Nanaimo Riptides

Swim Skills 1

Building Skills and Confidence

Swim Skills 1 builds upon the foundation established in Swim Skills and introduces athletes to more structured training. Swimmers continue developing technique in all four strokes while improving coordination, fitness, and race skills.

Athletes learn the importance of consistent effort, listening to coaching feedback, developing positive habits, and supporting their teammates as they continue their swimming journey.

Primary Focus

• Movement Quality: Balance, propulsion & rhythm
• Training Habits: Consistent attendance
• Physical Development: Aerobic development
• Race Skills: Race execution
• Performance: Technical improvement
• Leadership & Team Culture: Coachability

Required Training Equipment

Athletes are expected to arrive at every practice with all required training equipment.

• Recommended swimsuit: Arena solid swim pro, Nike Hydrastrong, Speedo Endurance+ Flyback, TYR Durafast max fit or other equivalent (NO bikinis or board shorts)
• Goggles 
• NRST Club Swim Cap
• NRST Club Shirt
• Water Bottle
• Mesh Equipment Bag  (available at Pro Shop)
• Front end Snorkel - Vorgee (available at Pro shop) 
• Pool Noodle  (available at Pro Shop)
• Pull Buoy  (available at Pro Shop)
• Short Training Fins  (available at Team Aquatic Supplies)

Competition Opportunities

Swim Skills time trials

Blue and Gold meets

Age and skill appropriate swim meets within the region

Advancement and Development

Athletes continue improving their technique, fitness, independence, and training habits as they prepare for Swim Skills 2.

Swim Skills 2

Learning to Train

Swim Skills 2 prepares athletes for entry into the Junior competitive groups. Swimmers continue refining their technical skills while learning how to train with greater consistency, focus, and independence.

Athletes are encouraged to take ownership of their development, begin setting goals, respond positively to feedback, and contribute to a supportive team environment.

Primary Focus

• Movement Quality: Technical consistency
• Training Habits: Training commitment
• Physical Development: Increased workload
• Race Skills: Pacing & race strategy
• Performance: Ready for Junior groups
• Leadership & Team Culture: Accountability

Required Training Equipment

Athletes are expected to arrive at every practice with all required training equipment.

• Recommended swimsuit: Arena solid swim pro, Nike Hydrastrong, Speedo Endurance+ Flyback, TYR Durafast max fit or other equivalent (NO bikinis or board shorts)
• Goggles
• NRST Club Swim Cap
• NRST Club Shirt
• Water Bottle
• Mesh Equipment Bag  (available at Pro Shop)
• Front end Snorkel - Vorgee (available at Pro shop) 
• Kickboard (available at Team Aquatic Supplies)
• Pull Buoy  (available at Pro Shop)
• Short Training Fins  (available at Team Aquatic Supplies)

Competition Opportunities

NRST Time Trials

Age and skill appropriate swim meets within the region

Advancement and Development

Athletes develop the technical skills, training habits, competition experience, and personal responsibility required for placement into Junior Island Blue or Junior Island.