Swimming

We are excited to announce Swimming as an opportunity for those interested! We have received word from the Sandhills Swimmers: Tidal Waves Homeschool Swim Team that their upcoming season starts in January. All the information is posted below. Please feel free to reach out to me or Toni Couture for more information.

Sandhills Swimmers: Tidal Waves Homeschool Swim Team -2024-2025

Contact Info: Toni Couture (518) 275-8594 tonicouture@gmail.com

About: This team welcomes all homeschoolers, but it should be stated that we are a “Christian” organization. The base of this team was started as part of All Saints Christian Academy and Faith Homeschool Co-op. A statement of faith is not required, but we will openly pray and teach Christian values as part of our culture.

We will focus on three main areas: Stroke technique/skill development, Team building/etiquette and fitness. All four strokes will be taught. It is my goal to have a well-developed, happy, and hard-working team by the end of the season. Additionally, I am seeking out 3-5 opportunities for meets as soon as the end of Jan. Meets usually take place 1-1.5 hours away on weekends.

Requirements: Ages 8 - 17. Your swimmer must be able to swim two laps freestyle confidently with their heads in the water and follow directions well. This is a swim team, not swim lessons.

Practice Info: Saleeby YMCA, Cameron

Mon - 7:00 - 8:00 am 1 lane (limited to 6 slots for more advanced swimmers)

Wed/Fri - 2:00 - 3:15 pm 3 lanes (21 slots available)

Season Length: 10 Weeks, 15 Jan - 21 Mar.

Holiday breaks: None

Drop off no earlier than 10 mins before, unless you have a YMCA membership or your swimmer is 12 or older.

Pickup must be NLT than 10 min after practice, unless you have a YMCA membership and have notified me that your child can stay unsupervised.

Equipment needed:

2 pair goggles

2 swim caps for hair long enough to get in eyes

1 pair of Fins (short or long is fine)

1 pair Hand paddles (smaller is better)

1 pull buoy

Kickboard (optional)

Towel

Water bottle

Cost: TBD - Based on number of swimmers. Coaches are here voluntarily.

Here are the things we have to pay for: YMCA rental $2,000; Swimsuits: approx. $65 (black, teal or navy suit - you purchase your own); meet fees: approx $550; end of season party and awards: approx. $125; team building activity: $240.

The last two years we did a swim-a-thon and raised more than enough money, (Money leftover went to buy the assistant coach a gift at the end of season and got all swimmers free Tidal Waves swag). All things considered, even if we do not raise any money, the cost will approx. $200 including suits and meet fees. That is a pretty affordable sports season!