Mini Waves
OVERVIEW
What is the Mini-Waves program?
The Mini-Waves is an introductory program for future swim team members in the Willowsford community. The program focuses on basic stroke development. Swimmers in this program are not yet ready for a traditional swim team practice, but are progressing towards that goal.
We hope the Mini-Waves program is a positive and fun experience for all. Our goal is to foster an excitement for swimming, motivate our young swimmers to work on and improve their strokes, and engage new families, all while proactively developing our next season of competitive swimmers.
Are Mini-Waves members of the Willowsford Waves Swim Team?
Yes, the Mini-Waves are the youngest members of the Willowsford Waves Swim Team. They are invited to all age-appropriate social activities and are recognized at the end of the season banquet along with other team members of all ages. Mini-Wave parents will receive the same email updates as all team members, even though some of these updates will pertain only to older swimmers.
ELIGIBILITY
What are the eligibility requirements?
The Mini-Waves South program is open to all Willowsford residents in the Greens and Grove age 4 (By 6/15/26) through age 7 who are registered and in good standing with the HOA. Families with a signed contract may register ONLY if there is availability after registration for current residents closes.
Does the program require any prior swimming experience?
YES. Mini-Waves is not an introductory swim lesson program. Swimmers interested in the Minis should have taken prior swim lessons and have an interest in joining the Waves in the next season. Mini-Waves should be able to:
- Submerge completely for 5-10 seconds
- Float on front or back for 5-10 seconds unassisted in 5 feet of water
- Swim at least 10 feet freestyle or backstroke unassisted in 4 feet of water
- Be comfortable in the water without a parent nearby
- Be comfortable in a group instruction environment and have necessary listening skills to be coachable
- Be fully potty trained
Evaluations will be conducted during the first week of practice to make sure new swimmers meet these requirements. If your swimmer does not meet these requirements, we encourage you to sign up for swim lessons through the Willowsford HOA or a local swim school to prepare for the following season.
REGISTRATION
When is registration for Mini-Waves?
Registration will open on March 7th at 8am on our team website. For the Mini-Waves, registration will be capped at 35 swimmers.
How much is registration?
For the 2026 season, registration for Mini-Waves will be $235 per swimmer. There will be a $50 cancelation fee per swimmer for all cancelation requests received by June 19. After June 19, all fees are non-refundable. The registration fee for Minis includes a team t-shirt.
How long is the Mini-Waves season?
The Mini-Waves season will begin on Monday, June 16th and conclude on Friday, July 18.
PRACTICES
When are practices?
Minis practice Monday through Friday mornings. Please see required equipment here.
Where are practices held?
For the 2026 season, practices will be held at the Lodge pool.
Are all practices mandatory?
Swimmers will see the most improvement from consistent practice and training. While the coaches recommend attending as many practices as possible, it is understood that summer is filled with other commitments and family vacations. Please communicate extended absences in advance to the coaching staff.
What happens during a Mini-Waves practice?
Coach Stuart will assign your swimmer to a lane after evaluations on the first day of practice. Your swimmer should report to that lane for all future practices unless a coach asks them to switch to a different lane. The purpose of the lane assignments is to group children by skill level, so please do not move your child so that he/she can be with a friend.
There will be coaches in the water working with swimmers in each lane. Please respect the process and do not intervene during practice, even if your child is crying. The coaching staff will request your help if they feel it is needed. For safety reasons, please hold any questions for the coaches until after practice or by email.
Are Mini-Wave practices the same as swim lessons?
No. Swimmers must already be confident in the water in order to be a mini wave. In most cases, the primary purpose of swim lessons is to teach swimmers how to be safe in the water and become just efficient enough to be able to survive in a life-threatening situation. With a swim team, swimmers learn to become strong, efficient swimmers by repeatedly practicing and correcting stroke technique and specific skills necessary to gain efficiency in the water. Mini-Waves practice will focus on the competitive swim strokes and coaches will teach proper form and technique.
Do Mini-Waves ever swim at big Wave practices?
Depending on ability, Mini-Wave swimmers may be invited by Waves Coaches to “graduate” from Mini-Waves and attend big Wave swim practices and/or swim in a Waves Meet.
What equipment is needed for practices?
All Minis need goggles, fins, a kickboard, and a towel. Girls should wear a one-piece fitted bathing suit (no ruffles or skirts). Boys should wear a jammer style bathing suit (no baggy swim trunks). Mini-Waves are not required to order a team bathing suit, but they may do so and use that suit for practices. (If a Mini-Wave graduates to the big Waves and is invited to participate in a meet, they will need to purchase or borrow a team suit.)
How will I know if practice is canceled?
If practice is canceled due to weather conditions, we will send out an email and text notification to all member families as quickly as possible. Sometimes, weather conditions worsen after practice has started and the decision to cancel practice is made midway through.
Can siblings use the pool or baby pool during morning practices?
NO, children are not permitted to use the pool, baby pool, or water features during morning swim practices. Swimmers may only be in the pool during their designated practice times and are asked to leave the pool area when their practice is complete. This is important for maintaining safety and to allow the Coaches to focus on the swimmers attending practice.
Please note: At the conclusion of morning swim practices, ALL FAMILIES MUST EXIT THE POOL in order to allow the lifeguards to perform their duties before the pool officially opens at 11:00 am. Please do not leave your belongings to “save” chairs or cabanas while you reenter the pool. Coaches/lifeguards will remove any belongings that are left behind and place them in the lost-and-found.
MEETS
Will the Mini-Waves have a meet?
Yes, Minis have one “fun meet” during their last week of practice. They can compete in 25 freestyle, 25 backstroke, and 25 kickboard (with coaches in the water for safety). The date of the meet will be communicated in advance and published on our swim team calendar.
What is the parent volunteer commitment?
Mini-Wave parents are not required to fulfill the same volunteer hours as big team parents. However, we do anticipate needing some assistance from Mini-Wave parents during the season. This requirement will be finalized after registration is complete and communicated to parents on or before the mandatory parent meeting.
QUESTIONS
Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
For questions about the program, please contact the Mini-Waves Co-Coordinators (TBD). For all general questions, please email w[email protected]. For coaching questions, please email Waves Coaches.
How do I find out about Swim Team activities?
The team keeps all of its members updated via the email addresses provided at registration. You can also stay up-to-date by checking the Meets & Events page of our team website and joining our Facebook page.
