Group 1 — Learning to swim
The beginner squad. Swimmers here are starting from the shallow end: breathing, floating, water safety and the first strokes. Nobody is timed and nobody races — the only goal is a child who is happy and safe in deep water.
Training groups
Six squads share the pool. Swimmers are placed on ability rather than age, and move up when their stroke and their times are ready for it.
Group 2 — Development
Past the basics and starting to look like swimmers. This group refines all four strokes, builds the endurance to hold a set together, and learns what a pace clock is for. Some swimmers enter their first gala from here.
Group 3 — NTS competitors
Swimmers with the skills to enter Northern Tigers (NTS) competitions. Training turns towards speed, starts, turns and race strategy, with a proper season plan built around the gala calendar.
Group 4 — Advanced
For swimmers who have already made Level 3 qualifying times. Volume and intensity step up, dryland comes in, and the season is structured around peaking for specific meets rather than swimming fast every week.
Group 5 — Elite
The top squad, open to any age with a SANJ time or better. Double sessions, individual stroke work and race analysis, all aimed at national-level competition. This is where Gerhard’s international experience is put to work.
Vikings Masters
Every level, from former provincial swimmers to people who have never trained in a lane. Sessions are written around your goals — technique, fitness, or a masters gala — and you swim at your own pace.
It is as much a social club as a squad. Come for the training, stay for the coffee afterwards.
Not sure where a swimmer fits? Bring them for a trial session and Gerhard will place them after watching a few lengths.
Weekly timetable
Sessions run at the club pool on Dickenson Avenue. Squads share water during the busier slots.
| Group | Weekday mornings | Weekday afternoons | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 — Learning to swim | — | Tue & Thu, 15:00–15:45 | 08:00–08:45 |
| 2 — Development | — | Mon, Wed & Fri, 15:00–16:00 | 08:00–09:00 |
| 3 — NTS competitors | Tue & Thu, 05:30–06:30 | Mon–Thu, 16:00–17:15 | 07:00–08:30 |
| 4 — Advanced | Mon, Wed & Fri, 05:00–06:30 | Mon–Thu, 16:00–17:45 | 06:30–08:30 |
| 5 — Elite | Mon–Fri, 05:00–06:45 | Mon–Thu, 16:00–18:00 | 06:00–08:30 |
| Masters | Tue & Thu, 05:45–06:45 | — | 08:45–09:45 |
Fees and kit
Monthly fees depend on the squad and the number of sessions a week. Rather than publish a price that goes stale, we quote you when you enquire — and there is no joining fee.
All a new swimmer needs on day one is a costume, a cap and a pair of goggles. Fins, pull buoys and kickboards are supplied by the club. Squads 3 and up will need a Vikings racing cap once they start entering galas.
Come and swim a session before you commit
Bring a costume, cap and goggles. Gerhard will watch a few lengths and tell you honestly which group fits.