PROGRAMS
SWIM LESSONS
Please, visit the "Programs" tab on the City of Orange Beach's official website for information regarding private and group lessons offered at the Orange Beach Aquatic Center (4853 S Wilson Blvd). Our swim progression begins at the preschool level (Jellyfish) and develops through Learn-to-Swim levels (Sting Rays).
JUNIOR MAKOS: PRE TEAM
Junior Makos is our pre-team program designed to gently ease participants into the world of competitive swimming. Whether the goal is to perform all four strokes legally or advance to the competitive levels of the sport, our qualified coaching staff will lead athletes through each practice at an introductory pace in order to gain confidence and familiarity.
Each session runs Monday-Thursday for two weeks containing eight, 45-min classes. We utilize Fridays as necessary to make-up lessons due to inclement weather, conflicting swim meets, or coach’s absence.
- Ages 5+
- Experience Required: LTS3 Exit Skills including the ability to to jump and submerge underwater, float on back or tread water for 1 min followed by a 25-yard freestyle swim
- Builds on the independent use and knowledge of basic water safety, skills, and awareness
- Curriculum:
- common terminology used in the sport
- basic knowledge of legal technique in all four strokes
- the beginning stages of dive and turn work
- a gradual build in endurance
OBST GROUP DESCRIPTIONS & REQUIREMENTS
The progression of the following groups is to be taken athlete-by-athlete. This is our team’s basic function and developmental outline and group placement/advancement depends on a multitude of factors including ability, maturity, age/grade, attendance, work ethic, etc. We ask to please respect a coach’s decision as placement is made with your child’s best interest at heart.
BLUE
Typically 8 y/o and under beginning the early instruction of stroke technique, competitive skills (starts, turns, etc.), legal stroke and competition guidelines. At this age, swim meets are encouraged to measure progress, however, not mandatory.
- Requirements:
- hold a float or tread water for at least 1 minute
- perform or show working knowledge of freestyle and backstroke
- ability to swim a 50 yd freestyle without stopping
- Necessary Equipment: OBST cap, goggles, training suit, OBST meet suit, short blade fins, mesh bag, water bottle
ORANGE
Typically 9-12 elevating their stroke development and competitive skills and paired with body-weight dryland stretching and exercise. At this age, practice and swim meet attendance is important so they can gain confidence in a competitive environment while strengthening relationships with teammates.
- Requirements:
- hold a float or tread water for at least 1 minute
- perform or show working knowledge of all four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle)
- ability to swim a 100 yd freestyle without stopping
- Necessary Equipment: OBST cap, goggles, training suit, OBST meet suit, short blade fins, training snorkel, fingertip paddles, mesh bag, water bottle
JUNIOR
Typically 11-14 years old with refinement of strokes and skills. By this age group, the sport should be one of your main activities and swim meet attendance is essential. Participating as a committed athlete and bonding with teammates is important to an athlete’s quality of sportsmanship and character. At this age, dry-land has become an important part of being a healthy athlete.
- Requirements:
- hold a float or tread water for at least 1 minute
- legally perform all four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle)
- ability to swim a 200 yd freestyle and 100 yd IM without stopping
- Necessary Equipment: OBST cap, goggles, training suit, OBST meet suit, tech suit (optional), short blade fins, training snorkel, fingertip and/or hand paddles, ankle band, mesh bag, water bottle
SENIOR
15-18 years old with a heightened sense of commitment and dedication to the sport appreciating the opportunity to excel, push oneself, and grow as an athlete/individual. A significant increase in yardage and practice structure At this level, athletes are expected to attend practice and compete in swim meets consistently and have pride in what they accomplish.
- Requirements:
- hold a float or tread water for at least 1 minute
- legally perform all four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle)
- ability to swim a 500 yd freestyle and 200 yd IM without stopping
- Necessary Equipment: OBST cap, goggles, training suit, OBST meet suit, tech suit (optional), short blade fins, training snorkel, fingertip and/or hand paddles, ankle band, mesh bag, water bottle
