Registration for the CRKW Swim Club is ongoing throughout the season, for more information or to set up a group placement assessment
please contact our Head Coach Richard Millns at [email protected]
Program Structure
The Campbell River Killer Whales offers a step by step progression that aims to create highly competent swimmers that are safe and functional in the water. We are proud to offer a positive team environment that supports everyone's goals.
Program Progression
Mini Whales Lesson - A three stage learn to swim program, we take swimmers as young as 5 years old, and swimmers as old as 12. Swimmers older than 12 will be offered a private lesson package so they can learn the skills to be with a group of swimmers closer to their age.
Orca - A 2 stage program for swimmers advancing on their competitive skills.
Killer Whales - The final 2 stages of the program where swimmers are training at an advanced level.
High School/Masters Program - A program for adults looking for a great social atmosphere. This program is also geared toward tri athletes.
Registration Steps
Step 1 - Express your interest by contacting the Head Coach ([email protected]).
Step 2 - The Head Coach will organize a quick 10 minute tryout with either himself or one of our coaching staff. The Coach will provide assessment as to which level is appropriate for you child. The coach will orientate you with the procedure for registering for our club on the website.
Step 3 - Register on our website
Register for the Lessons Program here
Register for the Mini-whales/ Orcas/ Killer Whales here
Register for the High School/ Masters Program here
Gear List
- Swim Suit (One-Piece for Girls / Jammers, Square, or Brief for Boys)
- CRKW Swim Cap
- Goggles
- Water Bottle
- Add on Front Mounted Swimmers Snorkel
- Kick board
- Pull Bouy
- Fins
- Hand Paddles
- Front Mounted Swimmers Snorkel
- Mesh Bag
- Attend every practice possible (we understand the busy schedule of kids and adults but training and skill acquisition can be missed with absences)
- Keep an open line of communication with the coaching staff, inform them of when a swimmer can not attend practices or meets (communication in the Mini-Whale White programs can be directed toward our Head Coach, and communication in the ICS program can be directed toward our Assistant Head Coach)
- Attend competitions recommended for the swimmers training group (Please communicate with your coach if you want to request the opportunity to compete at a competition outside of your meet schedule)
- Show up on time and ready to go! (Bathing suit on, water bottle filled)
- As our swimmers grow through the program we will place more of the onus on the swimmer to take responsibility for aspects of their swimming that their parents once took ownership of (ie. communication of absences, setting an alarm for morning practices etc)
- Stay in touch with our club policies, fundraising, and volunteer commitments posted in the information sections of our website
- Take care of yourself away from the pool!!! Proper Nutrition, Hydration, and Sleep Schedules will help you tremendously in your life both in and out of the pool
- Introduce yourself, if you have any questions feel free to open up a conversation when I am leaving the pool deck, but please remain in the viewing areas when practices are running.
Please see below our answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
What Can We Expect for these Lessons? Swimmers will sample the learning progressions of the competitive strokes. We will also provide assessment and placement within our Killer Whales Program.
Do I have to come for all the Lessons? Come for 1, or come for all. Similar to sampling anything, if you sample more of it, you get a better understanding of the product.
I have received my placement into the program what does that mean? The Killer Whales Swim Club offers a wide array of programing options. We begin the swimming journey with the Mini-Whales pre competitive program. In the Mini Whales we offer the opportunity for swimmers to swim 1,2 or even 3 times per week for 30-45 minute lessons. In those lessons swimmers learn the foundational skills of the competitive strokes, and foundational skills of water safety. Once swimmers have successfully completed our Mini Whales program they move into the Orca Junior group. The Orca Junior is our first level of competitive swimming where swimmers can begin their journey as a fast racer!
What is the difference between the Mini Whales program and the Red Cross Program? Our Mini Whales program is replacing the outgoing I Can Swim Program as the premier, pre competitive swimming lesson program. The focus of the Mini Whale program is to pick up the most advanced technical skills from our trained coaches on the Olympic sport of Competitive Speed Swimming. The Red Cross Program run by our friends and neighbours at the Strathcona Gardens has a focus a bit more on lifeguard skills and water safety. Our philosophy is if you can swim fast, you'll be safe!
If I join the Killer Whales do I have to train at crazy hours and crazy amounts? In short not unless you'd like to. Being a great champion takes incredible commitment in the later portions of childhood. However to enjoy training crazy hours, our younger (14 and under) swimmers have a very modest and progressive training schedule to build the love of the sport and love of the team. We are very proud to offer our community the opportunity to be the best they can be and a training regime that can produce high level athletes that go on to swim in University and maybe someday represent Canada on the national team. However it all starts with a sound development and flexible scheduling that allows our young people to develop excellent swimming skills in a low key and lighthearted atmosphere.
We look forward to having you join the Campbell River Killer Whales and are excited for another great season!
