Non-competitive swim- exist?
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Anonymous
| Is there an equivalent of house soccer in the swim world? 2x a week for kids that aren’t super competitive? After trying almost every sport/physical activity my ADHD-Inattentive 9 yr old decided he’d like to try swim again. However he’s not a speedy or competitive kid and the purpose would be physical activity since his favorite interests are very sedentary (reading and robotics). Looking for fall/winter/spring because summertime he’s active in camps and swimming at pool for fun (not interested in waking up super early for summer swim team practice 5 mornings a week). Am I looking for the impossible in northern VA? Thanks! |
Anonymous
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Of course there are swim team levels for each kid. I can’t recommend for nova but look for stroke and turn clinics or just look for the lowest level of the team.
Just start calling the teams and ask. For NCAP the most basic level was called Bronze Prep. Sign your kid up for this long term - such a good sport, especially for your kid. |
Anonymous
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Now’s the time to look as many year round teams are holding evals this month.
Most of the big teams have developmental or early competitive groups that swim 1-2x per week. Try AAC if you’re in Arlington or nearby. |
Anonymous
| Where do you live? I know of some in the Fairfax area. |
Anonymous
I’m in Vienna. Thanks. I know there is Machine, York, Makos- but aren’t these all super competitive? |
Anonymous
Check out swim with Beth. |
Anonymous
Ha, yes- he did Swim with Beth ages 5-7. We love her. Looking for a practice during the week now. |
Anonymous
| The Fort Belvoir Swim Team's Shark School might be a good fit, if Alexandria's not too far. It's designed for beginners or summer swimmers who just want to stay in shape. Low key, you can do meets but don't have to. They're not going to be pushing for promotion-- it's not really an 'up or out' program like on some other teams. Goes up to age 12. |
Anonymous
Maybe consider JCCNV waves. I don’t think you have to do meets unless the kid wants. They are nice - just call and talk to them. |
Anonymous
| Try victory lane aquatic in Tyson’s |
Anonymous
Machine at Madeira has different levels and it’s very child friendly |
Anonymous
| Don’t the YMCAs have swim teams? |
Anonymous
| Most of the teams just require 1-2 practices a week and it varies on meets. I don't think we are required to do meets but at that age, if they don't go 3+ day a week its hard to keep up. You probably want a developmental team or just lessons instead. Why not start with summer? Our team has both evening and morning practices so there is a time to work for everyone. |
Anonymous
| Oak mart has several swim levels. |
Anonymous
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NCAP Alexandria site (also known as J&M Swim) also offers a non-competitive swim group. They call it Age Group Fitness and the group practices at Providence Rec Center in the mornings or afternoons or at MV Rec Center or GW Rec Center in the mornings. It is designed for ages 9 and up. The description says:
Swimmers in this group are swimming because they love to swim and enjoy being in the water and are looking for a way to improve their strokes in an encouraging environment. The focus of this program will be to provide a level of instruction and teaching that is at a level that is appropriate for swimmers that are looking for a supportive low key environment. They are USA Swimming registered athletes and may swim meets and events that are coach selected. My DS did this group from about age 14 until he graduated from HS. He had been doing the competitive NCAP program and by the time he was 14, he was the kid coming in last place in every single race. He loved swimming and wanted to continue but just didn't have the talent or desire to swim at the elite level like everyone else his age. He switched to this Fitness group and really enjoyed it. He is now participating in club swim in college. |