Our Story
The creation of the Morro Bay Odder Club was a blend of inspiration & luck.
In Feburary 2022, Russ started dipping in the waters at Coleman Park in Morro Bay after being introduced to the Wim Hof Method. Early on, he met Delayna Luffee, a regular walker along the path to the Rock.
DeLayna quickly took an interest in what they were doing, and a deeper friendship soon blossomed. After Russ dipped, he often found gifts - food, books, and clothes - left on his car.
As more people joined, the idea of forming a club emerged. DeLayna was on board from the start & enlisted her husband, Bill, whose experience and business sense helped get the Club organized. Soon, we had a website & a Meetup group.
Despite her declining health, DeLayna remained determined & even joined us in the water, becoming a regular dipper and the heart of our growing community. Her generosity was key to officially establishing the Morro Bay Odder Club as a licensed business.
Even when her health worsened & she could no longer dip, DeLayna continued to support the club's growth.
We lost DeLayna on September 14, 2023, but she will always be our Mother Odder, her spirit guiding everything we do.
2024 Officers
President – Russ Miyoshi
Returning to the Central Coast of California 38 years after graduating from Cal Poly SLO in 1983, Russ Miyoshi knew he had found home again in this paradise. He soon faced a new mental challenge: cold water immersion in the bay at Morro Rock. Inspired by Wim Hof, Russ sought to learn about the benefits of cold water immersion while testing his mental toughness. It wasn't until a second "Odder" joined him that Russ was able to stay in the 55-degree water, reaching up to 35 minutes. Through this experience, the importance of community became as crystal clear as the Morro Bay waters.
Vice President - Jules Marsh
Jules is a local Morro Bay business owner of Kelpful Cooperative, an educator and naturalist who focuses on health & wellness from the sea. Originally from Santa Cruz, she is a dedicated Odder committed to growing ocean stewardship, community engagement, and embracing joy. Jules discovered the Odder Club while cold plunging herself, not realizing there was an incredible community to dip with. This point in her life was crucial as she focused on healing her mind and body, and was desperate for local community. She's been all in ever since, finding family in the Odders and building out the empowered, serenity of this community.
Treasurer – Bill Luffee
Bill is the husband of DeLayna. Morro Bay has been my cherished home for 25 years, and I've lived in the County for 50. As a proud Cal Poly graduate, local business owner, and landlord, I've been deeply involved in our community. I co-founded two local nonprofits: The Friends of the Morro Bay Harbor Department and the Morro Bay Open Space Alliance. My commitment to our town includes serving on the Harbor Advisory Board for seven years. Now, I’m running for City Council to ensure Morro Bay remains fiscally strong, affordable, and safe, allowing all residents to thrive. For more information, visit billluffeecitycouncil.com
Secretary - Christine Forney
Christine Forney, a 1989 Cal Poly graduate, brings 25 years of real estate expertise to her role as Secretary of the Morro Bay Odder Club. Known for her dedication and professionalism, Christine serves both San Luis Obispo County and the Bay Area, meeting a wide range of real estate needs. In her role with the Odder Club, she ensures smooth operations and effective communication, helping the club thrive while promoting community health through cold water immersion.
Board Member - Joe Milhoff
Joe is a retired former business owner who made Morro Bay his home in 2022. He is committed to spreading the word about the health benefits of cold water immersion and breathwork.
Board Member - Elaine Hill
Elaine is an advocate for holistic health and wellness and an enthusiastic active member of the Odder Club. She embraces practices that nurture both body and mind.
She is grateful for the odder community who enrich her holistic health practices.
We say Goodbye DeLayna
It is with great sadness that we said goodbye to our fearless leader and heart and soul of the Morro Bay Odder Club.
DeLayna made her transition on Sept 12, 2023. Without her the Odder Club would not exist. As our original President she set a new standard for loving kindness and generosity.