2000 Stories from the Dolphin Club

If you've ever smelled cornbread emanating from the Dolphin Club kitchen, you'll know that Sue Garfield is in the house. In this episode of 2000 Stories, you'll learn far more about Sue, her early days working on the historic ships at Aquatic Park, her love of the 43 bus and walking the city, and, of course, her secret recipe and why making cornbread warms her soul..and ours. To see a...

Pete Bianucci has been a member of the Dolphin Club for over 60 years. And in those 60 years he's given back to the club in more ways than you can imagine. While he's no longer able to swim in the Bay, his memories of and passion for the club are as sharp as ever. In this episode of 2000 Stories, you'll hear what it was like in the old days, what it takes to lead the Escape from Alcatr...

In this episode of 2000 Stories, Pia Hinckle, a fourth generation San Franciscan with a famously infamous father, Warren Hinckle, shares how she tackled her anxiety in the water, moving from panic attacks to side stroking to swimming from Angel Island to San Quentin (heaven to hell). For non-swimmers, she reflects on how she's many of those same skills to tackle challenges on dry land. To see...

Swimming in cold water requires a presence of both mind and body. In this episode of 2000 Stories, Peter Bostelmann, Chief Mindfulness Officer at SAP, shares his work and play experiences with mindfulness and why he believes cold water swimming is the perfect place to practice it. To see a picture of Peter, visit ⁠https://dolphinclub.org/community/#2000-stories-id⁠

Sharon Wong may be a new member, but she's always had the Dolphin Club in her sights. Now she's rowing out of Aquatic Park and finding retirement anything but retiring. She plays the ukulele, fights City Hall, sings in a choir, paints watercolors, pilots for club swims, and edited a documentary about the Old Goats. She is one of the fascinating 2000 Stories from the Dolphin Club. To see a...

Denise REALLY loves the sauna. Which is why once she gets in it takes her forever to leave. The conversations that ensue range from the serious to the silly. That's Denise for you. In this episode of 2000 Stories, Denise shares her thoughts on being Jewish, getting "hazed" as a new member, the importance of having a "third space", and why she believes Burning Man and the Do...

At 6'7" and black, Michael Collett is probably a rare sight on the handball court...or anywhere in the club for that matter. But he's fallen in love with the sport and the community who have welcomed him with open arms. In this episode, we talk about way more than handball, including race, San Francisco history, MUNI, graphic design, and AI, to name just a few. To see a picture of Mic...

It's hard to imagine finding a Dolphin Club member who cares more about the club. From Locker Room Captain (a post he's been serving in for 25 + years) to Swim Commissioner to President, and now Secretary, there's hardly a role he hasn't taken on. In this episode of 2000 Stories, hear why Dave believes in giving back to the place he loves. Oh and speaking of loves, tie dye is defin...

It's amazing to meet someone who turns a fear into a passion. That's Madhuri for you. From swimming at night to starting her own tech company, she exhibits true joie de vivre. Madhuri shares her journey from India to Indiana to San Francisco and some pretty shocking stories about sea lion encounters and her experiences as one of the first women of color at the Dolphin Club. To see a pictur...

What does an aspiring professional rugby player do when his dreams are dashed due to injury? Ryan Hedum shares his journey — the highs and lows — and how finding the Dolphin Club gave him a sense of place and purpose in San Francisco. The added bonus: the cold water helps alleviate his daily pain. At age 27, Ryan has lived a full, full life. And he is wise beyond his years. Today, he's turned...

At 89 1/2, Mimi Osborne makes aging look easy. But she warns us that it's anything but. A Dolphin Club member since 1979, she still swims twice a week, even after a full ankle replacement. Mimi has what you might call history with the club, going as far back as 1961 when her husband Daniel Osborne joined. She shares some of her fondest memories, honest advice, and wisdom about aging, swimming,...

Suzie Dods is a Dolphin Club lifetime member, swim coach, English Channel relay and solo finisher, and Greece lover. Oh and in her spare time she created the 24 hour relay, thanks to her two unsuccessful attempts and one successful swim around Manhattan. "Weirdly fun" is how she describes it. We'll let you be the judge. To see a picture of Suzie, visit ⁠https://dolphinclub.org/commun...