How old do you need to be? Minimum age is 8, although exceptions will be made. (This can be determined at your interview with Ms. Elise.)
What swimming skills should my child already have? Swimmers need do the following:
1. jump into the deep end of the pool and swim 37.5 feet on their front and again on their back;
2. swim totally underwater without coming up for about 14 feet;
3. tread water for 20 seconds in the deep end.
Comfort level doing these things is very important. Style is not important.
What is the time commitment? This varies. In the beginning, about 2-3 hours per week for swimmers (plus at-home fitness during the week).
What is the yearly calendar like? In the fall, new swimmers join and lessons and practices cover BASICS. There is an annual Christmas show in early December. Competition season is January-May. There are two major competitions in late April and May. The summer may have a few optional events.
Typically, when are practices? Frequently parents choose weekends and not school nights.
How are practice and lesson times and days determined? All parents work together at the beginning of the school year to determine a time (2-1/4 hours in one session) that all families can attend on a regular schedule.
How much does it cost to be a member of WHB? Other than the cost to join USA Synchro and Gulf Association, swimmers and their parents MUST promise a commitment to give their time and energy freely to support the WHB club. There is no monetary fee paid to the club. Use of the practice pool and Ms. Elise's coaching time is her volunteer service to our community. Your time and highly committed involvement is the cost to you.
Are there any parent prerequisites to joining? Yes. Before your child can join, one or both parents must attend a Parent-Coach mutual interview to become oriented to the club. At this time, parents learn how their own time commitments, roles, and responsibilities will join with others to support this club. Ms. Elise begins lessons with the swimmers after parents are organized and prepared to begin learning their participation and support roles.
What are the first steps for new swimmers to join? Swimmers need to attend about 12-15 weekly sessions to learn basic skills ending with participation in a water show. Next, if the swimmer chooses to enter competitions, the swimmer must join USA Synchro (local and national) at the Athlete level.
Do you have to be a member of USA Synchro to compete? Yes. Before competing, join the national organization online at usasynchro.org. For novice swimmers, join at the "athlete" level (about $50). You also must join the local organization (Gulf Association) for $5.
Are there any other monetary costs? Yes, but only if your child chooses to compete. (FAQ covering competition is on a separate.page)
Does my child have to compete? No. Some swimmers don't compete their first year or two. Most swimmers eventually want to compete and have the skills to do so.
What are the parents expected to do? Parents are expected to be full participants in learning about synchro plus learning the specific approach for this program so it doesn't conflict with the strong, supportive principles practiced here.
1. Parents must check the online schedules and have their swimmers at all practices as medically possible.
2. Each swimmer must have a fully-participating, responsible adult present for all practices, meets and competitions - no drop offs,
3. Parents must volunteer and take on significant tasks/ roles in support of the club.
4. Additional parent meetings may be called throughout the season (September through May).
5. Complete free, online SafeSport information and review as specified.
Why do the parents need to do so much? Ms. Elise does not get paid and does this for her love of teaching and her servece to our community, her dedication to health and safety of all individuals and families, and seeing her students develop and grow. She cannot coach without significant support as she must focus her time and energy on doing just what she does best.
I'm really busy and have no time. Can my child still join? No. But please talk to Ms. Elise first to figure out if there is a solution.
How do I volunteer to help? There are several significant roles from which parents will choose: Scheduler, Communication Liaison, Competition Coordinator, USA Synchro Coordinator, etc. Parents offer your unique skills such as choreography, photography, costuming, etc. You work individually and in pods as you learn and serve.
What swimming skills should my child already have? Swimmers need do the following:
1. jump into the deep end of the pool and swim 37.5 feet on their front and again on their back;
2. swim totally underwater without coming up for about 14 feet;
3. tread water for 20 seconds in the deep end.
Comfort level doing these things is very important. Style is not important.
What is the time commitment? This varies. In the beginning, about 2-3 hours per week for swimmers (plus at-home fitness during the week).
What is the yearly calendar like? In the fall, new swimmers join and lessons and practices cover BASICS. There is an annual Christmas show in early December. Competition season is January-May. There are two major competitions in late April and May. The summer may have a few optional events.
Typically, when are practices? Frequently parents choose weekends and not school nights.
How are practice and lesson times and days determined? All parents work together at the beginning of the school year to determine a time (2-1/4 hours in one session) that all families can attend on a regular schedule.
How much does it cost to be a member of WHB? Other than the cost to join USA Synchro and Gulf Association, swimmers and their parents MUST promise a commitment to give their time and energy freely to support the WHB club. There is no monetary fee paid to the club. Use of the practice pool and Ms. Elise's coaching time is her volunteer service to our community. Your time and highly committed involvement is the cost to you.
Are there any parent prerequisites to joining? Yes. Before your child can join, one or both parents must attend a Parent-Coach mutual interview to become oriented to the club. At this time, parents learn how their own time commitments, roles, and responsibilities will join with others to support this club. Ms. Elise begins lessons with the swimmers after parents are organized and prepared to begin learning their participation and support roles.
What are the first steps for new swimmers to join? Swimmers need to attend about 12-15 weekly sessions to learn basic skills ending with participation in a water show. Next, if the swimmer chooses to enter competitions, the swimmer must join USA Synchro (local and national) at the Athlete level.
Do you have to be a member of USA Synchro to compete? Yes. Before competing, join the national organization online at usasynchro.org. For novice swimmers, join at the "athlete" level (about $50). You also must join the local organization (Gulf Association) for $5.
Are there any other monetary costs? Yes, but only if your child chooses to compete. (FAQ covering competition is on a separate.page)
Does my child have to compete? No. Some swimmers don't compete their first year or two. Most swimmers eventually want to compete and have the skills to do so.
What are the parents expected to do? Parents are expected to be full participants in learning about synchro plus learning the specific approach for this program so it doesn't conflict with the strong, supportive principles practiced here.
1. Parents must check the online schedules and have their swimmers at all practices as medically possible.
2. Each swimmer must have a fully-participating, responsible adult present for all practices, meets and competitions - no drop offs,
3. Parents must volunteer and take on significant tasks/ roles in support of the club.
4. Additional parent meetings may be called throughout the season (September through May).
5. Complete free, online SafeSport information and review as specified.
Why do the parents need to do so much? Ms. Elise does not get paid and does this for her love of teaching and her servece to our community, her dedication to health and safety of all individuals and families, and seeing her students develop and grow. She cannot coach without significant support as she must focus her time and energy on doing just what she does best.
I'm really busy and have no time. Can my child still join? No. But please talk to Ms. Elise first to figure out if there is a solution.
How do I volunteer to help? There are several significant roles from which parents will choose: Scheduler, Communication Liaison, Competition Coordinator, USA Synchro Coordinator, etc. Parents offer your unique skills such as choreography, photography, costuming, etc. You work individually and in pods as you learn and serve.