Westridge Waves

Westridge Waves Swim Team – Frequently Asked Questions!

Thinking about joining the Waves? Got questions? We've got answers!

🏊Who Can Join?

• Ages: 5-18 years old!
• Under 4? Contact our Head Coach to discuss options!

Non-Westridge Residents: You may be eligible! Click "Contact Us" on our website and send an email with:

• Your name & address
• Your child's gender, age & swimming ability
• Your phone number

Our Coach will give you a call! (HOA rules apply.)

📅 When’s the Swim Season?

• Starts: Tuesday after Memorial Day
• Ends: Last Saturday of July or first Saturday of August (Divisional Championship!)
• Banquet & Awards: The day after Divisionals

🏊 Does My Child Need to Know All the Strokes?

• Nope! They just need to swim 25 yards freestyle unassisted to join.
• Can’t swim 25 yards? No problem! Check out our "Ripples Learn to Swim" program.
• Ripples Registration: Separate from the Waves—find it on our website!

💸 Registration & Fees

• Opens: April 1st every season
• Register at: www.westridgewaves.swimtopia.com
• Payment: Credit Card (required at registration)
• Refund Policy:
  • Before practices begin? Full refund minus processing fee
  • After practices start? $30 refund up to & including Time Trials
  • After Time Trials? No refunds

👕 Team Gear & Suits

• Team suit? Not required but highly encouraged!
• Already have last year’s suit? You can reuse it! Just check for thinning/fading.
• Waves Swim Cap? Required for meets (any Waves cap is fine!)
• Free Cap! Each registered swimmer gets a cap with paid registration!
• Extra caps: $5 each (Can buy these at practice from the Team Manager or Home Meet Concessions.)

📅 Practices – When & Where?

• First Practice: Tuesday after Memorial Day for 8 & under
• Full Team Starts: Wednesday after Memorial Day
• Morning Practices: Start the first weekday after school ends!
• Evening Practices: Limited spots available! Created for kids whose parents work or have conflicts. Must contact Head Coach for approval.

👟 What to Bring to Practice?

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Goggles
• Filled water bottle
• Sneakers! (For dry land training)
• Swim cap (optional for practice, required for meets)

☔ Weather & Cancellations

• Rain? Practice may still happen! Call 703-730-3975 to check.
• Thunder? No swimming until 30 minutes after the last thunder sound.
• Lightning? Pool will be CLOSED. Check your email for updates from the Coach.

🙋 Parent Info & Volunteers

• Do parents need to stay during practice? It’s recommended, or you can arrange for another parent to be responsible for your child.
• Need to talk to the Coach? Wait until after practice OR email to schedule a time. Who do I contact for team questions? Reach out to our Team Manager or committee members via the "Contact Us" link on our website.
• Do parents need to volunteer? YES! Each family must provide at least 1 volunteer per home meet shift. (Away meets require fewer volunteers.)

🏆 Swim Meets & Competitions

• Are meets required? Nope! But team participation is expected—just bring enthusiasm & willingness to compete!
• How many meets? 7 per season (including Divisionals).
• What time do meets start? 7:00 AM (arrive at least 1 hour before).
• How long do meets last? Usually until 11:30 AM.
• Dual or tri meets? Dual meets (2 teams) except for Divisionals (tri meet = 3 teams).
• Birthday during season? Age group is determined by age on June 1st.

💙 Still Have Questions? Visit www.westridgewaves.swimtopia.com or contact the team directly!

Let's make this an amazing season—GO WAVES!