The AquaKids Sharks offer training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. It is the goal of our program to offer age specific training for all of our athletes geared towards challenging each individual and developing each individual to the best of their abilities. Please call us at 786-255-0284 to schedule an appointment for a try-out, or Click Here to send us an email request for more information.
Program Hierarchy
Angel Sharks & Leopard Sharks (CE – Continuing Education)
Squatina dumerlli 4 feet 100 lbs. & Triakis semifasciata 5 feet 100 lbs.
This group is for swimmers who've taken one session of our Learn-to-Swim Swim School lesson program and/or have basic swim, kicking and water safety skills. They will continue to further develop their swimming, kicking and water safety skills through the essential AquaKids stroke drills. Then we develop Freestyle with side breathing and Backstroke plus introduce Butterfly. They are 30 minute lessons that practice 2 times per week, M/W or T/Th. Leopard Sharks may compete in our SHARK Races with approval from the coach!
Sand Sharks (CE – Continuing Education)
Caracharhinus milberti 6 feet 100 lbs.
The Sand Shark group is for swimmers who can swim 50 feet of Freestyle with side breathing and 50 feet of Backstroke. This group continues to develop the Freestyle, Backstroke and Butterfly. Then introduces Breaststroke plus racing starts, turns, finishes and Introduction to the pace clock. They practice for 45 minutes, 2 times per week on M/W or T/Th. Sand Sharks have the option to compete in our SHARK Races!
Bull Sharks (FUNdamental & Learn to Practice Pre-Swim Team Group)
Carcharhinus leucas 10 feet 200 lbs.
Swimmers in this group are taught to lay the foundations of competitive swimming through stroke development, starts, turns and training in preparation for competitive swimming. Sharks in this group are expected to attend 3 practices per week (M/W/F or T/TH/F) with the option of attending a 4th on Saturday morning. The Bull Sharks group swimmers are:
- Taught Foundational Skills such as Stroke Technique & Competitive Skills.
- Taught lessons in Character Development.
- Eligible for participation in AquaKids SHARKS Competitive Swim Camp.
- Eligible for participation in Shark Races.
- Introduced to USA Swimming Competitions (only with Coach approval).
Blue Sharks (Learn to Practice & Practice to Compete)
Prionace glauca 13 feet 300 lbs.
Swimmers in this group build upon the foundation laid in the Bull Shark Group and learn how to apply it into a team and practice atmosphere. In the Blue Shark Group, swimmers are:
- Required to attend 3 practice sessions a week (M/W/F or T/TH/F) as well as being expected to attend a 4th practice Saturday morning.
- Expected to attend USA Swimming Level Competitions.
- Reinforced with Foundational Skills such as: Stroke Technique & Competitive Skills
- Taught lessons in Character Development.
- Eligible for participation in both Shark Races and AquaKids SHARKS Competitive Swim Camp.
Tiger Sharks (Middle School Stroke Development Group)
Galeocerdo cuvier 18 Feet 2,000 lbs.
This group is intended for Middle School age and appropriate aged Home School swimmers who are looking to develop their swimming ability. The training in this group is aerobic based and focuses on building the skills necessary to transition towards the competitive swimming.
Dusky Sharks & Hammerhead Shark Groups (Middle School & High School)
Carcharhinus obscurus 14 feet 500 lbs. & Sphyrna mokarran 15 feet 800 lbs.
These groups are intended for swimmers, age 11-14 (Dusky) and 15-18 (Hammerhead), who are looking for an aerobic and skill based workout. This group will prepare them for middle school and high school scholastic competitive swimming team participation. Each practice features elements of aerobic capacity, stroke, start, turn and competitive swimming skill development.
Mako Sharks (Elite Age Group Competitive Group/Compete to Excel)
Isurus oxyrinchus 12 feet 1,000 lbs.
This is our Elite Age Group Competitive swimming practice for those swimmers who have committed to the sport. It is available by Coach’s invitation only. The Mako Sharks are competent and competitive in all four strokes. Swimmers in this group will:
- Be taught lessons in Character Development & Character Ownership.
- Learn that outside pool habits as well as day to day practice habits have an effect on competition day.
- Be required to compete at the USA Swimming level in Local, State, Regional, & possibly National Competition.
- Be required to practice 6-7 times a week Monday-Saturday (including some weekday early morning practices starting at age 13).
- Be eligible for participation in both Shark Races and AquaKids Sharks Competitive Swim Camp.
Great White Sharks (Elite Senior Competitive Group/Compete to Excel)
Carchaodon carcharias 36 feet 3,000 lbs.
Our Elite Senior level swimmers who have committed to the sport and excel in all 4 strokes. It is available by Coach’s invitation only. Swimmers in this group are mentally and physically capable of handling the rigors of training and competitive swimming. Swimmers at this level strive for personal excellence and are held to the highest level of personal responsibility.
- Taught work ethic, mental toughness, commitment, personal responsibility, character development, character ownership and leadership skills.
- Learn that outside pool habits as well as day to day practice habits will help to determine success.
- Required to compete at the USA Swimming level in Local, State, Regional, & possibly National Competition.
- Be required to attend practice 8-10 times a week Monday-Saturday (including early morning and afternoon).
Basking & Whale Sharks (Adult Practice Group)
Cetorhinus maximus & Rhincodon typus 45 feet 10,000 lbs.
This group is for adults with basic swim skills desiring to improve and keep in shape. Practices are MWF 4:45 – 6:00 AM, 6:30-7:30 AM and 12:00 noon -1:30 pm (Noon time is currently not available during the Covid restrictions period) AND some Saturdays, 7:00-8:00 am!
