How can I be involved? Do I stand a chance?

Question
Hi,

My name's Caleb. Before I ask my question, let me give you a tiny bit of background info. I've always been a swimmer and have never done any gymnastics, but about four years ago I signed up for my 7th grade dive team and found that I loved it! The two and a half month middle school season went amazing and I really wanted to continue on with the GC Divers Lesson Program in Collyville Texas and the school diving team the next year. Unfortunately, that's when my parents decided, "Homeschooling's the way to go!" But they did tell me that if I completed one more season of swimming I could start diving lessons, then eventually move on to the team. Altogether I've had about four months of three-a-week diving lessons, not including the couple of months I was on my middle school team. At the end of my ninth grade year my dad lost his job so diving was cut, and we moved to Oregon when he found another job. We live near Estacada, OR now, and being a student, working a job, and saving for college and such, I can't drive 55+ minutes one-way to the Tualatin Dive Team in Beaverton, so I haven't been on a board with a coach in about two years. I've still got a year and a half left before I go to college (I'm 16).

So, after that long winded back story (now you know where I'm coming from), here are my questions:

1. What are some dryland conditioning/training/exercises/stretching/techniques that I can work on at home that will help prepare me for diving eventually?

2. I know it's a late start, but is there any chance for me to have a future in diving when I don't have the years of gymnastic and diving experience others my age do?

3. Are there any summer camps for beginner divers? Would it be worth it for me to try and save up to attend one?

4. There is a pool in Oregon City with a 1 meter springboard with a fulcrum, set in a 12 foot pool well. Is there anyone who I could at least try and learn from? (private lessons or something in Oregon City would definitely be doable).

5. What do you suggest I do to somehow participate in diving? I've never loved any other sport this much, and will do everything possible to eventually be involved and would work hard.

Like I said before, I don't have much experience at all. When I left diving in  I hadn't even learned a front double yet! But there is nothing more that I would like than the opportunity to dive. Please, anything and EVERYTHING you can do would be mean more than you could ever realize.

Thank you very, very much and I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,

Caleb N

Answer
Caleb -

One thing you did not mention in this question is what your goals are in diving. You ask if there is any chance for you in diving but you do not say at what level. I will just assume that it is to dive in college.

Since you live in a state where there is only one team, if you want to succeed in diving you are going to have to find a way to dive with Joe at THDC in Beaverton. You say you can't drive the hour it takes to get there but do not say why. Is it that your parents won't let you or something else? Have you considered just going there on Saturdays? I used to coach this same team about 10 years ago and had kids come from farther than you live to dive two days per week.
If you really want to dive that much you will find a way to get to this program.

Getting private lessons at the pool in Oregon City is only possible if you can find a coach to go there with you. You should ask Joe at THDC if he has the time to go there and give you private lessons or maybe he knows someone who can.Ask him if he knows of any former divers willing to go this pool.

Summer camps are for divers of any ability. Next year around the springtime, go to these websites to find a camp:

www.usadiving.org or www.divemeets.com. Also on FaceBook, join the group called 'flip 'n rip' for info on diving camps. You can also go to www.diving.about.com for camp info.THDC may even have one next summer.Don't worry about not having much experience. I worked a camp once that had some kids who could not even dive off the side of the pool.

The USA diving website has publications you can buy to help you at home with question number one.Just click on Store for educational materials. Could be a good Christmas present to yourself.

Your only resource for getting what you want out of diving is going to come from the THDC team so make sure you re-connect with them after the holidays.

Good luck.