Program Information

Ripples | 8 & Under

Bronze, Silver, Gold 
 

Bronze |

• Swimmers must complete a 25 of freestyle (with attempt at rotary breathing) and backstroke with confidence.
• Should demonstrate an understanding of breaststroke and butterfly, but may not be able to complete a single legal stroke.
• Swimmers must have a desire to compete and improve, and show a willingness to train under coach supervision without aid of a family member.
• Swimmers will compete in a minimum of one meet every 2 months, with a preference of one meet each month.
• Expected practice commitment: 2 days per week.

Silver |

• Swimmers must complete a 25 of freestyle with rotary breathing, 25 backstroke with confidence, and a 25 of either Breaststroke or Butterfly.
• While competence is not required in the fourth stroke, an understanding of the general mechanics should be present.
• Swimmers should plan to compete in one meet every month, including 8&U Championships in February.
• Swimmers in this group are working toward legal 25s of all four strokes the 100IM, 50s of three strokes, and the 100 and 200 free.
• Expected practice commitment: 2-3 days per week.

Gold |

• Swimmers must complete a legal 25 of each of the four competitive strokes.
• Swimmers should demonstrate proper drop-ins, streamlines, and other fundamental habits.
• Swimmers should plan to compete in one meet every month, including 8&U Championships in February.
• 8yo Gold Swimmers should plan to attend 2 long course practices throughout the summer and compete in long course season in preparation for aging up to Waves.
• 7yo Gold Swimmers will need their coach’s recommendation for long course, as they will train with Waves Silver. 
• Swimmers in Ripples Gold will be working toward 50s of all competitive strokes, the 200IM, 100s of three strokes (Free, Back, and either Fly or Breast), the 200 and 500 Free.
• Expected practice commitment 3 days per week.

Waves | ages 9-11

Bronze, Silver, Gold | Practice Fees starting at $100/mo. | Premium or FLEX
 

• Bronze | swimmers should have an understanding of freestyle and backstroke, should be able to complete 1 length of the pool in freestyle with an attempt at rotary breathing, and 1 length of the pool in backstroke. An understanding of breaststroke and butterfly is expected. This level will be working towards 50s of all strokes with good body/head position, legal starts and finishes.
  • Location: Competition Pool
  • 2 or 4 days per week | Monday-Thursday
  • 6:00-7:30p | dryland 2 x per week from 5:15-5:45p
     
• Silver | swimmers should plan on an average of 3 practices per week, but there are options for 2-4. Swimmers must be able to complete a 50 of three of the competitive strokes, plus understand the 100IM. There is an expectation that swimmers will understand how to complete proper flip turns in free & back, as well as basic open turns. Silver Swimmers will be working toward competency in all four strokes, and developing endurance with proper technique for: 100/200 Free, 100 Back, and a 100 of a 3rd competitive stroke.
  • Location: Competition Pool
  • 2, 3 or 4 days per week | Monday-Thursday
  • 6:00-7:30p | dryland 2x per week from 5:15-5:45p
     
• Gold | swimmers require coach approval for this level, and should plan to work year-round. Swimmers will be offered 5 practice times per week, and asked to attend 3 or 4. Swimmers should be able to complete a 50 of each competitive stroke legally, plus a 100 Free and the 100 IM, with proper turns and finishes. Gold swimmers will be working towards their IMX events: 100s of each stroke, the 200 IM, 200/500 Free; 200 Back; and a 200 of a 3rd stroke – learning to hold good proper technique, improving underwaters, breakouts and speed over distance.
  • Location: Competition Pool
  • 3 or 4 days per week | Monday-Thursday 
  • 6:00-7:30p | dryland 2x per week from 5:15-5:45p

Riptides | ages 11-14

Riptides is our Middle School program for competitive swimmers ages 11-14.  Swimmers at this level have chosen swimming as their primary competitive sport.

Bronze |

• ​​Bronze swimmers are year-round swimmers who are IM Ready. They can swim every stroke legally for at least 50 yards, the 100IM and 100 freestyle. 
• Bronze level swimmers will be working toward 100s of every stroke, plus the 200IM and 500 freestyle.
• Our goal is for all bronze level swimmers to compete both long course and short course, and attend one meet per month.
• Swimmers are expected to compete at District Championships.
• Swimmers are expected to practice 3-4 times per week (Monday-Thursday), plus dryland 2-3 times per week.

 Silver |  

• Silver swimmers are year-round swimmers who can swim 100s of each stroke, the 200IM, and 500 Free.
• Silver level swimmers will be working toward 200s of every stroke, plus the 400IM, and 1000 freestyle.
• We expect Silver Riptides to compete both short course and long course, and attend one meet per month.
• Swimmers are expected to compete in District Champs and/or Age Group Championships. 
• Generally, swimmers at this level will have multiple BB to A times for an 11 year old.
• Swimmers are expected to swim 4-5 times per week (Monday-Saturday), plus dryland 2-4 times per week.

 Gold |  

• Gold swimmers are year-round swimmers who can swim 200s of each of the four competitive strokes, the 400IM and the 1000 freestyle.
• We expect Gold Riptides to compete both short course and long course, and attend one meet per month.
• Swimmers are expected to compete in Age Group Championships.
• Generally, swimmers at this level will have multiple A, AA, AAA, or AAAA times for a 12 year old, and multiple Age Group Championship times.
• Swimmers should plan to practice 5-6 times per week, plus dryland 3-5 times per week.

Tsunamis | ages 14+
Practice Fees starting at $195/mo. | Premium Only

Breakouts at this level will mostly be based upon interval training – however, as the program grows, additional breakouts for specific work will be added. As with all levels, swimmers will still be working on technical improvements – just like elite swimmers continue to do – along with dryland and two-hour practices in order to continue seeing time improvements. All swimmers will be working on or towards IMX events – with a strong focus on developing the strengths and talents of each individual.

• Location: Competition Pool | 3-6 days per week | Monday-Saturday
• 3:45-5:45p M-F, 7:00-9:00a Sat | dryland times (45 min.) 4x per week, Sat dryland at Pivot after practice
• AM practice dependent on interest | 5:00-7:00a Mon-Fri

Ripcurrent | Developmental Group

• Bronze | ages 10 & Under - FLEX USA Swimming Member
• Silver | ages 9-12 - FLEX USA Swimming Member
• Gold | ages 13 & Over - aka High School Prep - Seasonal USA Swimming Member

The Ripcurrent program is a technique focused program, with outcome goals for successful summer and high school swimming seasons in mind – and is also our transition program to competitive Ripples, Waves, Riptides, and Tsunami training groups.

All Ripcurrent programs currently offer two practices per week. In order to maximize the experience and enable programs to remain cost effective (and competitive), those program days are set. Should demand exceed lane space, we will open additional days (practices occur M/W or T/Th). Additionally, as demand for HS Prep (Ripcurrent Gold) grows, we may increase those offerings for that level.

• There is no requirement for competing, although it is encouraged.
• Ripcurrent Members will still have access to team clinics (generally beginner to intermediate levels), and are invited to all team functions.
• Ripcurrent Members may join at any time during the season, and “flex” in and out of the program. Ripcurrent training plans run on a 6-week cycle. Reinforcing key concepts for all four strokes each cycle. Swimmers who are in the Ripcurrent programming for longer periods of time will have their plans adjusted (increased distance, more advanced drill work, or faster repeats) to ensure they continue advancing their endurance and competence.
• Ripcurrent Members have lower fundraising and volunteer expectations but still have requirements to remain in good standing.
• Ripcurrent Members will participate in individual recognition programs and group contests, but as they do not generally compete for the team – and often flex in and out – they generally will not meet the criteria to earn other end of year awards.

Ripcurrent Entry Level Requirements:

• Bronze (10&U): performs a 25 freestyle and 25 backstroke without assistance. No time requirement.
• Silver (9-12): performs a 50 freestyle (with rotary breathing), and 50 backstroke with confidence. Understanding of all four strokes but may not be able to complete them.
• Gold (13&Over): performs a 50 freestyle (with rotary breathing, and 50 backstroke with confidence. Understanding of all four strokes but may not be able to complete them.