Coach Heather Herrick
QUALIFICATIONS:
• CPR/AED: Adult, Child, Infant (2022)
• Red Cross Lifeguard (2022)
• PADI Certified Divemaster
• 3-time Ironman Triathlon Finisher
• Over a dozen Half Ironman (70.3) finishes
• 20+ years of triathlon experience
• 16 years of science education experience
COACH HEATHER’S SWIM STORY
I’ve loved being in the water for as long as I can remember. I spent every chance I could in lakes, pools, and the ocean, completely fascinated by the plants and animals below the surface. When I was 16, my dad gave our family Scuba diving lessons for Christmas, and it opened up a whole new world for me.
That love for the ocean led me to teach biology at Blinn and Tomball Colleges and marine science at the University of Texas for over 16 years. I can ID most reef fish and love pointing out honu (sea turtles), octopuses, eels, eagle rays, manta rays, and dolphins whenever I’m in the water. It never gets old!
I’ve also been part of the triathlon community for over 20 years. I’ve completed three Ironman races, more than a dozen 70.3s, and countless shorter-distance events. I participate in or volunteer for nearly every local race and love cheering on my swimmers as they cross the finish line. Whether you’re looking to get more comfortable in the ocean, improve your technique, or shave time off your swim split, I’d love to help you train smarter and swim stronger.
When I’m not swimming, I run a project called Adventures in Botany, where I help people grow their own food, reconnect with nature, and explore the magic of plants. Come join our Facebook community and say hello!
Ready to feel more confident in the water? Whether you’re a beginning swimmer looking for a little confidence in the ocean or a seasoned triathlete, come swim with me—let’s build your skills, comfort, and love for the ocean together.
Coach Victoria
- CPR/AED: Adult, Child, Infant -(2018-2025)
- First Aid -Current (2018-2025)
- Red Cross Swim Teacher (1995- 2021)
- Red Cross Lifeguard (1995- 2021)
- Food Fit Personal Trainer (2012)
- Licensed Massage Therapist MAT #15526 (2024-2026)
- Yoga Teacher Training 200 hours YTT200 (2019)
- Yoga Teacher Training 250 (26+2) YTT250 (2022)
- Angel Fish Swim Whisperers Level 1&2 (2020-2025)
Coach Victoria’s Swim Story
I saw the Ocean for the first time when I was 7 years old, and I’ve been Salty ever since. It was middle of the night with a Full Moon over Wind-N-Sea Beach in LaJolla, CA and in that one moment, I knew God was real. I’ll never forget it.
A San Diego childhood was life at the beach everyday while perfecting my swim in a pool. Being on a swim team through High School was FUN and it was FAMILY. Swim team made me a better person and a better student, so I just kept swimming.
The 2 mile swim became a meditation. It’s my Prozac #itsmyprozac. I need it! After High School and College, I was a Masters swimmer following the shifting of the setting of the sun for many years never failing to Show Up and swim with so many great Coaches and teachers polishing and improving my swim with every micro-adjustment.
In college, I chased swimming and Early Childhood Education in pursuit of a Business degree. Although trained to manage little readers, it was definitely my time on the playground giving me the skills most advantageous for this adventure today.
Dodge ball was my favorite. I’m a kid at heart, and probably should have always been a PE teacher. I love to play, and Today I’m doing what I want to do when I grow up which is swimming everyday, and helping others.
I am Victoria, Director and Head Coach of Salty Swim School, LLC. Bringing Breath to Water with Safety, Compassion, and Fun Teaching Ocean Safety, Water Confidence, and Swim Skills in the Ocean.
Also teaching Yoga in Kona.
Join me for Love and Light in 2025 for a Brand New season of Salty Yoga.
SWIM~PRAY~LOVE~
Coach Victoria
Salty Coach Rick Rubio
The Best Fitness Training in Kona!
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
- LifeGuard, first aid, CPR
- Certified TRX Group Suspension Trainer
- League Cycling Instructor
- World Championship Ironman Finisher (7 TIMES)
- Coach Victoria’s personal Swim Coach and
Salty Swim School, LLC Foundational Member.
Coach Rick… RETIRED 2022
