Anonymous
Post 09/21/2023 21:04     Subject: Swim team 101?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
There are also team bonding activities on my kid’s club team. They hang out together outside of the pool all the time and are constantly staying at meets even when their events are done to cheer for their friends.


What age and what club? This isn't the experience our family and friends have had at clubs near us.

NCAP, my kid is 11. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been ready to leave a meet and my kid comes to tell me they want to watch and cheer for a friend still swimming or that they’ve volunteered to count for a friend doing a distance event at the end of the meet.


Same. The few times my kids (12 and 14) finish relatively early, it’s always,”oh but I promised to count for so and so in event 945, heat 10,826” and so we stay til the bitter end. Which is one reason I am now an official. Since I’ll be there anyway…
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2023 19:29     Subject: Swim team 101?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. I sounded unclear about summer vs club swim because I was/am unclear. We have never done any kind of swim team before, just lessons, so I'm still trying to understand what the options are in order to figure out what might work for us.

It sounds like if we want to start with something low-key and fun, we should just wait for next summer and see how she likes it, is that right? In an ideal world we'd start sooner but I don't want to turn her off the whole idea if the school-year options aren't the best starting point.

And then you basically have to join a private pool to get the summer swim team experience, is that right? (Or would the summer options at the Silver Spring YMCA or the public pools still be fun?) Any suggestions for SS/Wheaton area pools that have no wait list, evening practices, aren't picky about kids attending every practice, and have a fun swim team atmosphere for an 8 year old joining as a newbie? (The pool where most of the neighborhood kids go has a huge waitlist so that's out.)


There are five public teams in the summer Montgomery County Swim League (MCSL). They are the Bethesda Barracudas, Germantown Torpedoes, Glenmont Gators, Long Branch Water Wizards, Poolesville Piranhas and the Upper County Dolphins. Choose the one that's closest to you. Toward the end of the school year, they will all post on their websites information about practice times, tryouts, expectations, and meets. Summer swim is entirely what you make of it. Your kids can go to every practice or one practice. They don't have to compete in a single meet if they don't want to. But as other posters have mentioned, it is great fun for the kids and families. My son is a year-round club swimmer, and he enjoys it. But he absolutely loves his summer team, the Bethesda Barracudas.


Sorry, I meant to say six.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2023 19:27     Subject: Swim team 101?

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. I sounded unclear about summer vs club swim because I was/am unclear. We have never done any kind of swim team before, just lessons, so I'm still trying to understand what the options are in order to figure out what might work for us.

It sounds like if we want to start with something low-key and fun, we should just wait for next summer and see how she likes it, is that right? In an ideal world we'd start sooner but I don't want to turn her off the whole idea if the school-year options aren't the best starting point.

And then you basically have to join a private pool to get the summer swim team experience, is that right? (Or would the summer options at the Silver Spring YMCA or the public pools still be fun?) Any suggestions for SS/Wheaton area pools that have no wait list, evening practices, aren't picky about kids attending every practice, and have a fun swim team atmosphere for an 8 year old joining as a newbie? (The pool where most of the neighborhood kids go has a huge waitlist so that's out.)


There are five public teams in the summer Montgomery County Swim League (MCSL). They are the Bethesda Barracudas, Germantown Torpedoes, Glenmont Gators, Long Branch Water Wizards, Poolesville Piranhas and the Upper County Dolphins. Choose the one that's closest to you. Toward the end of the school year, they will all post on their websites information about practice times, tryouts, expectations, and meets. Summer swim is entirely what you make of it. Your kids can go to every practice or one practice. They don't have to compete in a single meet if they don't want to. But as other posters have mentioned, it is great fun for the kids and families. My son is a year-round club swimmer, and he enjoys it. But he absolutely loves his summer team, the Bethesda Barracudas.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2023 15:54     Subject: Swim team 101?

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. I sounded unclear about summer vs club swim because I was/am unclear. We have never done any kind of swim team before, just lessons, so I'm still trying to understand what the options are in order to figure out what might work for us.

It sounds like if we want to start with something low-key and fun, we should just wait for next summer and see how she likes it, is that right? In an ideal world we'd start sooner but I don't want to turn her off the whole idea if the school-year options aren't the best starting point.

And then you basically have to join a private pool to get the summer swim team experience, is that right? (Or would the summer options at the Silver Spring YMCA or the public pools still be fun?) Any suggestions for SS/Wheaton area pools that have no wait list, evening practices, aren't picky about kids attending every practice, and have a fun swim team atmosphere for an 8 year old joining as a newbie? (The pool where most of the neighborhood kids go has a huge waitlist so that's out.)


So your timing is a little off for most(but not all!) current club swim options - they typically have tryouts over the summer(Jun/July) for the club swim "year" that starts in September. PPs have mentioned possibilities at Fairland and that is probably your best bet at this point if you want to try and get started now.

There are also options between now and next summer that might actally be a better fit for her(and your expectations) -- FINS, Stroke and Turn through MoCo Rec, SwiMontgomery through MoCo Rec to name a few that would work for where you live - these may not have opening at this very moment but could have openings over the next months.

Personally, if I were in your shoes, I would not wait until next summer, I would try to keep her in the pool with lessons or something at least a few times a month, if possible. Then she can "hit the water" ready to go next summer and be ready for club tryouts next summer it that's something she's interested in.

In terms of a pool, several of the public pools in the county that swim in the summer in MCSL(Bethesda and Glenmont, for example) so that's an option. Many of the private area pools do have a waitlist so you'd need to check with each to find out their status. I know there is one larger pool in Silver Spring/Wheaton, Connecticut Belair, that the last time I checked, did not have a waitlist.

Anonymous
Post 09/20/2023 14:55     Subject: Swim team 101?

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. I sounded unclear about summer vs club swim because I was/am unclear. We have never done any kind of swim team before, just lessons, so I'm still trying to understand what the options are in order to figure out what might work for us.

It sounds like if we want to start with something low-key and fun, we should just wait for next summer and see how she likes it, is that right? In an ideal world we'd start sooner but I don't want to turn her off the whole idea if the school-year options aren't the best starting point.

And then you basically have to join a private pool to get the summer swim team experience, is that right? (Or would the summer options at the Silver Spring YMCA or the public pools still be fun?) Any suggestions for SS/Wheaton area pools that have no wait list, evening practices, aren't picky about kids attending every practice, and have a fun swim team atmosphere for an 8 year old joining as a newbie? (The pool where most of the neighborhood kids go has a huge waitlist so that's out.)


Thanks for clarifying (from a PP)!

Both Glenmont and Long Branch are public pools that have summer swim teams, i.e., you don't need to be a member of a private pool to do them. Have heard great things about both.

Almost all summer swim teams are going to meet your criteria - it's meant to be fun. We're Kenmont members and you can buy memberships from people for a transfer fee, starting in April (I think) of a given year. I'm not sure which of the other private pools don't have waitlists.

As for the club vs. summer/swim team debate: "swim team" to me could be summer, club, HS. Club swimming is still done as part of an organized program, with other kids you regularly see. When you swim, it's for you, yes, but you also represent your club, i.e., team. It's not the same as summer or HS, but it's also not a purely individual sport. To me, that means training largely solo and competing unaffiliated. I've done running, swimming, rowing, soccer, softball, etc. - all team sports, even if they don't look the same.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2023 14:43     Subject: Swim team 101?

OP here. Thanks all. I sounded unclear about summer vs club swim because I was/am unclear. We have never done any kind of swim team before, just lessons, so I'm still trying to understand what the options are in order to figure out what might work for us.

It sounds like if we want to start with something low-key and fun, we should just wait for next summer and see how she likes it, is that right? In an ideal world we'd start sooner but I don't want to turn her off the whole idea if the school-year options aren't the best starting point.

And then you basically have to join a private pool to get the summer swim team experience, is that right? (Or would the summer options at the Silver Spring YMCA or the public pools still be fun?) Any suggestions for SS/Wheaton area pools that have no wait list, evening practices, aren't picky about kids attending every practice, and have a fun swim team atmosphere for an 8 year old joining as a newbie? (The pool where most of the neighborhood kids go has a huge waitlist so that's out.)
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2023 14:06     Subject: Swim team 101?

Anonymous wrote:Not OP - question for the group:

When you hear swim team does it ever connotate to you a club team?

In my head, it does not. When someone says swim team I think summer team or high school team (since you compete against others). Club is individualistic so it is just Club Swim.

For me as a swim parent, no. But until my kid started swimming club I wouldn’t have known that there is a distinction between swim team and club swim.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2023 13:57     Subject: Swim team 101?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Summer swim = fun

Club swim = work


Summer swim = team

Club swim = individual

For Summer swim, you hang out with your friends and the entire team on the pool deck. It's also more family-oriented, parents hang out too. There are fun activities, pasta dinners, ice cream socials, and buying candy at concessions. Stay for team lunch afterward.

Year-round, club swimming is different. You hang out with your club in your age group. When you are done with your events, you leave. No get togethers.

Two different vibes.

There are also team bonding activities on my kid’s club team. They hang out together outside of the pool all the time and are constantly staying at meets even when their events are done to cheer for their friends.


+1 My kids best friends are all from club swim. They are at the top of age group.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2023 13:54     Subject: Swim team 101?

Not OP - question for the group:

When you hear swim team does it ever connotate to you a club team?

In my head, it does not. When someone says swim team I think summer team or high school team (since you compete against others). Club is individualistic so it is just Club Swim.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2023 13:49     Subject: Swim team 101?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The options really vary, OP. We're also in SS, just outside the Beltway. The closest club options are at Georgetown Prep: NCAP, Tollefson, JF Dolphins. NCAP and JFD are likely full; Tollefson has a technique and endurance program that's practice-focused, with no competition. It's also $$$ (they do have a competitive team, but tryouts were in the summer). RMSC at MLK or KSAC are options, also had tryouts in the summer.

We're doing Machine at Fairland - just started - and the drive isn't bad. They may have space left for this season; we've heard nothing but good reviews, FWIW. There are other programs at Fairland, too, as a PP noted.

Does your daughter *want* to do club swim? That's the most important thing.


OP is asking about summer swim options. Are their any?


She is? That's incredibly unclear. Summer swim isn't for another 8+ months. I interpreted her question as she has a kid who learned to swim well over the summer (I assumed during summer swim, but re-reading, perhaps not) and who is considering a year-round club because she doesn't do any other sports.

Also, yes, there are plenty of options for summer swim in close-in SS, more so if willing to join a pool that may not be close by.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2023 13:38     Subject: Swim team 101?

Anonymous wrote:Can someone walk me through the basics of how swim teams work? My 7 year old finally really learned to swim fairly well and enjoy it this summer, and since she's not really into team sports in general, I thought joining a swim team (ideally a low-key one) might be a nice middle ground where she's still getting a "team" experience. But I have almost no idea what that actually involves.

Would we have to join a private pool or can we do it at a public one? Is it possible to only practice once or twice a week, or does it have to be more? Are there evening practices, or only morning ones? Is it really expensive? How much of the day should we expect meets to take up? I hear the parent-volunteering requirements are pretty intense, what does that look like? What's the difference between summer swim team and school-year? Are there even low-key swim teams out there at all, or is this just going to be too intense/demanding for us?

(We're in Silver Spring near the Beltway, if that matters.)


Has she done a summer swim team? By the way you write the above it seems that she hasn't. While all the PP are correct in that it is very different from club (aka year 'round swimming), it is a good starting point. Much better than jumping into club swimming IMO. First, it's a short duration so if she hates it, it's 2 months versus a year commitment (and not liking club swimming will not get you out of the contract you sign). Second, if you are at a pool that draws from your neighborhood or elementary school area, she may already have friends there and that helps a lot. A couple of private summer options which may have waiting lists: Daleview, Forest Knolls, Forest Glen, Glenwood, Hillandale and Adelphi (depends on where you are in SS). The Silver Spring Y has a number of swim options including its own swim team that is very low key. If you are looking for a year 'round family friendly option this could be a good fit. Public pools would be Long Branch (summer) and the new indoor pool at Silver Spring Rec Center (not open yet but sometime before the end of the year) - won't have a summer team but will have some type of swim options or MLK.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2023 13:13     Subject: Swim team 101?

Anonymous wrote:The options really vary, OP. We're also in SS, just outside the Beltway. The closest club options are at Georgetown Prep: NCAP, Tollefson, JF Dolphins. NCAP and JFD are likely full; Tollefson has a technique and endurance program that's practice-focused, with no competition. It's also $$$ (they do have a competitive team, but tryouts were in the summer). RMSC at MLK or KSAC are options, also had tryouts in the summer.

We're doing Machine at Fairland - just started - and the drive isn't bad. They may have space left for this season; we've heard nothing but good reviews, FWIW. There are other programs at Fairland, too, as a PP noted.

Does your daughter *want* to do club swim? That's the most important thing.


OP is asking about summer swim options. Are their any?
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2023 13:03     Subject: Swim team 101?

Our club experience certainly is that it's more individual than team - in summer sure your team beat their team, and in club you're just competing against your own time. But certainly our experience in club is that the kids cheer each other on (but hopefully not miss their OWN heat!) and hang out during the meet, and some clubs have sponsored get togethers for practice groups.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2023 11:56     Subject: Swim team 101?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
There are also team bonding activities on my kid’s club team. They hang out together outside of the pool all the time and are constantly staying at meets even when their events are done to cheer for their friends.


What age and what club? This isn't the experience our family and friends have had at clubs near us.


+ 1

At RMSC, after minis, there are no bonding activities. You also can't cheer on the pool deck like you do in the summer. You come back to your towel and your friends give you a pat on the back.

Club swimming is different.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2023 11:38     Subject: Swim team 101?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
There are also team bonding activities on my kid’s club team. They hang out together outside of the pool all the time and are constantly staying at meets even when their events are done to cheer for their friends.


What age and what club? This isn't the experience our family and friends have had at clubs near us.

NCAP, my kid is 11. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been ready to leave a meet and my kid comes to tell me they want to watch and cheer for a friend still swimming or that they’ve volunteered to count for a friend doing a distance event at the end of the meet.