The philosophy of the WAVES SWIM CLUB is to produce well rounded kids that love to swim. We help nurture both the physical and emotional development of each child and work to measure improvement through instruction, training and preparation. We strive to develop an excitement about competitive swimming in each child, a respect for the abilities of others, an appreciation of the importance of hard work and self-discipline, a desire to constantly improve, the ability to win or lose graciously, and a pride in one’s self and fellow swimmers. This is not a learn to swim program or swimming lessons. Level 3 swim lessons or above are encouraged prior to joining. Swimmers must be able to swim freestyle and backstroke for the full length of the pool. There will be an informal skills evaluation the first week. The coaches will make any necessary changes to place swimmers into the appropriate group based on their skill level. If you are unsure of your swimmer’s abilities, you can still have them try out. Ripples (Primarily ages 8 and under) This entry-level program requires that participants are able to swim one length of a 25-yard pool freestyle or backstroke. Emphasis is on learning the four basic strokes, starts and turns. Skills taught include: four basic swimming strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly), kicking, diving, flip turns and open turns. Breakers (Primarily ages 10 and under) Learn advanced competitive swimming skills and the very basics of training. Skills taught include: relay starts, underwater pull-outs for breaststroke, flip turns and open turns for IM races, swim a set with rest periods, swim a set with training intervals, can read times from a pace clock and know two-stroke drills for each stroke. Typhoons (6th grade and under) Swimmers fine tune strokes, starts, turns and develop good training habits. Moderate training for stroke work is begun. Skills taught include: tune stroke techniques, flip turns, open turns, IM transitions and starts, knowing three stroke drills for each stroke, learning proper technique for streamlines, pull-outs, and break-outs and improve conditioning and added yardage. *After 6th grade, swimmers are encouraged to join the High Tides evening Swim Club. *Please bring goggles & a swim cap. End of season MINI SWIM MEET: Thursday, March 26th