Hello Bend Waves members and former members,

Like most of you, I have been anxious to return to a normal post-pandemic lifestyle, replete with sports, friends and social events. I hope that you and your family are surviving this world-wide tragedy and have been able to keep yourselves safe and sane during this enforced isolation.

The coaches have been trying to stay sane, dreaming about whistles, 6 on 5 plays and methods to integrate some of the 2020 rules changes into the game ... 

So, here's what we know ..... (0, zip, nada)

Yep, we don't know a darn thing. We have ongoing (weekly emails) dialogues with BPRD about pool access if/when the pool facilities re-open, but at this time, there is no clear idea on when that will be. The coaches have been huddling (via zoom!) to put together plans for dryland and some other training events while we await pool access. It is my hope that this county will exit the "Extreme-Risk" category in March, allowing for some form of drylands and social activities. It is unclear when the pool will reopen, and what restrictions on access will be in place. With that said, I wanted to give you some insight into the thoughts we have on a resumption of play. 

Our plans (tentative)

1) When we are allowed to do outdoor play/dryland (but no pool access available)

a) 2--4 sessions weekly

b) team handball squad play/ basketball play/ ultimate frisbee play

2) When pool access is available

a) get 3-5 practice sessions weekly

b) schedule 1 of these sessions as "HS game time" allowing for HS squads to participate in HS squad based games and play

c) have 2 sessions weekly for our 12U and learn to play players

d) have 3-4 sessions for our 14U and above players

3) Games

Travel to/from games, and various risks associated with travel and exposure to different communities is something we will need to manage. With that said, here's my best guess at how game play will resume:

a) We will likely start with a variant of intra squad games on Friday nights or Saturdays in our outdoor pool. trying to get some local referees involved and try to do lots of quick games.

b) we may do some more beach-ball tournaments and even some local lake games if we can get those in place.

c) when we are able to resume games, we will try to do some games with a few teams like empire and thills to get started.

All high schools in the BLP school district have had to accept that there will be no OHSWP play in April, given the lack of pool access and availability. The coaches and teams have opted to attempt intra-city play through the Waves if/when a return to play is allowed. What this means is that the HS squads will play against each other during a scheduled waves practice time. This is more about skill acquisition and team bonding than anything else.

I hope this answers some of your questions. I'll send more information out soon.

Regards

Chris Perret

Welcome to the Bend Waves Water Polo Club!  We provide competitive playing opportunities in a safe learning environment for all ages of youth in and around Bend, Oregon. 

Club Mission:

The Bend Waves Water Polo Club strives to create well-rounded water polo athletes who have character in and out of the pool. We introduce the sport and develop young players — as well as groom more experienced athletes — to compete at their highest possible level.

VISIT OUR Connect->Scholarship PAGE FOR INFORMATION ON SCHOLARSHIPS.

Our season begins February 24, 2020 and runs through June 2020. Our detailed season can be found on our Calendar page.

SPRING BREAK SCHEDULE:

Spring break is March 23rd->March 27th, 2020.  There will be NO SPLASHBALL this week, nor will there be any practices in the indoor pool.  The indoor pool has scheduled maintenance 3/21-3/29 - opening back up to the public on 3/30.  Our competitive  programs will still have practice in the outdoor pool, however, the practice schedule may be adjusted.  More information to come.

Our annual 2020 Bend Shootout water polo tournament is  scheduled for April 17th -> 19th 2020 at Juniper Pool in Bend, Oregon.  This is an action-packed weekend of everything polo! Click the link above to register your team.

KAP7 has an online store for our club water polo suits. Please go HERE to order new suits or a Bend Waves Parka.

Interested in becoming a sponsor of Bend Waves Water Polo Club?