Welcome to the Wayside Waves Swim Team.  This is the recreational age-group swim team of the Wayside Athletic Club of Marlborough, MA.  Our swimmers are ages 5-18.  To be eligible for the team, swimmers ages 5-18 must be able to swim at least 25 yards (one length of the pool) in both Freestyle (Front Crawl) and Backstroke, while swimmers ages 11-18 must be able to swim at least 50 yards (2 lengths of the pool) in both Freestyle and Backstroke and have a basic understanding of both Breaststroke and Butterfly.

Our Team will strive for individual improvement while working together as a team in a fun and challenging way.  The sense of accomplishment brought about by individual performance as a result of commitment and hard work is a goal we want the swimmers and parents to focus on each season.  A swimmer’s finishing place in an individual race or our win/lose record is important, but it is not more important than becoming a better person and swimmer.

Wayside Waves has a 4-season approach to the sport of competitive swimming.  Spring (the end of March through the beginning of June) and Fall (the second week of September through the end of October) are our non-competitive clinic seasons, while Summer (the last weeks of June through the first weekend of August) and Winter (November 1st through the beginning of March) are our competitive seasons.

Age Group Breakdown and Skills Needed:

Ages 8 and Under:
This group is for our youngest swimmers ages 5-8. To participate in this group, swimmers must be able to swim at least one length of our pool (each length of the pool is 25 yards) in both Freestyle (Front Crawl) and Backstroke non-stop without the help of floatation. This does not have to be perfect, however, remember the swim team cannot take the place of swimming lessons.  For the Freestyle, the arms must come out of the water on rotation and the face must go into the water in some rhythmic fashion. For the Backstroke, the arms must come out of the water on rotation, the legs should be straight and kicking up and down, and the body should be comfortable lying on the top of the water with ears in the water.

Goals:  Have a good understanding of Freestyle and Backstroke and a basic understanding of Butterfly, Breaststroke, and Diving.

Ages 9 & 10:
This group of swimmers (ages 9-10) will be swimming multiple lengths of the pool in both Freestyle (Front Crawl) and Backstroke with rests incorporated in the practice set. We will work on all 4 competitive strokes, diving, relays, and building endurance. Swimmers will be put in lanes according to abilities and practices will be planned to challenge each swimmer to strengthen current skills and acquire new skills.

Goals:  Build up their endurance and create a solid understanding of Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly, and Breaststroke.

Ages 11-18:
This group of swimmers (ages 11- 18) will be swimming multiple lengths of the pool without stopping. This practice group will have the largest range of abilities. Swimmers will be put in lanes according to abilities and practices will be planned to challenge each swimmer to strengthen current skills and acquire new skills. The greater the ability, the more challenging the practice sets. We will work on all four competitive strokes, starts, turns, finishes, and relays as well as increasing their endurance through higher workloads

Goals:  Increasing their endurance through higher workloads; building stroke technique and competence; gaining an understanding of stroke drills and muscle groups used in swimming; and, of course, increasing their speeds.

Required Practice Equipment for ALL Swimmers:

• Goggles & Caps (for long hair)
• Competitive Style Swimsuits – one piece for females; jammer style for males.  Please, no 2-piece or beach fashion suits for females and no trunk style for males.  These styles cause drag that does not help in swimming fast.  
• Short Training Fins – as we are no longer able to supply and share fins due to state regulations, we are requiring all swimmers to bring their own as they are used often in our practices. 
• Water Bottle – filled with plain water (Gator Aide or other flavored drinks are not allowed as they may spill into the pool water).
• Net Equipment Bag 
• Team bathing suit for the winter season  – must be ordered by October 21, 2021.  Details TBA soon.
• Covid Rules – Face coverings required upon entry to the indoor facility and a  zip lock bag to put it into during swim

Get In Touch

Need more information on how to join Wayside Waves?  Contact the Director of Wayside Waves, Sue Morse by email or phone 508.481.1797 ext.25