Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m new to the area. My daughter is interested in swimming but doesn’t want to compete - just for exercise and as a social activity. Is there anything like that in the DC area (we are in DC, but willing to drive a bit)? My daughter is 13.

JFD in MD area has this type of program now.

I thought JFD folded?

Swim Farm in Arlington

Anonymous wrote:I’m new to the area. My daughter is interested in swimming but doesn’t want to compete - just for exercise and as a social activity. Is there anything like that in the DC area (we are in DC, but willing to drive a bit)? My daughter is 13.

JFD in MD area has this type of program now.

Fins swim

Fairfax Foxes does not require meets at any level. My high schooler is encouraged to compete but there are swimmers who never do. They are very supportive of whatever is best for your swimmer.

AAC has both a competitive and a non-competitive track. At that age competitive might have her in Challenge or Age Group Performance. Non competitive the group would be Middle School Sprint. They are very different experiences, but the opportunity for organized club swim without meets does exist.

Anonymous wrote:Is there anything like this in the Reston/Herndon/Chantilly area?

Marlins at Cub Run have Silver Conditioning. Meets are not required (though they are "gently encouraged") One hour long practice is late (8-9 at night) and 90 minute practice is early morning.

Is there anything like this in the Reston/Herndon/Chantilly area?

NCAP-Burke wants swimmers to do meets, but every year there are swimmers who do not swim in meets (usually due to another sport, like gymnastics or travel ball).

Thanks! I’ll look into these options - so helpful!

It really varies by coach. We do RMSC and maybe do 1-2 meets a year due to other activities and our coaches are very supportive, but others have not been. City of Rockville as a preteam group.

Silver at Sea Devils is what you're looking for: https://seadevils.org/practice-schedules

Anonymous wrote:

Some middle schools have teams.

St. James has a rec team (no meets) and I think Machine does as well. Look at the pools closest to you and then the clubs that practice there. Check their sites, you might have some options.

Machine is only no meets if you do the Stroke Mechanics group. Otherwise for the regular practice groups meets are encourages and for the higher-level training groups, it's expected. If your kid is interested in the social side of things, then you may want to consider meets. Meets are several hours long and provide opportunities for bonding/horsing around and cheering for your buddies. Yes, that can happen in practices, but don't count on it - the atmosphere and opportunities for those types of developments are just limited in a practice where they're constantly leaving the wall. I'd suggest reaching out to club discuss more - they have experience with all sorts of different types of kids.

Some middle schools have teams.

St. James has a rec team (no meets) and I think Machine does as well. Look at the pools closest to you and then the clubs that practice there. Check their sites, you might have some options.

I’m new to the area. My daughter is interested in swimming but doesn’t want to compete - just for exercise and as a social activity. Is there anything like that in the DC area (we are in DC, but willing to drive a bit)? My daughter is 13.