time thinking about body position, balance, and technique. As a swimmer, I still love chasing faster times. But this reminded me that swimming has always been about something much bigger. Sometimes it isn't about dropping time. Sometimes it isn't about winning. Sometimes it's simply about reconnecting with something you thought you'd left behind. Thank you, Coach Kristen, for trusting me with your story—and for allowing me to share it. It reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.   See you at the pool! — Jose-Luis Gallagher Founder, Rip Current Sports Helping swimmers, coaches, and lifelong athletes experience better body position through feel. P.S. If you're curious how coaches are using Dual Boards in lessons and practices, simply reply to this email. I'm always happy to share what's working. 11160 Veirs Mill Rd. Ste Llh-18 #172 Wheaton, MD 20902, United States

#111 - Doug Cornish on the Swimming Coach Crisis: Why Passion No Longer Pays the Bills

Coaching Without Security: The Hidden Costs Driving Talent Away from Pools

In episode #111 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we do a video refresh with an interview conducted with Doug Cornish. His ground-breaking survey exposes many of the hidden cracks threatening swim coaches today. We begin to unpack and reveal why the sport’s “passion‑first” model is no longer sustainable. Doug comes to the discussion with hard data that shine a light on the underlying causes, and he has concrete steps clubs must take to keep good coaches on the deck.

• Survey results: 38% of coaches lack a current contract, 38% have no health insurance, and 70% are on single‑year agreements.

• Why it’s happening: a clash between the old “grind” culture and modern coaches/parents, plus boards that misuse nonprofit status and ignore reserve building.

• The financial fallout: no retirement plans, zero COLA (Cost Of Living Adjustments) adjustments, and coaches paying out‑of‑pocket for travel and basic expenses.

• Real‑world impact: personal stories like Doug Cornish’s breakdown, career switches, and the growing exodus from the profession.

• Actionable blueprint: 3‑5‑year contracts, 2‑3% annual COLA, full health/retirement benefits, paid parental leave, meet‑day compensation, protected supplemental income, and dual‑purpose life insurance.

This episode presents an invite to the course, C.Y.A. as part of the Learning Management System of the International Swim Coaches Association. Check out all the results of the survey in the PDF in that lesson.

https://Read.SwimISCA.org/courses/cya

Check out this episode!

Rand Paul and answering a Senate Committee's questions or not

Fwd: You're Invited: Celebration of Sport 2026

I'm not in the neighborhood for this. Pass.

Network with industry leaders under the stars. Early Bird closes 12 August!

Having trouble viewing this email? View in browser.

Hi Mark, In partnership with MKTG Sports + Entertainment and the San Francisco 49ers, we are pleased to announce the return of the Celebration of Sport in 2026. Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars at the Crown Aviary rooftop as we cap off Day 1 of SportNXT in style. From 7:00 pm, connect with 49ers executives and legendary alumni and global sports industry leaders at this exclusive networking event. Enjoy live entertainment, premium food and beverage, and an electric atmosphere celebrating the very best in sport. This is more than just an event—it's an unmissable opportunity to mingle with top industry decision-makers, special guests, and peers in an iconic Melbourne setting. Please note: This is a separately ticketed event to the SportNXT Summit. Discounts will apply for registered SportNXT Summit delegates. Registered delegates will receive exclusive discount link on Friday 7th August.   CELEBRATION OF SPORT TICKETS INCLUDE: 3-hour premium food and beverage package Live entertainment Exclusive sports industry networking opportunities EVENT DETAILS: Date: Monday, 7th September 2026 Time: Doors open at 7:00 pm | Event concludes at 10:00 pm Location: Crown Aviary, Crown Towers Hotel Melbourne, Level 3 / 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006 ⏳ Secure the best rate before it's gone! Early Bird pricing for the Celebration of Sport closes Wednesday 12 August. BUY CELEBRATION OF SPORT TICKETS COMPLETE THE FRONTIER SURVEY What are the forces reshaping our industry today? You're invited to take part in the Frontier Survey, a short industry study conducted by MKTG Sports + Entertainment Australia in partnership with SportNXT. The survey takes approximately 7 minutes to complete. Your input will help inform the Frontier Industry Report, which will be shared with participants who opt in to receive it. Haven't secured your tickets to SportNXT 2026 Summit yet? It's all about being in the room. Join 1,000+ global and domestic leaders at the most influential sport industry gathering in the Southern Hemisphere. The conversations, B2B outcomes, and decisions driving the future of sport will happen at SportNXT—not from the sidelines. SECURE YOUR 2026 DELEGATE PASS TODAY!

Fwd: 60 days. 150 seats. Come find your people in South Haven.

60 days. 150 seats. Come find your people in South Haven.   Hi Mark,    Dear water safety colleague,   In just two months, we open the doors on the 2026 Great Lakes Water Safety Conference in South Haven, Michigan. We want you in the room.   I know this is your busy season. You're heads-down on your beach, in your boat, or at your unit – doing the work of keeping people safe. That's exactly the point of October. Come reflect on what worked this summer, what didn't, and what your community will do differently in 2027.   Here's some of what's confirmed:   Day 1 keynote: South Haven Police Chief Adam DeBoer and Lifeguard Program Manager David Figueredo, opening with the story of how their community rebuilt water safety from the shoreline up. Day 2 keynote: Children's book author Tim Wheeler, closing Day 1 at dinner and returning Day 2 morning – on why the stories we tell shape the safety behaviors that stick. Optional Demo Day, September 30: live on South Haven's South Beach – lifeguards, drone rescue, dive team, EMILY. Included with your registration. Harbor Social that evening at Fire Water Bar & Grill. Three concurrent breakout tracks, our signature reverse panels, and 20+ confirmed speakers you won't want to miss.   The space only holds 150 seats total. Once the season winds down and everyone else starts planning fall, they'll move fast.   Learn More & Register: https://www.greatlakeswatersafety.org/conference   Sponsor: If your organization would like to be seen as a champion of Great Lakes water safety, our packages are still open – with real visibility across our event, materials, digital, and media. Reply directly and I'll set up a conversation.   You'll be hearing from us more regularly between now and October 1 – from Jamie, from our Planning Co-Leads, from our South Haven host Pam Ford, and from me. This is the room where plans become practice. Come find your people.   Capt. Drew Ferguson, MPH Executive Director, Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium

Fwd: Mind Maps for Coaching, Creativity, and Kids!

Go Further with Mind Mapping... ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

No images? Click here Featured Mind Mapper: Showcasing the top creators and contributors from our global mind mapping community! Marco Bertolini Member Since: 2011 With over 200 mind maps shared since since joining us in 2011, Marco Bertolini has helped students and educators around the world learn about languages, study skills and more through his contributions! View Profile     Upcoming Events: FREE Webinar Get Started with Xmind 10 Sep Learn the basics of mind mapping with Xmind in this free introductory webinar. From basic map building to adding personalisation and extra details, this webinar will help you grasp the essentials of this fantastic mind mapping software! Register FREE   FREE Livestream Biggerplate Brainstorm: Live Launch & Demo 15 Sep Join this FREE livestream to learn about Biggerplate Brainstorm - our new tool for capturing, and categorizing ideas before structuring in a mind map! Register FREE   FREE Webinar Get Started with MindMeister 24 Sep Learn the basics of mind mapping with MindMeister in this free introductory webinar. From basic map building to adding personalisation and extra details, this webinar will help you grasp the essentials of this fantastic mind mapping software! Register FREE   Featured Videos Access 300+ premium videos with Biggerplate Plus membership... PREMIUM Video Kickstart Creative Thinking with Mind Maps Celia Falkenberg and Nina Pearse explore how to spark and nurture creative thinking using mind maps. This video introduces the neuroscience behind creativity, practical tools for cultivating it, and a four-step model to awaken and fuel creative potential. Watch (with Biggerplate Plus)   PREMIUM Video Mind Maps for Coaching In this insightful conversation, Liz Oseland shares her journey into mind mapping and how it has evolved into a cornerstone of her coaching and leadership development work. From her early exposure to Tony Buzan’s “pure” mind mapping style to her current digital and analog practices, Liz explores how mind mapping supports clarity, creativity, reflection, and coaching impact.  Watch (with Biggerplate Plus)   PREMIUM Video Unlocking Children's Potential with Mind Maps Rosario Peniche explores the multiple uses of Mind Maps for students from 8 years old to university level and the way they can help maximize the power of our brain and unlock all our potential. Watch (with Biggerplate Plus)   1:1 Mind Map Coaching from Biggerplate Need help to navigate complexity and unlock YOUR creativity? Book a One-to-One coaching session with Biggerplate to support your mind mapping projects and goals with hands-on help. Whether you're getting started or getting stuck, a 60 minute session with our experts will get you moving faster sooner,  Example projects we've helped with: Help me select the right mind map software for my business Help us conduct a mid-year strategic review Speed up my software learning curve Help me explore my new business idea Whatever the context, we're here to help you go further with mind mapping! Book 1:1 Coaching Call   Stay Updated Connect with Biggerplate in your favourite places: