Wonderful Durham Dolphin Swim Families,

Thank you for all of your support during our very successful 2019 summer swim season!  Many swimmers and parents have expressed interest in expanding the swim opportunities during the school year, so we are pleased to announce the launch of a 2019 Fall Swim Team.  Our summer session Assisant Coach, Zinnia Balken, will assume Head Coaching duties.  She has been busy lesson planning for practice and designing a meet schedule for the August 12 to November 24 season.  Practices will run Monday through Thursday, from 5:30-6:00pm (Bottlenose), 6:00-7:00 (Spinners), and 6:00-7:30 (Striped).  Zinnia will coach three days per week and be assisted by her father, Eric Balken, one day per week.  Summer session Head Coach, Brian Clark, will support the program as needed.  

In addition to regularly scheduled practices, we will be adding one day of dry land training to our swim program.  If you are unfamiliar with "dry land training," it is the swim equivalent of a strength and conditioning program.  Scott Thresher, one of our Board members and a parent, will be conducting a half-hour conditioning class, one day per week and prior to practice (5:30-6:00pm).  Our swimmers (11 and older, who chose to attend) will learn how to warm-up using dynamic stretching, complete a series of full-body strengthening/conditioning exercises and drills, then warm down, and mentally prepare for swim practice.  The goal of our dry land training program is to improve the physical conditioning of our athletes and inspire them to pursue regular conditioning outside of sport specific training.  Outside conditioning has many benefits, including injury prevention, improved health, and better sport performance.  Zinnia and Scott are currently working on the details, including the day of week schedule and coordinating swim practice details to best support the progressive development of the kids participating in both activities.

To sign-up for this exciting Fall program, visit the link at:

https://durhamdolphins.swimtopia.com/join-the-team

Thanks again and we look forward to working with your children in our expanded swim program!