OVERVIEW

At SlipStream Aquatics, we have 3 main training groups: Cuttlefish (Beginner Cuttlefish, Cuttlefish & Giant Cuttlefish), Squids (Humboldt Squids, Vampire Squids and Colossal Squids) and Krakens (Krakens & Kraken Elite).  Within each group swimmers will be placed in an appropriate lane/subgroup based on their ability.  This will ensure that each athlete is getting the proper level of intensity and instruction needed to continue to grow.  Each practice will be tapered by lane(s) to accommodate all abilities and to keep the entire group moving through practice together.  

Each swimmer is expected to come to practice with the required equipment for that group.  All practices are held at Littleton HS.

BEGINNER CUTTLEFISH

The Beginner Cuttlefish Group focuses on the basic fundamentals of swimming and training.  Each swimmer will have active feedback at all practices and will be taught all the skills necessary to advance into the Cuttlefish Group.  Each practice is limited to 30 minutes to keep the swimmers engaged.  This group is all about having fun and learning the basics!  Swimmers MUST be water safe and come with a basic knowledge of all 4 strokes.

  • Ages: 8 & Under
  • Equipment Requirements: Suit, cap, goggles, kickboard, fins, water bottle
  • Entry Requirements: Must have knowledge of all 4 strokes, water safe and be able to swim without any in-water assistance.  THIS IS NOT A LEARN-TO-SWIM PROGRAM OR GROUP.
  • Practice Times:  Monday, Wednesday &and Friday 5:30-6:00pm

CUTTLEFISH

The Cuttlefish group focuses mainly on proper stroke technique and reinforcing positive habits.  The goal is to have all members of the Cuttlefish legal in all four strokes before they graduate to the Giant Cuttlefish.  A typical practice is 500-1500 yards. We stress quality over quantity in this group and will not advance a swimmer unless they have demonstrated proficiency in the skills we are teaching.

  • Ages: 10 & Under
  • Equipment Requirements: Suit, cap, goggles, kickboard, fins, water bottle
  • Entry Requirements: Must be able to swim an entire length of Freestyle and Backstroke without assistance and also have knowledge of all four strokes.
  • Practice Times: Monday & Wednesday 6:00-7:00pm, Saturday 9:00-10:00am

GIANT CUTTLEFISH

The Giant Cuttlefish Group will continue to build on the strong foundation of the Cuttlefish Group.  Practices will introduce more drills during sets as well as interval training.  We will still stress quality over quantity but there will be a significant bump in yardage and intensity over the Cuttlefish Group.  Swimmers can be expected to be pushed quite a bit more in this group. 

  • Ages: 10 & Under
  • Equipment Requirements: Suit, cap, goggles, kickboard, fins, buoy, water bottle, mesh equipment bag
  • Entry Requirements: Must be proficient in all four strokes
  • Practice Times: Monday & Wednesday 6:00-7:30pm, Saturday 9:00-10:30am

HUMBOLDT SQUID

Swimmers can expect to swim anywhere from 2000-4000 yards per practice.  We focuses on furthering the development of each stroke by adding more rigorous elements to the typical practice.  There is still a strong focus on stroke technique but each athlete can expect to see an introduction to heart-rate training as well as other more difficult training techniques. Swimmers in the Humboldt Squid will specifically work towards enhancing their strokes, though at a less rigorous pace than those in the Vampire and Colossal Squid Groups.

  • Ages: 10-14
  • Equipment Requirements: Suit, cap, goggles, kickboard, fins, paddles, bouy, water bottle, mesh equipment bag
  • Entry Requirements: Must be able to swim an entire length of of all 4 strokes without assistance and also have knowledge of interval training.
  • Practice Times: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 6:00-7:30pm

​VAMPIRE SQUID

The Vampire Squid Group falls between the Humboldt Squid and Colossal Squid Group.  Swimmers in this group can expect 2000-4000 yards per practice and a fair balance of technique and rigorous interval training.  Swimmers will be tasked with maintaining attention throughout the entire practice and completing the sets as instructed.  Swimmers will be given demanding but accessible practices with the expectation that swimmers will be working toward moving up groups when space becomes available.

  • Ages: 10-14
  • Equipment Requirements: Suit, cap, goggles, kickboard, fins, paddles, bouy, water bottle, mesh equipment bag
  • Entry Requirements: Must be able to swim an entire length of of all 4 strokes without assistance and also have knowledge of interval training.
  • Practice Times: Tuesday & Thursday 5:30-7:00pm, Saturday 10:30am-12:00pm

COLOSSAL SQUID

The Colossal Squid group can expect to swim 3000+ yards per practice.  Each practice will offer high level instruction on technique and race strategy.  Swimmers will be pushed with tough intervals and heart-rate training. Swimmers are expected to train hard and come ready to be pushed everyday. Strength/Weight Training will also be offered to this group each week. 

  • Ages: 10-14
  • Equipment Requirements: Suit, cap, goggles, kickboard, fins, paddles, bouy, snorkel, water bottle, mesh equipment bag
  • Entry Requirements: Must be proficient in all four strokes. Swimmers must have experience with summer league or club swimming. 
  • Practice Times (In-water): Monday & Wednesday 7:00pm-8:30pm, Friday 7:30pm-9:00pm, Saturday 10:30am-12:00pm
  • Practice Times (Dryland): Monday 6:00pm-6:45pm OR Wednesday 6:00pm-6:45pm

C2K

The C2K group can expect to swim 3000+ yards per practice.  This group is designed for those that are trying to get into Colossal and/or Kraken.  We will be pulling swimmers from this group first when space opens up in Colossal or Kraken.  This group only pracitces from August through October.  It will not exist beginning in November.  Each practice will offer high level instruction on technique and race strategy.  Swimmers will be pushed with tough intervals and heart-rate training. Swimmers are expected to train hard and come ready to be pushed everyday. Strength/Weight Training will also be offered to this group each week. Swimmers in this group are full fledged members of the team and are allowed to compete in meets.

  • Ages: 11-18
  • Equipment Requirements: Suit, cap, goggles, kickboard, fins, paddles, bouy, snorkel, water bottle, mesh equipment bag
  • Entry Requirements: Must be proficient in all four strokes. Swimmers must have experience with summer league or club swimming. 
  • Practice Times (In-water): Monday, Wednesday & Friday 4:30-6:00pm.
  • Practice Times (Dryland): Monday 6:00pm-6:45pm OR Wednesday 6:00pm-6:45pm

KRAKEN

The Kraken group will be expected to swim approximately 3000-4000 yards each practice.  Practices will be designed to push each swimmer and help them grow through technique, drills and better understanding of racing.  Swimmers can expect difficult but accessible practices for all swimmers of this age group.  Strength/Weight Training will also be offered to this group each week.

  • Ages: 13+ 
  • Equipment Requirements: Suit, cap, goggles, kickboard, fins, paddles, buoy, snorkel, water bottle, mesh equipment bag
  • Entry Requirements: Must have knowledge of all 4 strokes and must be familiar with racing.  Summer swim team and/or high school swim team is preferred.
  • Practice Times (In-water): Tuesday & Thursday 7:30-9:00pm, Friday 6:00-7:30pm
  • Practice Times (Dryland): Monday 6:00pm-6:45pm OR Wednesday 6:00pm-6:45pm

KRAKEN ELITE

Kraken Elite is Slipstream's most advanced swim group.  Swimmers will be put on an individualized and goal driven path executed in a team environment.  Swimmers are expected to make swimming one of their main focuses, with an emphasis on working towards USA Swimming specific goals. Swimmers can expect to swim 4000-7000 yards on any given day, with an emphasis on race technique and high intensity training.  Strength/Weight Training will also be offered to this group twice per week. 

  • Ages: 13+ 
  • Equipment Requirements: Suit, cap, goggles, kickboard, fins, paddles, buoy, snorkel, water bottle, mesh equipment bag
  • Entry Requirements:  Swimmers must have experience with summer league, high school or club swimming.  The coaching staff will allow younger kids to move into the Kraken Groups as they see fit.  Those swimmers who are proficient at the Colossal Squid level will be encouraged to "move up" to receive the proper instruction for their ability level.  Swimmers MUST be at or approaching a high school varsity level and/or high school/USA Swimming State Times.
  • Practice Times (In-water): Monday, Wednesday & Friday 7:30-9:00pm, Tuesday & Thursday 7:00-9:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-12:00pm
  • Practice Times (Dry-land): Monday 6:00pm-6:45pm OR Wednesday 6:00pm-6:45pm