Ian makes the swim team

The process of making team began right after our return from Europe.  Prior to our trip, it was our intention to allow Ian to jump back into swimming at the local natatorium upon our return.  However, Ian complained that the environment was too "cold" and he didn't like getting out of the pool and having to endure the discomfort of being wet and cold.  So I purchased a big, terry-cloth robe for him, and some towels.  He was ready to give it another go.

Then I reflected back on his experience at the natatorium and thought about how "industrial" it was.  The kids didn't seem to enjoy their time there as they swam laps for an hour with little interaction with each other.  I didn't appreciate any "real" coaching.  And the parents sit so far away, that it was barely even interesting to watch him do his thing.  So I rethought the natatorium...

....and signed him up at an AquaTots-type of place.  There he had more individualized attention.  They learned the 4 competitive strokes in an environment with a 80 degree pool in a "warm" room, surrounded by bright colors of starfish, and octopuses (or is it octopi?).  He was nurtured and rewarded with "water slide time" after a job well-done.  This environment was very motivating for him.  And he really jumped all in (pun intended).  

After his course was over, he did more private lessons leading up to swim team try-outs.  Our goal was for "stroke team," and "trained" for that.  He tried out for a few teams, and one wanted him right away (the other 3 teams are either following a protocol of notification (which is another 10 days away) or they are waiting to have try-outs until their own swim feeder swim classes have tried out...or...they wanted more money for a "pre-team" which would push back competition (and "real team" status) until January.  

Prior to being "chosen" Ian fell in love with a particular program ("the water seems soft and the place is warm...and there is sunlight through the windows.") That same team was the one that was the most "laid back" and the children seemed to be having fun.  The only draw-back was, it is a tiny bit further from home.  Nonetheless, we accepted the spot, and Ian attended his first swim team practice yesterday!!

  He's super excited!!  

AND, waterpolo Splashball resumes next week!!  And so begins "Ian's turn" to do "his thing."