Local Swim Teams - Intermediate Commitment?
Hi,
We're looking for a swim team for our 13-year old son that is year-round, but not at the highest level of time commitment/intensity. Does such a thing exist in the inner east bay (ideally Berkeley or Oakland)? He's on the Piedmont Swim team now, at a level that's five days a week. He's finding that commitment tough to manage with some outside-of-school academic supports that have been necessary. The less competitive teams I'm aware of have just summer or spring/summer teams, and we are still seeking year round exercise. Just not quite so intensive. Is there an in between?
Thanks,
Shannon
Jan 30, 2024
Parent Replies
The Claremont has the Streamliners program for kids.. They don't compete against other team but they do have monthly "time trials", think lite meets. Emphasis on stroke and fitness- practices 6X week but many kids are 2x, 3x. Great head coach- she brings in Cal swimmers to coach as well. I believe club membership is required but not certain.
In addition to seeking out other teams, you could consider dialing back your commitment to Piedmont Swim Team. Our swimmer was also on Piedmont Swim Team but upon reaching the "Gold" level we told the coaches our swimmer could only attend 2-3x/week, not 5, due to other sports and activities. Our swimmer only attended 2-3 meets per year. Obviously our swimmer could not compete at the highest level with this level of commitment, but the exercise component was nonethelss very valuable. I'm very grateful to PST for allowing this flexibility, and they were grateful to us for our participation fees (which were unchanged).
Our daughter swims with Richmond Sailfish. The team swims year-round. The bulk of the practices are indoors at the Plunge in Pt. Richmond, with some open water practices in the summer months. Practices are five days a week, but everyone seems to have other activities. Our daughter swims four days a week and the coach, John, has been really supportive when we need to adjust our schedule to accommodate school or family events. The team skews young, but we do have a small group of teens and preteens who are committed.
Good luck finding a team that fits your family’s needs!
Yes! Check out Oakland Undercurrents. They have practice 5x a week, but plenty of kids only come 2-3 days a week. They also take swimmers of all levels, so there's different levels of intensity available, depending on where your kid is at. Head coach is a former Olympian and an all-around awesome human. We love Undercurrents!