Training

The swimming year runs from 01 July to 30 June. We swim and train at the Waimea College pool in summer, from November through to March, and at the Richmond Aquatic Centre pool in the winter months from April to November.

We run training sessions in squads from Copper (entry swimmers) through to Gold (senior swimmers). The squad a swimmer is placed in will depend on factors such as age, ability and competition level. Please note we require that all swimmers can competently and confidently swim a complete length of a 25m pool to be eligible to join.

During summer, our swim training sessions run from 30 min to 1.5 hour sessions starting between 4.15pm and 5.00pm. In the winter season, swim training sessions also run from 30 min to 1.5 hour sessions starting between 5.30pm and 6:30pm.

Swimmers can choose whether they want to be a club swimmer or a competitive swimmer. We welcome everyone. Club swimmers can participate in all of our trainings, for either the summer period only, or for both summer and winter. We run three meet events every year where club swimmers can participate and compete, as well as being eligible for a other swim meets run by other clubs each year. Times are recorded and stored so swimmers can see how much they have improved.

Competitive swimmers are expected to train all year round and are able to compete at meets that they are eligible for, both in the Nelson Marlborough region and nationally (note qualifying times will apply for some meets).

Training Schedule for 2025/2026

For Copper, Bronze and Silver it is essential that you confirm the days you will swim as space is tight. Should you wish to change night for a week due to sickness etc. please check in with the coach and ask if there is room in the lane.

Summer training 2025/26

Summer Swimming starts from 10th November 2025
Location: Waimea College Pool
Coaches: Eileen Kelly (Head Coach, Gold squad), Vicky Edwards (Silver squad)

Gold squad options:
Monday: 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Tuesday: 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Wednesday: 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Thursday 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Saturday: 8.15am – 10.15am (Richmond Aquatic Centre or Wakefield Pool)

Silver squad options:
Monday: 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Wednesday: 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Thursday: 5.00pm – 6.30pm

Bronze squad options:
Monday: 4.15pm – 5.00pm
Wednesday: 4.15pm – 5.00pm
Thursday: 5.00pm – 5.45pm

Copper squad options:
Monday: 4.15pm – 5.00pm
Wednesday: 4.15pm – 5.00pm
(Saturday morning session 8.15am – 10.15am will still run at the Richmond Aquatic Centre until Christmas)


Swimming caps and goggles

Waimea swim cap

If you need a new WAIMEA SWIM TEAM swim cap during training sessions or for your next swim meet, just ask your coach, they will have one for you ($15.00).

You can also purchase some goggles if you don’t have a pair ($25.00).