About Akwa Akwa is the official magazine of the Aquatic Exercise Association STAFF Julie See, Executive Editor Angie Proctor, Managing Editor Dee Yeats, Assistant Editor Graphic Design, Carolyn Mac Millan Contributing Photographers: Jeroen Bockweg Sheryl Ewart Ron Klineschmidt Carolyn Mac Millan Troy Nelson Debra Zimmerman Select Stock photos provided by Big Stock www.bigstock.com Front Cover Photo and Design by Sheryl Ewart PUBLISHED Vol. 31, No. 4 Copyright 2018 by AEA Circulation: 5,500 Total Readership: 12,000 ISSN 1536-5549 Akwa is published six times each year. Akwa may not be reproduced without written permission from the managing editor. Akwa is available in digital format in the members only section at aeawave.com. Opinions of contributing authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Aquatic Exercise Association. AEA OFFICE HOURS Monday-Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm Eastern Friday 9:00 am-2:00 pm Eastern Visit our website chat/chat messenger or email [email protected] at any time CONTACT Mailing Address: AEA Offices PO Box 1695 Brunswick GA 31521-1695 Phone: 941-486-8600 Fax: 941-486-8820 Website: aeawave.com Email: [email protected] join our group @ On the Pool Deck By Julie See, Akwa Executive Editor The holiday season is here, 2017 is coming to an end, and I have been in Tennessee for almost a year…where does time go? My grandmother used to tell me that time moves faster as you get older, but I couldn’t understand that concept. After all, time is time – a day is always going to be 24 hours. However, as I grow older, I realize that she was right. Time seems to be moving faster than before, and I am not sure I am prepared. There is so much I want to accomplish, yet another year has come and gone, and my list is still long. Maybe it is all about perspective…I can focus on what is still on the to-do list, or I can choose to be thankful for what has been accomplished. This year, I am choosing to be thankful. AEA moves into 2018 with the revised and restructured seventh edition of the Aquatic Fitness Professional Manual that will educate and inspire others to share our global mission. Complementing the manual is an amazing new online prep course and an updated practical workshop to help prepare new aquatic instructors for their fitness journey, and renew the passion for teaching in experienced instruc- tors. Plans for IAFC 2018 are in full-swing, gearing up attendees and presenters for a week of Hydrated Education & Training just a few short months away. The follow- ing two issues of Akwa will share helpful hints, testimonials from colleagues, and articles highlighting numerous sessions featured at the conference – just in case you need a few more reasons to attend this year! But that’s next year…what can you find in this issue? With a focus on What’s Age Got to Do with It?, the following pages explore programming for aquatic exercise participants of all ages. We discuss how to guide our youth along the pathway of health, share insight for attracting the athletic population into the pool, and consider how to stay forever young with water fitness. I promise there is an article just for you and your classes within this issue, plus ideas to expand your reach to a wider range of participants. So, dive on in and enjoy – and don’t forget to check out Akwa Extra, the supplemental pages at our website, for more information. Before I know it, I will be writing to you from the end of 2018, but for now – happy, healthy holidays from all the AEA staff! We appreciate your support, enjoy your energy and enthusiasm, and look forward to working with you in the coming year. n 2 | Akwa | December 2017 / January 2018 NEW
