Welcome to Carderock Swim!
We have multiple programs for swimmers at every level. We welcome you and your Cuda to find the right level and join us for the upcoming season! Our youth programs include Swim Team, Pre-Team, Mini Cuda group lessons, and private lessons. Our adult programs include Masters team and private lessons. Get that Cuda Spirit!
Youth Program Descriptions & Eligibility Requirements
SWIM TEAM: Swimmers must be able to swim a 25-meter lap of the pool in BOTH freestyle and backstroke in less than 60 seconds without touching the bottom or lane ropes in order to join the Swim Team. Swim Team is available for children ages 6 - 18, but if you have a 5-year-old who you think can pass the test, please contact the coach to set up an evaluation.
All swimmers aged 8 and under who wish to join Swim Team will be evaluated during a special session the first week of practice. If the swimmer does not yet qualify for the swim team, they can take private lessons or join pre-team until he/she/they are able to complete 25 meters in both freestyle and backstroke. Please ask one of the assistant coaches to do a re-evaluation if/when you feel your swimmer is ready. We want to be sure that your child is placed in the correct program.
PRE-TEAM: Pre-team swimmers are able to float, get around the pool (i.e. from the diving board to the ladder), and swim some freestyle and/or backstroke but are not strong enough for the swim team. The usual age range is 5 - 8. Pre-Team provides that “critical stepping stone” for children to move onto the swim team by strengthening all their swimming skills. Pre-Team is not designed to take the place of swimming lessons. Supplementing the pre-team experience with swimming lessons will more rapidly improve a beginning swimmer’s skills. Pre-Team will practice with the swim team during select swim team times (TBD) with a higher swimmer-to-coach ratio and a more "hands-on teaching" approach. As the pre-team is a part of the swim team, there will only be one season-long session. Swimmers who meet the eligibility requirements can move up to the Swim Team during the season. Please talk to the coach if you think your child is ready to try and pass the swim team test.
MINI CUDAS GROUP LESSONS: The mini-cudas are the youngest swimmers, learning to blow bubbles, float, begin stroke technique, etc. The age range for this program is 3 - 6. Requirements: Children should be comfortable being in the water and being apart from a parent or caregiver. If your child is not comfortable with one or both requirements, then please sign up for private lessons instead. A parent or caregiver must be on the pool deck at all times during the mini-cuda lessons.
