Guppies and Pikes: Splash-tastic Summer Swim Teams

Swim little fish swim! If your kid has dreams of making it onto the illustrious Wheaties Box, what better way to start the journey than joining a recreational summer swim team? Not only will they be able to enjoy the water on those hot summer days, but they’ll get their daily dose of exercise and be able to enjoy a sport that is available to anyone willing to don a suit and jump right in. Events like Swim-a-Thons and Pasta Power Nights are often the norm, making it fun for the whole family. Indulge your future Michael Phelps or Dana Torres by finding the right team, at the right level.

San Francisco

Rossi Manta Rays Swim Team
This super successful year-round team has summer hours and participates in the recently created San Francisco Summer Swim League. Swimmers will also learn how to give back to others, during the summer months, members help out with the San Francisco Parks and Rec Learn-to-Swim program. Many kiddos in San Francisco have learned the stroke basics with help from the Manta Rays.

The MLK, Jr. Blue Dolphins
This year-round competitive swim team strives to make the sport available to all interested kids, regardless of background and economic status. They participate in the SF Summer Swim League and came in second in 2011.

Balboa Sharks
With classes for both pre-schoolers and adults, everyone will be cruising through the water after a summer with the sharks. They cover everything from breath exercises to basic strokes in their classes, making them great for swimmers of all skill levels. Families wanting to join the Balboa Sharks need to have an account with the San Francisco Parks and Rec prior to signing up.

Marin County

Novato Riptide
Northern Marin kiddos will get a kick out being part of the Novato Riptide, which calls the pool at Indian Valley College home. they have fun events such as the Bring Your Parents to Swim Day.

Terra Linda Orcas
The very first team in the Marin Swim League, the Orcas enjoy practice in a fabulously modern 8 lane pool. Little kids trying their hand at swimming will love the Junior Orcas program. Parents will love the adults only Wine and Cheese night, and everyone will have a blast at the Meet and Greet BBQ and Dance!

Strawberry Seals
One of Mill Valley’s summer swim teams, not only do these kiddos get to swim to their hearts content but there are super cool outings too, such as the Stinson Beach BBQ and the field trip to Raging Waters in San Jose. The seals have two practice locations but hurry to join up, this squad is nearly at full capacity! 

FYI: These teams are part of the Marin Swim League, check out the full list for a team near you!

East Bay

Warm Springs Gators
This team is part of the East Bay Swim League, which touts over 30 years of swimming kiddos under it’s belt. Although practices have already started, there are still spots open for those hoping to join a summer league.

FYI: Don’t live near the Warm Springs Gators home pad? Check out other teams in the East Bay Swim League.

Berkeley Barracudas
This year-round team has been supporting little swimmers since the 70’s. Since it’s a monthly fee, you can get your kiddo in the water for the summer months. There are two summer swim practices, so your guppie will be a pro at those strokes in no time.

Walnut Creek Swim Club
This summer swim program also offers the Starfish Program for beginning swimmers, starting at age 3. The summer rounds out with an awesome championship meet in August.

Dublin Green Gators
Practice starts on May 31st and summer swimmers will compete against other teams in the Dublin and Pleasanton area like the Briarhill Barracudas, the FAST Dolphins and more! Parents interested in getting their kiddos signed up must do so through the Dublin Parks and Rec program, see here for more info.

Did you know? There are seven more teams in the Tri-Valley Swim League, check out the full list for the team near you!

Dublin Green Gators
Dublin Swim Center
8157 Village Parkway, Dublin, Ca
Dates: Registration is open now
Online: sites.google.com/a/dublingreengators.com

South Bay/Peninsula

Swim South Bay
Lucky members of the Swim South Bay team will travel to Lake Tahoe for a 4th of July meet! Parents will be stoked on a the one week trial offer, if the kiddo doesn’t dig the water, they don’t lose their registration money.
 

Osprey Aquatics
This is a year-round competitive team that offers a summer swim league too. Members of this swim league will get a blast out of the annual Family Day and Swim-a-Thon.

–Gabrielle Cullen