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Nanaimo Riptides

Nanaimo Riptides

Swim Skills Blue

Registration Requirements

Nanaimo Riptides : Swim Skills Blue

Swim Skills Blue

Swim Skills Blue is a fun and supportive introduction to competitive swimming, designed for swimmers who have participated in the Olympic Way program or are just starting out in the sport and fall into the age category of 10-11yrs of age. The group focus is on building strong swimming skills and overall athletic development in a supportive team environment. Swimmers will have the chance to take part in Swim Skills Time Trials and Blue & Gold, helping them gain confidence and experience in a positive environment. Group placement will be evaluated in December and March, with the possibility of movement based on progress and performance.

Group Requirements

Swimmers age: 10-11
2 workouts per week
Workout length: 60 mins
80% attendance required

Entrance Requirements:

Ability to complete 200m continuous kick and 100m continuous swim
Contribute positively and function safely within a group structure
Listen and take directions from NRST Coaches
Desire to compete at NRST Time Trials

Skills Learned:

Stroke drills – focus on skill acquirement and building
Endurance building
Goal setting
Diving skills

Required Equipment:

team shirt
team cap
goggles
mesh equipment bag
swimmer's center snorkel
pool noodle
pull buoy
fins: Arena Powerfin, TAS Short Fins
water bottle
Recommended swimsuit: Arena solid swim pro, Nike Hydrastrong, Speedo Endurance+ Flyback, TYR Durafast max fit or other equivalent (NO bikinis or board shorts)

Swim Skills 1

Registration Requirements

Nanaimo Riptides : Swim Skills 1

Swim Skills 1

This is our entry-level competitive group, designed to introduce swimmers to the exciting world of Competitive Swimming. The primary focus will be on the continued development of skills in all four strokes, starts, and turns. Swimmers will begin competing in both club and regional-level swim meets. Evaluations will take place in December and March to assess progress and determine if swimmers are ready for a move to into the next competitive group.

Entrance Requirements:

Completion of Olympic Way 3 or equivalent ability (200 continuous kick and 100 continuous swim)
Contribute positively and function safely within a group structure
Listen and take directions from NRST Coaches
The desire to compete at regional-level swim meets

Group Goals:

Complete 50s of Fly, Back, Breast, and Free in accordance with SNC rules
Complete 200 IM in accordance with SNC rules
Complete 200 FR in accordance with SNC rules

Skills learned:

Stroke drills – focus on skill acquirement and building
Endurance building
Goal setting
Diving skills

Required Equipment:

team shirt
team cap
goggles
mesh equipment bag
swimmer's center snorkel
pool noodle
pull buoy
fins: Arena Powerfin, TAS Short Fins
water bottle
Recommended swimsuit: Arena solid swim pro, Nike Hydrastrong, Speedo Endurance+ Flyback, TYR Durafast max fit or other equivalent (NO bikinis or board shorts)

Swim Skills 2

Registration Requirements

Nanaimo Riptides : Swim Skills 2

Swim Skills 2

This is a competitive group focused on developing technical skills, body awareness, coordination, and building a strong athletic foundation. The program is designed to support swimmers in establishing the fundamentals necessary for continued growth and success in the sport of swimming. Swimmers in this group are expected to participate in at least one swim meet before September and December, one between January and March, and one between April and June. Group placement will be evaluated in December and March, with the possibility of movement based on progress and performance.

Group Requirements

Swimmers age: 8-10
4 workouts per week
Workout length: 60 to 75 mins
80% attendance required

Entrance Requirements:

Positive attitude towards swimming and teammates
Contribute positively and function safely within a group structure
Listen and take directions from NRST Coaches
The desire to compete at regional level swim meets
Must be able to complete a 200m Individual Medley in accordance with SNC rules.
200 Free under 4:15
200 kick under 6:00
Comfortable diving fingertip first off blocks

Skills Learned:

Stroke skills - focus on building and consolidating skills
Short-term and long term goal setting
Race at a competitive standard

Required Equipment:

NRST Team shirt
NRST team cap
goggles
mesh bag
kickboard
pull buoy
swimmer's center snorkel
fins: Arena Powerfin or TAS Short Fins
water bottle
Recommended swim suits: Arena solid swim pro, Nike Hydrastrong, Speedo Endurance+ Flyback, TYR Durafast maxfit or other equivalent (no bikinis or board shorts)

Junior Island Blue

Registration Requirements

Nanaimo Riptides : Junior Island Blue

Junior Island Blue

Junior Island Blue is a competitive training group with a focus on skill development and overall athletic development. It is designed for swimmers who are new to competition or looking to build their athletic foundation in a supportive team environment. Athletes in this group are expected to take part in NRST Time Trials and attend local swim meets as scheduled by the coaching staff.

Group Requirements

Swimmers age: 11 -13
under 4:20 200 IM
3 workouts per week
Workout length: 75mins
80% attendance required
Average 1 swim meet per month

Performance Goals:

Compete at local swim meets
Ability to swim all events

Training and Meet Equipment required:

NRST team Shirt & cap
Goggles
Water bottle
Snorkel - Michael Phelps Focus Swim, Speedo Bullet Head, FINIS original **(Make sure to get replacement Head Bracket and Purge Valve as these pieces break easily)
Fins - Arena Powerfin Pro, Arena Powerfin, TAS Short Fins
Pull buoy - Speedo, Vorgee
Kick board

Junior Island

Registration Requirements

Nanaimo Riptides : Junior Island

Junior Island

Junior Island is a competitive group. The primary focus will be on continued skill development, developing and understanding swim workout design and correctly executing sets. Competitions will be at the regional level moving towards the Provincial levels. Emphasis from the coaches will be on skill acquisition and building a strong athletic foundation in balance with meet performance.

Group Requirements:

Committed to supporting an environment of positivity and sportsmanship
Swimmers age: 11- 12
under 3:45 200 IM
4 workouts per week
Workout length: 75 mins
80% workout attendance
Develop an understanding of swimming sets/workouts and increase ability to work independently
Average 1 swim meet per month. Swimmers should have a dedicated swim suit used only for swim meets. This can be a snug fitting fixed back suit separate from a training suit or an entry level race suit (examples of entry level race suits:Speedo Power Plus or Vanquisher Kneeskin, Arena Powerskin)

Performance Goals:

Qualify for VIR Championships and BC Divisional Championships
Ability to swim all events

Training and Meet Equipment required:

NRST team Shirt & cap
Goggles
Water bottle
Mesh equipment bag
Pull buoy - Speedo Jr, Vorgee Jr
Snorkel - Michael Phelps Focus Swim, Speedo Bullet Head, FINIS original **(Make sure to get replacement Head Bracket and Purge Valve as these pieces break easily)
Fins - Arena Powerfin Pro, Arena PowerfinTAS Short Fins
Swimming band - Finis
Kick board

Junior Provincial

Registration Requirements

Nanaimo Riptides : Junior Provincial

Junior Provincial

Junior Provincial is a competitive group for swimmers who have chosen swimming as their primary sport. The focus of the group is learning to train, mastering skill technique, and exposing the athletes to expanding aspects of competitive swimming and the sporting lifestyle. Dry land conditioning will be introduced and is a key element of this group. Athletes in this group are expected to compete in all qualified championship meets (VIR, Divisional and Provincial level) and attend all swim meets outlined by the coaching staff including one team travel meet.

Performance Goals:

Race at Provincial or Divisional Championships
Finals at Vancouver Island Championships

Group Requirements:

Committed to supporting an environment of positivity, sportsmanship and professionalism
8% from Swim BC Divisional time
7 workouts per week
Workout length: 60-95 mins
80% attendance of practices from pervious group and maintain a 85% attendance in the current season
Average 1 swim meet per month. Swimmers should have a dedicated race suit used only for swim meets (entry level:Speedo Power Plus or Vanquisher Kneeskin, Arena Powerskin)

Training and Meet Equipment required:

NRST team Shirt & cap
Goggles
Water bottle
Snorkel - Michael Phelps Focus Swim, Speedo Bullet Head, FINIS original **(Make sure to get replacement Head Bracket and Purge Valve as these pieces break easily)
Fins - Arena Powerfin Pro, Speedo Switch Blade FIN
Pull buoy - Speedo Jr, Vorgee Jr
Swimming band - Finis
Hand paddles - Strokemaker, Finis Agility Paddle (Paddles should be slightly larger than hand and cover the entire hand)
Kick board
Skipping rope

Junior National

Registration Requirements

Nanaimo Riptides : Junior National

Junior National

Athletes in the Junior National group have chosen swimming as their primary sport and are committed to a sporting lifestyle. Athletes will have the opportunity to be involved in decision-making for their training and competitions, and will be asked to be accountable for those decisions. Dry land conditioning will also be a key element of this group. Athletes will be expected to compete in all qualified championship meets (VIR, Provincial and National level) and attend all swim meets outlined by the coaching staff including one team travel meet.

Performance Goals:

Final at Provincial Championships
Qualify for National level meets

Group Requirements:

Swimmers age: 11-14
Under 5:55 400IM
8 workouts per week
Workout length: 60-95 mins
80% attendance in previous group and maintain 90% attendance of workouts
Minimum 1 swim meet per month
Committed to supporting an environment of positivity, sportsmanship and professionalism

Training and Meet Equipment required:

NRST team Shirt & cap
Goggles
Water bottle
Snorkel - Michael Phelps Focus Swim, Speedo Bullet Head, FINIS original **(Make sure to get replacement Head Bracket and Purge Valve as these pieces break easily)
Fins - Arena Powerfin Pro, Speedo Switch Blade FIN
Pull buoy - Speedo Jr, Vorgee Jr
Swimming band - Finis
Hand paddles - Strokemaker, Finis Agility Paddle (Paddles should be slightly larger than hand and cover the entire hand)
Kick board
Skipping rope
Finis Tempo Trainer

Senior Island

Registration Requirements
4 times per week
181.00 / month

Fees and discounts
Starting: September 15, 2025
Ending: June 26, 2026
Closed

Nanaimo Riptides : Senior Island

Senior Island Group

The Senior Island group is for athletes who wish to continue their development in the sport of swimming while competing primarily at the local and regional levels. The program emphasizes refining technical skills, improving race execution, and building fitness through structured training. Athletes in this group are encouraged to strengthen their understanding of workout design, develop consistent training habits, and enjoy the competitive experience in a supportive team environment.

Performance Goals

Continue to develop advanced stroke technique and racing skills
Achieve qualifying times for VIRs and Provincial Championships
Compete in local and regional meets

Entrance Requirements

Age: 13–18 years
Swim a 200 IM under 3:30 and 400 Free under 7:00
Maintain a minimum 80% attendance rate
Compete in an average of one swim meet per month

Required Equipment

NRST team shirt & cap
Goggles
Water bottle
Snorkel: Aquasphere Focus Snorkel or Finis Stability Snorkel Speed
Fins: Arena Powerfin Pro, Arena Powerfin, or TAS Short Fins
Pull Buoy: Speedo or Vorgee
Swimming Band: Finis
Hand Paddles: Strokemaker (slightly larger than the hand, covering the entire hand)
Kickboard

Senior Provincial

Registration Requirements
8 times per week
368.00 / month

Fees and discounts
Starting: September 15, 2025
Ending: July 12, 2026
Closed

Nanaimo Riptides : Senior Provincial

Senior Provincial Group

The Senior Provincial group is for athletes who have made swimming their primary sport and are committed to developing the skills, work ethic, and mindset needed for high performance. These swimmers take an active role in their training and competition planning in collaboration with the Head Coach, and are expected to take responsibility for their preparation and performance. Senior Provincial athletes are expected to train and compete with pride, loyalty, commitment, and discipline, representing NRST with excellence at all required provincial meets, training camps, and dryland sessions.

Performance Goals

Final at Provincial Championships
Medal at Divisionals
Qualify for Canadian Trials

Entrance Requirements

Age: 14 years or older
Demonstrated responsibility and accountability in meeting training requirements
Positive, professional attitude and contribution to team culture
Meet Swim BC Divisional Time Standard
Attend 8 workouts per week (60–120 minutes each)
Attendance: Minimum 80% in the previous group; maintain 90% in this group
Compete in an average of one swim meet per month

Required Equipment

NRST team shirt & cap
Water bottle
Snorkel: Aquasphere Focus Snorkel or Finis Stability Snorkel Speed
Fins: Arena Powerfin Pro
Pull Buoy: Speedo or Vorgee
Swimming Band: Finis
Hand Paddles: Strokemaker (slightly larger than the hand, covering the entire hand)
SwimmerBest Power Bags: PB25

Senior National

Registration Requirements
9 times per week
381.00 / month

Fees and discounts
Starting: September 15, 2025
Ending: July 12, 2026
Closed

Nanaimo Riptides : Senior National

Senior National Group

The Senior National group is for athletes who are ready to push their limits and pursue swimming at the highest level. These swimmers have chosen the sport as their top priority and are committed to reaching their full potential. Working closely with the Head Coach, they help shape their training and competition path, taking full responsibility for their growth and performance. Senior National athletes are expected to train and compete with pride, loyalty, commitment, and discipline, representing NRST with excellence at every required provincial and national meet, training camp, and dryland session.

Performance Goals

Qualify for Canadian Trials
Medal at Provincial Championships

Entrance Requirements

Age: 14 years or older
Demonstrated responsibility and commitment to training requirements that maximize performance
Positive, professional attitude and contribution to team culture
Within 5% of a Canadian Trials standard
Attend 9 workouts per week (60–120 minutes each)
Attendance: Minimum 80% in the previous group; maintain 90% in this group
Compete in an average of one swim meet per month
Interview with the Head Coach before acceptance

Required Equipment

NRST team shirt & cap
Goggles
Water bottle
Snorkel: Aquasphere Focus Snorkel or Finis Stability Snorkel Speed
Fins: Arena Powerfin Pro
Pull Buoy: Speedo or Vorgee
Swimming Band: Finis
Hand Paddles: Strokemaker (slightly larger than the hand, covering the entire hand)
SwimmerBest Power Bags: PB25

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