Pre-Competitive (Ages 6-12) 

CREST’s Pre-Competitive Program is intended for swimmers aged 6-12 who are ready to take the next step after swimming lessons and explore the sport of competitive swimming. This program was recently restructured to provide more opportunities for swimmers interested in committing to a more demanding practice schedule.  Overseen by CREST’s Head Development Coach Che Mineque, and directly managed by CREST’s Assistant Development Coach AJ Isleta, the objective of this program is to introduce novice swimmers to each of the four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly) and to teach them the fundamentals of racing.   Coaches also teach racing dives, flip turns, and underwater streamline once swimmers demonstrate readiness.  Using fins, kick boards and a variety of learning techniques, swimmers have fun while learning to race!  

While not technically a competitive program, the coach’s expectations towards commitment, effort and discipline are high.  Participants should be ready and willing to work hard and challenge themselves.

Please note that this is not a Learn to Swim program. 

Swimmers should be able to swim a minimum of 4-8 pool lengths (100-200m) continuously and to commit to three, one-hour practices per week.  CREST’s Pre-Comp program runs in two consecutive sessions of approximately 15 weeks each, October-January and February-May.  Pre-Comp swimmers will compete in at least one exhibition meet per year (typically in June).  

Please see Key Dates & How to Join, Practice Schedule and Fee Structure (under the Programming menu) for further information on session details.

Please note that once a sufficient proficiency is reached, advancement onto the Competitive Team is strongly encouraged.  As the capacity for Pre Comp is limited, swimmers are expected to graduate after 1-2 years in the program, though some exceptions may be made.