Arcadia Riptides Swim Club FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

 

If you have suggestion for other questions that may need to be included here, please let a Board Member know, and we can add it to this list. 

What does ARSC expect from a new swimmer, in terms of commitment?:

 

Practices, while school is in session, are generally Monday through Friday, and sometimes on Saturday mornings.  It is encouraged that swimmers make all the practices, as well as be on time.

 

If your swimmer, however, is unable for reasons to make all the swim practices, ARSC coaches are understanding and are willing work with him/her.  The swimmers who dedicate more energy to swimming will improve quicker than those who are unable to come to each practice. 

 

Your pool is an outdoor pool.  Do the kids still swim during the winter?:

 

Absolutely.  Actually, the pool is heated at about 78 degrees, year round.  So when it is very cold outside, the swimmers are actually warm in the pool.  It is the coaches and parents that are cold waiting outside.  Swimmers are expected to swim even when it rains, unless there’s lightening. 

 

What is the difference between Riptides 1 and Riptides 2?:

 

Riptides 1 is where beginner swimmers start with our swim team.  This is where swimmers are introduced to practice routines and drills.  They begin to learn proper stroke technique.  They generally improve on their strength, speed and endurance.

 

Riptides 2 is basically our top swimmers.  We split them up generally between a younger and an older group.  Riptides 2 is still improving on technique, though the practices are very rigorous.

 

How does a swimmer move from Riptides1 to Riptides 2?:

 

When the coaches judge a swimmer is ready, the coaches will invite the swimmer to move from Riptides 1 to Riptides 2.  However, there is no obligation to move up when invited.  Both the swimmer and coach need to be comfortable with the move.

 

Are swim meets required?:

 

No.  Swim meets are optional.  However, if you are swimming for a while, you will begin to get curious to see how fast you can swim.  That is a great time to come and experience what a swim meet is all about.  Then, once you have an official time, you can go to another swim meet to see if you can improve on your time.  After a while, you may begin to realize that you are attending swim meets regularly.

 

How do you measure success in swimming?:

 

There are several measures of success in swimming.  First, does your child enjoy swimming?  Are they self-motivated to go to practice?  If so, already there is success going on.  They are probably beginning to form goals and work hard to reach them.

 

Secondly, success can also be measured by improvement.  Can a swimmer improve on their best time?  If so, that is success, right there.  They are getting better and are learning what it takes to improve.  We discourage comparing your child to another child.  A swimmer should focus on their own times, and try to improve on those.

 

What should you do if a swimmer is not improving?:

 

All swimmers will eventually come to experience this situation.  Improvement is not always going to occur, even if they are working hard at practice and paying attention to the coaches.  This is where you need to encourage your swimmer to keep working.  Talk to your coaches if you have a concern.  They will help you through this.