Mini Waves FAQs
What is the Mini-Waves program?
The Mini-Waves is our mid level offering for members in the Willowsford community. The program focuses on basic stroke development. Swimmers in this program are not yet ready for a traditional swim team practice, but are progressing towards that goal.
We hope the Mini-Waves program is a positive and fun experience for all. Our goal is to foster an excitement for swimming, motivate our young swimmers to work on and improve their strokes, and engage new families, all while proactively developing our next season of competitive swimmers.
Are Mini-Waves members of the Willowsford Waves Swim Team?
Yes, the Mini-Waves are a part of the Willowsford Waves Swim Team. They are invited to all age-appropriate social activities and are recognized at the end-of-season banquet along with other team members of all ages. Mini-Wave parents will receive the same email updates as all team members, even though some of these updates will pertain only to older swimmers.
What are the eligibility requirements?
The Mini-Waves North program is open to all Willowsford residents in the Grange and Grant ages 4-7 who are registered and in good standing with the HOA. Families with a signed contract may register ONLY if there is availability after registration for current residents closes.
Does the program require any prior swimming experience?
YES. Mini-Waves is not an introductory swim lesson program. Swimmers interested in the Minis should have taken prior swim lessons and have an interest in joining the Waves in the next season. Mini-Waves should be able to:
- Submerge completely for 5-10 seconds
- Float on front or back for 5-10 seconds unassisted in 5 feet of water
- Swim at least 10 feet freestyle or backstroke unassisted in 4 feet of water
- Be comfortable in the water without a parent nearby
- Be comfortable in a group instruction environment and have necessary listening skills to be coachable
- Be fully potty trained
When is registration for Mini-Waves?
Registration will open on March 22, 2026 at 8:00 am on our team website at northwaves.swimtopia.com. Mini-Waves registration will be capped at 36 swimmers.
How much is registration?
For the 2026 season, registration for Mini-Waves will be $265 per swimmer. There will be a $25 cancellation fee per swimmer for all cancellation requests received by June 30. After June 30, all fees are non-refundable. The registration fee for Minis includes a team t-shirt.
How long is the Mini-Waves season?
The Mini-Waves season will begin on Monday, June 15 and conclude on Friday, July 17.
PRACTICES
When are practices?
See the Practice Schedule.
Where are practices held?
Practices for the Waves North team are held at the Sycamore Pool.
What happens during a Mini-Waves practice?
Coach Eric will assign your swimmer to a lane after evaluations on the first day of practice. Your swimmer should report to that lane for all future practices unless a coach asks them to switch to a different lane. The purpose of the lane assignments is to group children by skill level, so please do not move your child so that he/she can be with a friend.
There will be coaches in the water working with swimmers in each lane. Please respect the process and do not intervene during practice, even if your child is crying. The coaching staff will request your help if they feel it is needed. For safety reasons, please hold any questions for the coaches until after practice or by email.
Are Mini-Wave practices the same as swim lessons?
In most cases, the primary purpose of swim lessons is to teach swimmers how to be safe in the water and become just efficient enough to be able to survive in a life-threatening situation. With a swim team, swimmers learn to become strong, efficient swimmers by repeatedly practicing and correcting stroke technique and specific skills necessary to gain efficiency in the water. Mini-Wave practices will focus on the competitive swim strokes and coaches will teach proper form and technique.
Do Mini-Waves ever swim at big Wave practices?
Depending on ability, Mini-Wave swimmers may be invited by Coach Eric to “graduate” from Mini-Waves and attend big Wave swim practices and/or swim in a Waves Meet.
What equipment is needed for practices?
All Minis need goggles, fins, a kickboard, and a towel.
Will the Mini-Waves have a meet?
Yes, Minis have one “fun meet” during their last week of practice. They can compete in 25 freestyle, 25 backstroke, and 25 kickboard (with coaches in the water for safety). The date of the meet will be communicated in advance and published on our swim team calendar.
What is the parent volunteer commitment?
Mini-Wave parents are not required to fulfill the same volunteer hours as big team parents.
Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
For questions about the program, please email [email protected]. For coaching questions, please email Coach Eric at [email protected].
How do I find out about Swim Team activities?
The team keeps all of its members updated via the email addresses provided at registration. You can also stay up-to-date by checking the Calendar/Events page of our team website northwaves.swimtopia.com and joining our Facebook page.
