Blue Squad (Learn to Train)

Swimmers normally progress into this squad from Yellow squad, though swimmers of suitable ability can move directly into this squad after an assessment by an Aquahawks coach. This is an intermediate squad focused on continuing the development of technique and kick across all strokes. Swimmers also receive an introduction to more complex sets and more advanced racing skills. Over time in this squad swimmers will be taught: 

  • Advanced Stroke Technique 

  • Advanced Racing Tumble Turn & Open Turn Skills 

  • Pace Clock Skills and how to correctly time themselves 

  • Individual Medley Skills 

  • Basics of Advanced Training Sets 

Entry Criteria 

  • Must be competent (as assessed by Aquahawks coaches) at all four strokes and all racing turns. To accomplish this, a swimmer should be able to swim 200m continuously in legal freestyle, backstroke, & breaststroke, and 50m continuously in legal butterfly with all turns. 

  • Must be able to execute a racing dive from the starting blocks. 

  • Must be able to complete 8x50 kick @ 2:00, holding under 1:10. 

Equipment 

Fins (long or short), kickboard, pull buoy, drink bottle 

Competitions 

Swimmers should attend Club Nights, Annual Club Championships, and the Napier Port Ocean Swim. They are encouraged to enter local HBPB meets as well as the Aquaknights Junior Festival, HBPB Summer/Winter Championships, and AIMS Games. 

See the timetable for training times