Meet North Coast Aquatics youth swimmers, siblings Kennedy and Karson Gebauer

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Kennedy and Karson Gebauer aren’t your average sister and brother. As members of North Coast Aquatics based at the Alga Norte swim complex, they thrive on pushing each other to be the best they can be. While there is a healthy dose of sibling rivalry, it also means having a deep appreciation for the challenges and triumphs the sport presents. Knowing they can count on each other for support on hard days is not lost on either of them. Kennedy says she is happy to have her brother by her side because “when I get upset or cry, he always checks on me and makes me feel better.”

13-year-old Kennedy has been swimming for three years. A seventh grader at Aviara Oaks Middle School, she knows all too well the commitment required to be successful in the pool. She was awarded Most Improved in the 11/12 age group (she only just aged up in August). Her hard work, perseverance, and dedication also paid off in Junior Lifeguards this summer, earning Most Outstanding and several awards in competition.

11-year-old Karson joins his sister in middle school this year as a sixth grader. He has been swimming for two years. While it is his favorite sport, he has also played baseball and basketball. This year, Karson earned the Most Valuable award in his age division. He works hard to try and keep up with his sister, nipping at her heels while chasing her down. His advice is to “never give up.”

Both Kennedy and Karson practice an average of two hours a day. They also have dryland workouts several days a week to improve strength and flexibility while minimizing injuries. As healthy as swimming is, it can still be a grind on the body. Their schedule is demanding and can make it hard to stay motivated, which is nice they have each other for support.

Parents, Heather and West, make sure the kids are balanced and not too overwhelmed. Heather is even certified to officiate at swim meets, which allows her to give back to the sport she did when she was younger.

Both Kennedy and Karson love the friends they have made through swimming. They appreciate the team component of an individual sport, noting that it’s equally fun to cheer for others as it is to have teammates cheer for you. It’s an important support system that keeps them excited and motivated to keep practicing to improve at the sport they love.

Wise beyond her years, Kennedy says: “Swimming is a sport that will tear you down and then build you right back up again. That’s why I love it. It takes effort and skill for the perfect balance.”

We wish the Gebauers continued success in the pool and school.

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