Group Descriptions - Competitive Program

National 3 / Varsity (18 & Over)

This group is a serious commitment to performance at the National/International level.

Group members are by invitation only. Training is in conjunction with the University of Victoria Vikes. 

The group trains 8-10 sessions per week which varies by training cycle, years of training and age, and has two recovery days off most weeks. The group will attend most national and provincial competitions as well as some invitational competitions and 1-3 training camps per season as needed. Athletes are expected to travel with the team unless otherwise discussed with the coaches. 

For more information, reach coach Ryan at vikesswim@uvic.ca

National 2 (14 & Over)

This group is a serious commitment to performance at the National/International level.

Group members are by invitation only. All swimmers must make a commitment to 100% attendance at training and selected competitions across the season. The training program balances effort and recovery through the training cycles and is supported by the coaches as well as our Integrated Sport Support Team (ISST) of physiotherapy, strength training and sport psychology and yoga professionals. The group will attend most national and provincial competitions as well as some invitational competitions and training camps in season as needed. Athletes are expected to travel with the team unless otherwise discussed with the coaches. 

Swimmers in the group are expected to earn top academic standing as well as attain athletic prowess.

The group trains 8-10 sessions per week which varies by training cycle, years of training and age, and has two recovery days off most weeks. 

Two strength training sessions are included in the weekly plan and are coached by experienced certified coaches. 

Age 14 + (From time to time some younger athletes may be invited into the group)

National 1 (11 - 15 years old)

This group leads into the National 2 Group and will train with them multiple times a week. Group members will be by invitation only. All swimmers must make a commitment to 100% attendance at training and selected competitions across the season. The training program balances effort and recovery through the training cycles and is supported by the coaches as well as our Integrated Sport Support Team (ISST) of physiotherapy, strength training, and sport psychology and yoga professionals. The group will attend most provincial competitions as well as some invitational competitions and training camps in season as needed. Athletes are expected to travel with the team unless otherwise discussed with the coaches. 

The group members must attend 6-8 times per weekly training cycle as prescribed by the coaches. Group members will compete at the provincial and national level, as qualified. They are expected to attend competitions and camps as recommended by the group coaches.

Age 11-15 (from to to time some older athletes may be allowed to train with this group). 

Senior 1 (13 & Over)

Consists of athletes who are at the Regional and Divisional level. Must attend 4 or more sessions per weekly training cycle. 6 water sessions available plus dry land training. Athletes will have graduated from the Provincial 2 or 3 groups or are from outside of the club. 

The ISST group support will be available to athletes within this training group. Athletes are encouraged to participate in the strength training program. 

Athletes can attend competitions for which they qualify and may be invited to attend away training camps. 

Age 13 + (from time to time some younger athletes may be invited to train with this group)

Provincial 3 (10 - 12 years old)

Consists of athletes who have attained 1 or more training group qualifying times. Group members are by invitation only. All swimmers must make a commitment to 100% attendance at training and selected competitions across the season.

ISST group support will be available to the parents and athletes within this training group. Athletes will participate in mobility, stability and strength dry land training. The goal of this group is to build a consistent understanding and demonstration of leading edge stroke 12 and under mechanics and athletic abilities. 

Group members must attend 5 water sessions per weekly practice cycle. 6 water sessions are available plus some additional dry land sessions and sessions with the ISST group. May be invited to attend travel mini camps. 

Age 10-12 (from time to time some younger athletes may be invited to practice with this group).

Provincial 2 (9 - 12 years old)

Consists of athletes who have either graduated from the Development Program, Provincial 1, or are from outside of the club and demonstrate abilities and commitment commensurate with the group expectation. 

Group members must attend 5 water sessions per weekly practice cycle. 6 water sessions are available plus some additional dry land sessions.

ISST support will be available for the parents and coaches of this group. Athletes will participate in mobility and stability dry land training.

Age 9-12 (from time to time some younger athletes may be invited to practice with this group).

Provincial 1 (10 - 12 years old)

Consists of athletes who have either graduated from the Development Group program or are from outside of the club and demonstrate abilities and commitment commensurate with the group expectations. 

Group members must attend 4 water sessions per weekly practice cycle. 5 water sessions are available plus some additional dry land sessions.

ISST support will be available for the parents and coaches of this group. Athletes will participate in mobility and stability dry land training.

Development 3 (7 - 10 years old)

Consists of athletes who have attained 1 or more training group qualifying times. Group members are by invitation only. All swimmers must make a commitment to 100% attendance at training and selected competitions across the season.

ISST group support will be available to the parents and coaches within this training group. Athletes will participate in mobility and stability dry land training. Goal of this group is to build a consistent understanding and demonstration leading edge 10 and under stroke mechanics and athletic abilities. 

Group members must attend 4 water sessions per weekly practice cycle. 5 water sessions available plus some additional dry land sessions and sessions with the ISST group. May be invited to attend travel mini camps.

Development 2 (8 - 10 years old)

Consists of athletes who have either graduated from Lightning Fast Swim Series program, or are from outside of the club and demonstrate abilities and commitment commensurate with the group expectations.

Group members must attend 4 water sessions per weekly practice cycle. 4 water sessions are available plus some additional dry land sessions.

ISST support will be available for the parents and coaches of this group. Athletes will participate in games, mobility, and stability dry land training.

Development 1 (6 - 10 years old)

Consists of athletes who have either graduated from the Lightning Fast Swim Series program, or are from outside of the club and demonstrate abilities and commitment commensurate with the group expectations.

Group members must attend 3 water sessions per weekly practice cycle. 4 water sessions are available plus some additional dry land sessions.

ISST support will be available for the parents and coaches of this group. Athletes will participate in games, mobility, and stability dry land training.