The Aquatic Collective, LLC
“The Science of Movement. The Art of Swimming.”
About The Founder
Founded by an aquatic professional with a BA in Kinesiology: Pedagogy from CSULB (Class of 2000), bringing 39 years of aquatic expertise
Nearly 10 years based in Hawaii as a longboarder starting in 1987
Coached competitive
women’s novice and youth
(Keiki & Na Opio) outrigger
programs at two different clubs
A sophisticated science-
based approach is provided from
ALL aquatic experiences
Serving the greater
Newport Beach area
Safety
The founder’s safety protocol is rooted in the formal science of human movement. Beyond standard industry certifications, expertise includes University-level, Advanced Emergency Care training, from the CSULB Kinesiology Department. This semester long academic foundation in Emergency Response exceeds basic aquatic safety standards.
Experience
The Aquatic Collective is led by a veteran professional with a 39-year legacy in the water, beginning as a swimmer in her youth to longboarding in Hawaii in 1987. This ocean-tested authority is defined by a decade-long tenure in longboarding surf culture and a competitive career as a two-time Catalina Crossing outrigger athlete. Academically, the founder holds a BA in Kinesiology: Pedagogy K-12 from CSULB (Class of 2000), specializing in the formal science of human movement. Her professional teaching career spans over 25 years of swim instruction, from teenage tutelage to community and university level programs at the YMCA and CSULB, followed by specialized youth development. This extensive background also includes coaching competitive women’s novice and youth outrigger canoe programs, as well as curated instruction and coaching serving residents in the greater Newport Beach area. Complementing this pedigree is a semester-long academic foundation in Advanced Emergency Care, ensuring a level of safety and emgergency aid that exceeds standard industry benchmarks.
Philosophy
Focusing on the “art of swimming” and the beauty of movement to deliver aquatic education to the greater Newport Beach community, blending technical precision, safety, and fluidity to create a refined and confident relationship with the water.
An integrated scientific approach rooted in kinesiology-based principles, to help clients develop confidence, proper alignment, and efficient movement in the water. Our mission is to elevate aquatic education into a wellness and educational experience, offering a level of expertise and intentionality that goes beyond traditional swim instruction to develop a love for the water.
Programs & Services
Toddler
Early
Aquatic Education
Encouraging early
aquatic comfort
Cultivating vital
safety skills through
an individualized expert-
led framework
Youth
Fundamentals
& Basic Strokes
Facilitating modified
strokes for new learners
Correcting & refining
movements to existing
techniques
Adult
The Foundational
Water Series
For non-swimming &
beginning adult
Replacing water
anxiety with technical
confidence through
science-based
curriculum
Adult
Aquatic Integration
& Flow
Curriculum following
the Water Literacy Series
to foster sustained
movement & rhythmic
technical control
Group Instruction
Adults: Foundational Water Series
Geared toward non-swimming adults seeking foundational safety and comfort
Frequency: 2x per week for 5 weeks (10 lessons total)
Duration: 45 Minutes
Maximum Students: 5
Youth: Biomechanical Fundamentals
Focusing on technical precision and efficient movement for young swimmers.
Frequency: 3x per week for 4 weeks (12 lessons total)
Duration: 25 Minutes
Maximum Students: 5
Toddlers: Neutral Buoyancy & Survival
Prioritizing respiratory control and foundational safety milestones.
Frequency: 3x per week for 4 weeks (12 lessons total)
Duration: 20 Minutes
Maximum Students: 3
More details for private lessons when you contact us.
A Word From the Founder
As the founder of The Aquatic Collective, LLC, I view aquatic education as an essential life skill, fueled by a lifelong love of the water. Whenever I have felt overwhelmed, I have always found clarity, strength, and comfort through my faith in God, in ocean sports, and in the water.
I believe, wholeheartedly, that drowning prevention is a dire necessity, and that water literacy is a skill everyone should have in their repertoire.
I am dedicated to helping my clients replace uncertainty and anxiety with a technical confidence. My goal is to provide personalized attention required to help you or your family master these skills.
Catherine “Coach Cat”
Contact Us
Please call 949-687-8700 for more information or email all inquiries to catherine@theaquaticcollective.com. We look forward to hearing from you.