Program Information

Ripples | 8 & Under
 

• Swimmers must complete a 25 freestyle (with attempt at side breathing) and backstroke with confidence.
• Swimmers must have a willingness to train under coach supervision without aid of a family member.
• Swimmers should demonstrate an understanding of breaststroke and butterfly, working toward legal 25s, 50s, and 100s across all four strokes, as well as the 100 IM, 200 IM, and longer freestyle events (100, 200, and 500 Free).
• By the end of the season, swimmers should demonstrate proper drop-ins, streamlines, and fundamental habits.
• Swimmers will compete in a minimum of one meet every 1-2 months, including the 8&U Championships in February.
• 8-year-old swimmers should plan to attend 2 long course practices throughout the summer and compete in the long course season to prepare for aging up to Waves; 7-year-old swimmers need coach recommendation for long course training with Waves.

• Expected practice commitment: 3 days per week.

Waves | ages 9-12

• Minimum entry requirements: Intermediate athletes showing a drive to compete, with proficiency in the 50 Free, 50 Back, and either 50 Breast or 50 Fly.
• Swimmers will build competencies toward achieving IM Ready status, with legal capability in all four strokes plus the 100 IM.
• End-of-season goals: Progress toward IM Xtreme events (100s, 200 IM, 400/500 Free), 200s of three strokes (Free, Back, and Fly or Breast), the 800 Free, and targeting initial mile distance events.
• Target BB standards and higher for age categories.
• Swimmers will compete in a minimum of one swim meet per month throughout the short course season, aiming for District and Age Group Championships.

• Expected practice commitment: 3-5 pool sessions per week alongside dryland training 2-3 times per week.

Riptides | ages 11-14

• Middle School program for competitive swimmers ages 11–14 who have chosen swimming as a primary sport.
• Minimum entry requirements: Year-round athletes who are IM Ready, legally performing all four strokes for at least 50 yards, plus the 100 IM and 100 Free.
• Swimmers will build competencies toward 100s and 200s of every stroke, the 200 IM, 400 IM, and distance freestyle events (500 and 1000 Free).
• Target BB to AAAA standards for age categories and qualification for District and Age Group Championships.
• Swimmers will compete in both short course and long course in a minimum of one swim meet per month.

• Expected practice commitment: 4-6 pool sessions per week alongside dryland training 2-5 times per week.

Tsunamis | ages 14+

• To swim in the Tsunami program, swimmers must be proficient in all four competitive strokes, turns, and competitive starts.
• They are also committed to swim as their primary competitive sport.
• Tsunamis are not formally broken down into Bronze, Silver, Gold or Gold-Elite – but the programming is in place to create those breakouts as the team grows, additional specialization.
• Tsunamis are expected to practice 3-6 times per week, plus dryland 3-5 times per week and at the highest championship meet to which they are qualified.
• All swimmers will be working towards IM Extreme events and the 400IM, and the 1650, and improving their times.
• Technical focus does not go away – attention to details – and practice habits – at this level is even more important, as swimmers are fighting for ever smaller drops. Doing strokes better to become faster never ends.

Ripcurrent Swim Academy | 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. Should demand exceed lane space, we will open additional days. 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.