Experiences with Machine Aquatics (UMD/Fairland locations)

[Anonymous]

Hello- does anyone have experience with Machine Aquatics, either at the Fairland or UMD locations? This would be for the "Gears" group, kids are 9 and 11. I'm not sure the times/location will work for the 11yo because they are involved in other sports as well, so I'm also open to other suggestions for low-key club that hasn't already had tryouts or developmental group for 9yo (we live in silver spring area). For example, we thought about the YMCA Piranhas too but I heard the meets are all really far away and that coaching is hit or miss. TIA.

[Anonymous]

DS did Machine there about 6 years ago. It wasn't a great experience for a mediocre swimmer. They are looking for stronger swimmers who are going to make swim their primary/only sport.

DS switched to Patuxent Aquatic Club (PAC) which also practices at Fairland/UMD and had a good experience (just aged out.) It is much more low-key (kids of varying abilities, kids playing other sports, etc.) Can practice 2- days/week depending on what the kid wants to do. Coaches are encouraging.

Downfall are lots of swimmers in lanes and late practice times 7-8p for young kids and 8-9p for older kids.

[Anonymous]

I had three kids in Gears at Fairland last year; we're switching to the UMD site this year for scheduling reasons, and I'll have two in Gears and one in HP. Last year was my kids' first year in club/year-found swimming.

In our experience, it's not at all true that Machine is only interested in "stronger swimmers." The Gears programs are developmental in nature - none of the kids in them are superstars. That's not the point. My kids had fun and learned a lot. All three went to Divisionals and will go to All-Star relays (mid-level MCSL). Fairland is an easy drive from various points in Silver Spring. College Park isn't terrible, but the parking situation is meh.

I've heard good things about FAST at Fairland, too. Good luck, OP!

[Anonymous]

My daughter did gears the past 2 years at Fairland and had a great time. A bunch of kids from her pool did it and they all dominated this summer. They also had a lot of fun. We are also switching to UMD this year because of scheduling.