Rogers Ranch Rapids

• Swim Suit: Jammers or briefs for boys, one-piece racing suit for girls. RR Rapids offer a team suit that can be purchased for a discounted price through Swim Freak. Please visit https://www.swimfreak.com/summer-teams/roger-ranch-rapids to order our NEW 2023 swim suit. Please no technical suits.
• Swim Cap: A team meet cap & practice cap are included with team registration. Replacement caps can be purchased if needed.
• Goggles: A well-fitting pair of clear goggles (and possibly a backup of tinted goggles) are highly recommended. Goggles should not cover a swimmer's nose.
• Fins: Fins are not required but highly encouraged. Coaches typically introduce fins to practice after the first few weeks to help swimmers improve technique. We plan to hold a fin swap during the first week or two of practice.

Practices are structured according to age group. During the first two weeks the groupings are larger as the pool time is restricted. The groups are 6 & Under, 7-10, and 11 & up. Your swimmer should practice at the scheduled time for their age group UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO OTHERWISE BY THE COACHES. 

During the first few practices, the coaches will hand out color-coded swim caps based on how long each swimmer has been with the team. You will be asked to write your swimmer's name on each side of the cap and they must wear them during practice (girls and boys). This helps coaches identify and instruct kids -- remember, they all have their faces covered with goggles and are looking at the bottom of the pool! The other piece of equipment that is essential for the first day of practice is a pair of goggles.  

After the first week, practices will include the use of swim fins. These are sized according to shoe size and can be purchased from a swim store such as SwimFreak (or bartered with fellow swimmers who may have outgrown theirs!).

Once public school ends for the summer break, the swim practice schedule shifts to the morning. The age groups are 6 & Under, 7-8, 9-10, and 11 & up. UNLESS INSTRUCTED BY THE COACHES, YOUR CHILD SHOULD ATTEND THE PRACTICE TIMES THAT CORRESPOND TO THEIR AGE. At this time the practice groups will be restructured by age and ability. The groups will become smaller providing increased opportunity for instruction and focus on technique.

HOW IT WORKS

Beginner Swimmers will be evaluated on their ability to swim the length of the pool without adult assistance. If you are uncertain or "on the fence", we encourage your little swimmer to show up and give it their best shot (some of our neighborhood's greatest swimmers started here, too!) In addition, Coaches will be in the water in case they need a boost.

If they are unable to swim the length of the pool without adult assistance yet show potential (and determination!), they will be invited to the first two weeks of practice. The goal during this trial period is to work towards "meet readiness", meaning they are capable of joining the team and participating in the first Meet of the season (we are a swim team, after all!). At the end of those two weeks, the Head Coach(es) will notify the committee and parents whether they feel that standard has been reached.