Swimming Clubs

[mamnotmum]

Anyone have experience of their child joining a competitive swimming club?

My son is 8. Couldn't swim in July and since learning we have been told he is 'a natural' He whizzed through stages 1-6 and has been asked to join an invitational stage 7 group as a precursor to a club.

Firstly it seems super young but the instructor said that's good as it stops them having chance to get bad habits. Secondly I suspect a big commitment from the parents? I think he'd love competing - he is so competitive but also from a non swimmer to swimming club in such a short space of time seems very quick! Anyone been through this journey? Thanks

It seems a short time but maybe he is just a natural. Competitive swimming can be a big commitment but it depends on the club. It's good fun in the earlier years but many do drop out as they go up the ranks due to the hours required, often unsociable times.

I know this is old, but just in case you are still thinking about it swimming is like any other sport - some kids take it really seriously and others don’t.

8/9 is a good age to start - he’ll soon be eligible for junior leagues and open meets. If you want to just do it for fun make sure you join a club that is more relaxed.

Yes Adam Peaty does 20 hours training a week and some people do a lot. But other kids do it alongside other sports and may only swim a couple of times a week. That all competitive swimmers spend billions of hours ploughing up and down the pool is an urban myth.