Safety - Confidence - Fitness - Speed
SQUADS
SwimZone’s junior squad programme is structured around ability-based groups that build technique, confidence and fitness after children finish learn-to-swim. Our pathway develops swimmers step by step — from their first squad experience through to regional and national competition.
All new swimmers are assessed, or complete our Crocodiles class, before joining a squad. This ensures they have the foundations in place to progress safely and enjoyably.
Squad placement is based on swimming ability, technique, fitness and experience rather than age. The ages shown below are a general guide only.
Swimmers are expected to bring the training equipment listed for their squad. Equipment can be purchased through Ministry of Swimming.
MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
Recreational Swimmer – usually used during a swimmer’s first year. Recreational swimmers can compete in SwimZone Racing’s internal club meets against other SwimZone swimmers, but cannot compete against other clubs.
Competition Swimmer – can enter all swim meets, including local and regional competitions. This is common even for younger swimmers, including 9 & unders competing at Wellington Championships.
Swimmers may join directly as Competition members if they wish, or begin as Recreational members and upgrade later.
CROCODILES
The Crocodiles squad is the starting point of our SwimZone journey — perfect for young swimmers building comfort and confidence in the water. This group focuses on water safety, body awareness, and the foundations of technique in a fun, supportive setting. Every drill is intentional, building habits that last a lifetime.
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Ages: approx. 6–9
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Session length: 30 minutes
Membership: Recreational (first year) or Competition
What you’ll need:
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Mesh bag · Fins
MINI SQUADS
Alligators · Swordfish · Stingrays · Eagle Rays
The Mini Squads are the next step for swimmers who are ready to train further. These groups balance skill development, team culture, fitness and early competition experience.
Swimmers progressing from Crocodiles usually move into this pathway, learning how to train effectively while continuing to enjoy their swimming.
Key focus: Teaching swimmers how to train, use the pace clock and work as part of a team.
Mini Squads connect directly to SwimZone Racing, with friendly in-house meets every 6–8 weeks.
ALLIGATORS
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Builds on Crocodiles with freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and an introduction to butterfly.
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Develops fitness through longer swimming sets.
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Novice racing opportunities are available.
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Typical age: approx. 7–13
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Session length: 45 minutes
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Attendance: 1–2 times per week (minimum 1)
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Membership: Recreational (first year) or Competition
What you’ll need:
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Mesh bag · Fins · Pull buoy · Kick paddles
SWORDFISH
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Expands skills with more advanced drills, dives and turns.
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Builds a higher level of fitness.
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Introduces racing, water polo skills and preparation for school swimming events.
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Typical age: approx. 8–13
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Session length: 45 minutes
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Attendance: 1–2 times per week (minimum 1)
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Membership: Recreational (first year) or Competition
What you’ll need:
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Mesh bag · Fins · Pull buoy · Kick paddles
STINGRAYS
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Focuses on endurance, technique and racing skills.
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Swimmers begin attending TimeZone (Swimzone Racing meets)meets and local competitions.
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Fun remains a priority — training is about enjoyment and steady improvement, not high mileage.
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Typical age: approx. 9–14
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Session length: 60 minutes
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Attendance: 1–2 times per week (minimum 1)
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Membership: Competition
What you’ll need:
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Mesh bag · Fins · Pull buoy · Kick paddles · Snorkel · Hand paddles
EAGLE RAYS
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For swimmers who are ready to take their training more seriously and increase their commitment.
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Prepares swimmers for progression into the more advanced competitive squads.
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Typical age: approx. 9–14
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Session length: 60 minutes
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Attendance: 2–3 times per week (minimum 2)
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Membership: Competition
What you’ll need:
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Mesh bag · Fins · Pull buoy · Kick paddles · Snorkel · Hand paddles
Group expectations Click
COMPETITION SQUADS
MANTA RAYS
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Our top junior squad, training towards New Zealand Junior Championships.
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Typical age: mostly 10–12, with some younger and older swimmers.
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Sessions: 3–5 per week (recommended minimum 3)
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Membership: Competition
What you’ll need:
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Mesh bag · Fins · Pull buoy · Kick paddles · Snorkel · Hand paddles
MAKOS
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Progression from Manta Rays and Eagle Rays.
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Typical age: approx. 13–15
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Training towards NZ Division II and NZ Age Group Championships.
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Sessions: 4–5 per week (recommended minimum 5)
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Membership: Competition
What you’ll need:
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Mesh bag · Fins · Pull buoy · Kick paddles · Snorkel · Hand paddles
MARLINS
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Our senior competitive squad and the progression from Makos.
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Typical age: approx. 13–18
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Swimmers must qualify for NZ Age Group Championships.
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Sessions: up to 9 per week (recommended minimum 7)
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Membership: Competition
DOLPHINS
Fitness-focused squad for ex-swimmers and water polo players who want to maintain swimming skills and fitness without a major competitive focus.
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Ages: approx. 13–16
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Sessions: 1–2 per week
What you’ll need:
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Mesh bag · Fins · Pull buoy · Kick paddles · Snorkel · Hand paddles Resistance parachute
