Mini Whirls Developmental Swim Team
May 12th - July 3rd
A Fun & Supportive Path to Swimming
Mini Whirls is the perfect program for children who love the water, but need to develop the skills and endurance required to swim across the pool independently. Designed as a stepping stone to the Whirlwinds Swim Team, this program focuses on skill-building, confidence, and fun in a supportive environment.
What Mini Whirls Offers
Skill Development:
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Building endurance to swim longer distances, with the goal of swimming 25 yards independently
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Learning and improving freestyle and backstroke technique
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Learning rhythmic breathing
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Gaining confidence in a team setting
Meet Day Support:
Mini Whirls swimmers will have the opportunity to experience swim meets in a low-pressure way. During swim meets, Mini Whirls can compete with assistance from a coach or an older swimmer in their lane for guidance—helping them gain confidence and get comfortable with swim meets. Mini Whirls swimmers typically swim at the beginning of the meet with other swimmers that are not swimming for time.
Advancing to Whirlwinds:
Once Mini Whirl swimmers meet graduation requirements, they can seamlessly transition to our Whirlwinds Swim Team.
Developmental Swim Team Fee
Woodcroft Club Member: $265
Nonmember: $265 + $175 nonmember fee
2020 Whirlwinds
Mini Whirls Frequently Asked Questions
Are there tryouts for Mini Whirls?
Coaches will assess swimmers during the first few practices. If a swimmer is not ready for Mini Whirls and is better suited for swim lessons, the Aquatic Director will discuss options with the swimmer's parents.
What are the prerequisites for being on the Mini Whirls?
- Comfortable putting their face in the water
- Able to front and back float independently
- Able to jump in the water, take a breath, and make forward progress at least two body lengths without support
- Able to remain seated on the edge of the pool and wait for a coach's instruction before entering the water
What are the ages of the Mini Whirls?
Mini Whirls is for young swimmers who meet the Mini Whirls prerequisites but are not yet ready for the Whirlwinds Swim Team.
What if my child meets the Mini Whirls expectations mid-season? Can they transition to the Whirlwinds?
Yes, if your child meets the Mini Whirls graduation requirements mid-season, your child can immediately transition to the Whirlwinds and begin competing for time at meets.
What are the expectations for moving up to the Whirlwinds?
Swim 25 yards of freestyle with correct form without assistance and swim comfortably on their back 2-3 body lengths.
If my child moves up to the Whirlwinds, are there additional costs?
If your swimmer decides to participate in the Durham Summer Swim League (DSSL) Championship Meet, there is an additional $10/swimmer fee.
Do I need to register my child for the Whirlwinds if they transition mid-season?
If your swimmer moves to the Whirlwinds during the season and decides to participate in meets for time, you will need to register them in Swimmingly.
Can swimmers who graduate to the Whirlwinds mid-season participate in DSSL’s Championship Meet?
Yes, a swimmer can participate in DSSL’s Championship Meet so long as the swimmer has attended two meets for qualifying time and has at least one qualifying swim.
My child attends summer camp at Woodcroft, can they still attend practice in the summer?
Yes, just let us know when you drop them off when they need to be on the pool deck and a counselor will walk them down to swim practice, and once practice has finished, a swim staff member will make sure they get back to their group.
Wednesday, May 28th: Woodcroft Green & White Meet @ Woodcroft Club
Saturday, June 7th: Parkwood @ Woodcroft Club
Saturday, June 14th: Woodcroft Club Intrasquad Meet @ Woodcroft Club
Wednesday, June 18th: Woodcroft @ Hope Valley Farms
Saturday, June 21st: Woodcroft Club @ Duke Faculty Club
Wednesday, June 25th: Eno Valley @ Woodcroft Club
Durham Summer Swim League Championship: TBD
Swim Meet Schedule 2025
Mini Whirls Practice Schedule
Afternoon Practice Schedule
Monday - Thursday
May 12th - June 11th: 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Morning Practice Schedule
Monday - Friday
June 12th - July 3rd: 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
* Morning practice may move to 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM if the number of registrants requires a different time to accommodate pool space and coaching needs.