Mornings at the Pool
2011 PRACTICE GROUPS
BEGINNERS:
Mini-Rays: Our youngest swimmers who are brand new to the team and are just learning to enjoy swimming. They can swim 25 meters of any stroke, including the dog paddle and can hold their breath under water! These swimmers are usually still hanging on to the lane lines and are extensively using noodles and kickboards at practice. They are preparing for their first competitive season. They practice from 8:30AM-9:00AM. (usually 4-5 year olds)
RayPups: Swimmers who can swim 25 meters without stopping, are still learning to enjoy swimming, and are preparing for their first competitive season practice from 8:30AM-9:00AM. (usually 6 and unders)
INTERMEDIATE:
BatRays: Swimmers who can swim a full 25 meters without stopping and are now learning the four competitive strokes practice from 8:15AM to 9:00AM for warm-ups and 30 minutes of group instruction (usually 8 and under boys)
Butterfly Rays: All swimmers who can swim 25 meters without stopping and are now learning all four competive strokes swim from 8:15AM to 9:00AM (usually 8 and under girls)
ElectricRays: Swimmers who can swim 50 meters without stopping and are still refining all four strokes practice from 8:00AM to 9:00AM. This group may include swimmers who are still working up to a 50 meter swim early in the season and need work on flip turns. (usually 10 and under boys)
Panther Rays: Swimmers who can swim 50 meters without stopping and are still refining all four strokes practice from 8:00AM to 9:00AM. This group may include swimmers who are still working up to a 50 meter swim early in the season and need work on flip turns. (usually 10 and under girls)
SpottedRays: All swimmers who can swim 100 meters without stopping and are refining the four competitive strokes. These swimmers are usually perfecting their strokes and working on flip turns. This group practices from 8:00AM to 9:00AM. (usually 12 and unders)
DiamondRays: All swimmers who can easily swim 100 meters without stopping, efficiently swim all four competitive strokes, and are confident with their flipturns. This group practices from 8:00AM to 9:00AM. (usually 12 and unders)
ADVANCED:
EagleRays: Advanced swimmers who can swim all four competitive strokes, are capable of flip turns and block dives, and have the endurance level to complete a two-hour practice swim from 7:00AM to 9:00AM. (usually 14 and unders)
MantaRays: Highly advanced swimmers between the ages of 15 and 18 who have several years of competitive experience and want to challenge themselves to two hours of conditioning and competitive stroke work. Practice is from 7:00AM to 9:00AM. (usually HS swimmers).