FAQ

What are the benefits of swimming?
Swimming is a wholesome, positive activity because no matter where you are in the swimming progression, the sport encompasses the fundamental elements that both parents and kids love.  We believe that the core benefits of swimming include:

• Fun - whether it is the exhilaration of achieving your goal time or playing cards with your friends at a swim meet, we love this sport and stay involved because it is FUN.
• Fitness - getting kids to be water safe, keeping them moving with fundamental aerobic activity, or a low impact workout for the joints as we age, swimming keeps its participants in incredible shape and teaches basic FITNESS principles that last a lifetime.
• Friends - ask any swimmer what they like most about the sport, more often than not it will be the FRIENDSHIPS they made cheering for each other, hanging out between heats, or encouraging their buddies to try just a little bit harder at practice.

What equipment will I need?

• Goggles: Swimmers use goggles to protect their eyes from the chlorine as well as to gain a clear view of their surroundings in the pool. There are a variety of colors and styles depending on the preference of the swimmer. Goggles range from $6 – $30.
• Cap: Caps are designed to keep the hair out of swimmers’ faces and goggles straps into place. Official team caps cost $10 and all swimmers are required to have one.
• Swim Suit: Swim suits are used during practices and swim meets. It is recommended to have one for each purpose. Look for ones created with a stronger material for durability. Some may create extra drag to make the workout more challenging. Girl’s swim suits range from $30 - $75.  Boy’s swim suits range from $20 - $50.
• Mesh Bag: A mesh bag is used by swimmers to hold their training equipment. Mesh bags range from $6 - $18.
• Kickboard: A kickboard is a floating device used by swimmers during practice to enhance their kicking skills. Kickboards are provided by the team.
• Fin: Fins are a device that fit on a swimmers feet to increase kicking speed during practice. Fins range from $23 – $45.
• Paddle: Paddles are a plastic device placed on a swimmers hands during practice. The paddles are used to add resistance to the pulling phase of the stroke. There are a variety of paddles available, depending on the stroke you are swimming and the purpose of the pulling drill. Paddles range from $7 - $21.
• Pull-Buoy: Pull-Buoys are a device used by swimmers during a practice to enhance body position during pull sets when the swimmers are not kicking. Pull buoys range from $6 – $12.
• Parka:  Hooded parkas will keep your swimmers warm in cold weather and if you get a larger size, it will last for many years.  Official team parkas are available with custom name embroidering for $125 through special order.

Shopping online at the Swim Outlet has the best prices and selection.  ARSC has an affiliate account with them so please use the links or banners from our website to access their site.  We also have our official team store where you can buy custom gear.

What is the practice schedule?
The swim season starts at the beginning of September and runs through the middle of August.  Since the season is virtually year-round, practices are held Monday through Friday, from 6 pm to 8 pm.  Practices are not held when schools are closed for the holidays but are still held during summer break.  Unless there's a threat of lightning, practices are also held in the rain.

Is the pool crowded?
Absolutely not.  We maintain some of the best swimmer to coach ratios in the area and it's one of the best features of our club.  You will not be just a random swimmer that gets lost in the crowd because there is no crowd to be lost in.  Our coaches and board members care deeply about every swimmer and ensuring there is a healthy balance for every swimmer to get the attention they need.

Is the pool outdoor and is it heated for the winter months?
Yes, as with most pools in Southern California, the pool is outdoor and is heated at about 78 degrees throughout the year.  Winter swim meets do tend to be held at indoor venues.

What is the difference between each level?
Developmental:
Junior Riptides is geared towards the beginner or casual swimmer.  Swimmers in the group are ones that do not know how to swim the four competitive strokes but know at least one stroke and can swim one lap without stopping.  It is a great way for beginners to build a foundation and learn how to swim all four strokes.

Competitive:
Bronze is geared towards novice swimmers who know the four stokes.  This is where swimmers are introduced to practice drills and learn basic stroke technique.  They also work on their strength, speed and endurance training.

Silver is geared towards intermediate swimmers.  Within Silver, they are divided up by age group, young and old.  The drills are more intense and the focus is on further improving technique.

Gold is geared towards advanced swimmers.  Within Gold, they are divided up by age group, young and old.  The drills are geared towards competing at the highest levels and technique is fine-tuned.

Platinum is geared towards junior olympic swimmers.  Within Platinum, they are divided up by age group, young and old.  The drills are geared towards competing at the junior olympic level and beyond.

How does a swimmer graduate from each level?
The coaches determine when a swimmer is ready to progress to the next stage and will make adjustments as necessary.  Our goal is to help every swimmer reach their maximum potential.

Are swimmers required to compete at the monthly swim meets?
No, swim meets are optional.  However, swim meets are a great family experience.  Competing at swim meets is a natural progression as each swimmer improves.  It is a way to benchmark official times and set goals to improve upon those times.  It is also a great way to build team camaraderie and sportsmanship.  You will never know if you are the next olympic medalist unless you compete against others.

How do I join the team?  Are there tryouts?
Yes, tryouts are available by request and are held weeknights from 6:00 PM to 6:15 PM by appointment only.  For the developmental program, swimmers must be at least 5 years old and will demonstrate one stroke.  For the competitive program, swimmers must be at least 6 years old and will demonstrate the four competitive strokes:  freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.  To schedule an appointment for a tryout, please submit the contact form and we will follow up with you.

We are currently at full capacity.  If you would like to be put on a wait list, please email swimarcadia@gmail.com.