Mural captures spirit of locals; fitness facility planning to host Adventure Race in September Crossfit OB owners Chadd Timm and Philip Kavanagh are dedicated to being part of the neighborhood. They opened their gym in October on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard near the corner of Narragansett Avenue. According to Timm, “All clients, owners and coaches live within a mile. We are not a franchise, but a completely locally-owned-and-operated business.” As soon as they obtained the space, Timm and Kavanagh wanted to do something for the community. They decided that a mural on the less-than-attractive wall facing oncoming traffic would be a great idea. They hadn’t been able to find the right artist until Natasha Kozaily, who works out at Crossfit OB, approached them with some ideas. Kozaily, who recently moved back to Ocean Beach from the Cayman Islands, said she knew she wanted to paint an underwater theme, something that represented OB. The mural is playful, stylistic and vibrant, and depicts a smiling and adorable gray-and-bright-orange octopus with its tentacles undulating amid fronds of sea grass. “I wanted to create a playful imaginary world under the sea that made people smile, and was inspired by other street artists like Supakitch and Koralie, as well as storybook illustrations,” said Kozaily. “For being my first mural of that size, it was a great experience and I hope to do more. I love whales, and I was also looking for an old sea approach with the underwater diver.” In September, Crossfit OB will host its second annual Adventure Race. “This should be a fun and healthy activity for everyone, ages 12 and up, and you don’t need to be a member to participate,” Timm said. The plan is to gather at Crossfit OB, where participants will receive clues to a map of Ocean Beach’s local businesses and landmarks. Once participants arrive at each location, they will perform some type of crossfit-style exercise in exchange for raffle tickets. Prizes from vendors, local businesses and Crossfit OB memberships will be awarded to winning raffle tickets. Crossfit OB is located at 1811 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. The business is open Mondays through Fridays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays have a unique program that includes an outdoor workout, followed by a free class for beginners, then an open gym until closing. Crossfit OB also offers personal training sessions by appointment. There are also special events like “Girls’ Day with Sonya.” For more information, contact Timm at (503) 568-6741, Kavanagh at (858) 922-5075, or visit crossfitoceanbeach.com. Kozaily’s website is www.natashakozaily.com.
