If you want to learn more about our swim team or want to join, please contact us at  (831)747-7857 or [email protected] .  Or drop by the Salinas Aquatic Center for more information and registration.

• Swimmer Equipment

1. Equipment needed for practice:

   Monterey County Aquatic Team/Salinas Valley Aquatics locations will provide interval training clocks, dry land equipment and practice log books.

   Swimmers are expected to provide their own:

   1.  goggles  (clear pair and tinted) 2 pairs
   2.  fins
   3.  towels
   4.  practice caps  ( at least 2)
   5.  mesh equipment bags
   6.  paddles
   7.  kick board
   8.  competitive style practice swim suit.  And an extra one for emergency use in case the one you are practicing in,malfunctions or tears.   Cut offs, board shorts, bikini?s and under wear are not acceptable practice attire.  Swimmers may wear any color suit or swim cap for practice.  Suits should be of a comforatable fir for practice and many swimmers will wear two suits or a drag suit to increase resistance during practice.  The wearing of two suits is optional and is generally done by junior and above level swimmers.
   9. ear drops

   Practice equipment may be ordered through any ostore selling competitive swim gear.  However, we do offer some MCAT merchandise at better prices with the team logo.   You may not reproduce or copy the team logo without the express written consent of the Head Coach.

   Swimmers will also need to purchase a racing suit.  Racing suits are usually used souly for that purpose, and are worn much tighter than practice suits to reduce drag.  Black is the preferred team color.  MCAT/SVA receives a group discount price for racing team suits.  At a minimum our athletes are expected to compete with the team cap at all USA Swimming sanctioned meets.  Suits and backpacks may be embroidered with the MCAT (blue) lettering logothe written authorization of the head coach .  

   Packing for a swim meet

   Packing for a swim meet is the responsibility of the swimmer.   You will be using the listed items, so you (the swimmer) need to pack it. Some of these items are intended for cold weather more than warm weather, but it is advisable to be ready for any climate at any meet.   The climate in California is subject to changing several times within a day.  It is smart to be prepared for any condition.

   The night before the meet, Pack:

   • Team Parka or Warm Jacket
   • Warm-up swimsuit
   • Team racing swimsuit to be worn after warm-ups
   • (2) Pairs of goggles, one to be used as a backup pair
   • Towels/ one per race
   • Sweat pants, fleece or flannel pants (a couple of pairs)
   • T-Shirt
   • Shorts
   • Sandals or slippers
   • Gloves or mittens
   • Warm boots or shoes and socks
   • Sunscreen
   • Water  (several bottles)
   • Heathy Snack foods
   • Heathly Lunch
   • Sports Drink (gatoraide)  or Cytomax
   • Baby powder to keep swim cap in good condition
   • Ear drops
   • Warm hat (beanie for winter, morning or night cold
   • Hat for shade during the hot or sunny weather
   • Sleeping bag or blanket for warmth
   • Fold up chair
   • Tarp, mat or small tent for keeping stuff on  or in and relaxing on
   • Plastic garbage sack for keeping things dry in the wet weather
   • Cards, home work, books, games
   • (2) Team caps (latex $5.00, to be purchased from Coach Dia)
   • Bring your smile and positive attitude with you to the meet

   Please put your name on all of your belongings and equipment with a permanent marker!

   Food:  There is usually a snack bar at most meets.  However, it is better to be prepared with some food of your own.  It also can be less expensive and you will then have foods that are best to your taste and personal nutritional requirements.  Soda, candy and foods containing high sugar or fat content should not be consumed by an athlete. Parents to Pack:  Chairs, books, EZ-up?, magazines, rain slicker, warm clothes in layers, cool clothes, swim log book for recording times, work or something to do.  Be prepared to volunteer a couple of hours a day at a meet to  time, officiate, or marshal.  Someone from the club will be asking you to sign up to help.  Your volunteering to help is appreciated greatly.

   Entering swim meets- We know that this is the most confusing of all the things we ask parents to do.  However our coaches can walk you through the process at the Salinas Aquatic Center or over the phone.  There are many different levels of competition, coach entered team meets, and parent/swimmer entered individual meets.  Please do not enter a meet without first speaking with your coach. Communication is essential between athlete,parent,and coach in this regard.   Swimmers will be charged a 200.00 fine for entering meets not on the MCAT Schedule or will be scratched from the meet by the Head Coach.  Parents and swimmers are to only enter the meets on our schedule so that athletes are properly supervised and coached.