Guppies
2026 Season
We are excited to offer our River Walk Shockwaves Guppy Program again this summer!
The Guppy Program will limit the number of swimmers, and we expect to have a waitlist. Registration will be first-come, first-served, with River Walk residents receiving priority.
Guppies must be 5 years old by September 1, 2026.
- Be able to follow directions
- Not need a parent with them during the entire practice
- Have a good attention span
Guppy Helper Application
Calling all swimmers ages 12 and up!
If you enjoy working with younger swimmers, please consider applying to be a Guppy Helper and assist the coaches during practices and meets.
Application form can be found here.
About the Guppies Program
The River Walk Guppy Team is the heart and future of our "big" team!
This program is designed for swimmers who are not quite ready for the full swim team. Guppies begin at age 5 and have their own practices focused on building water confidence and learning basic swim skills.
- Swimming confidently without assistance
- Kicking
- Breathing
- Floating
- Freestyle basics
- Backstroke basics
Guppies must be comfortable in the water without flotation devices, fully potty trained, and able to follow directions for a 30-minute practice.
Some swimmers participate in Guppies for two seasons before moving up to the swim team.
Swimmers who show readiness may move up to Big Team during the season, with approval from both coaches and parents.
Guppies do not need a team suit and may wear any swimsuit.
A parent or caregiver must remain at the pool during practices and meets.
Guppy Coordinator: Jenna Knapp
Is My Swimmer Ready for Big Team?
To join big team, swimmers must be able to swim the full length of the pool unassisted.
If your swimmer cannot yet do that, guppies is the best place to start. Swimmers may move up during the season as their skills develop.
Guppy Practice Times
Practices begin Tuesday, May 5
May 5 – May 20
Monday–Friday
4:15 pm – 4:45 pm
May 26 – June 26
Monday–Wednesday: 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Fridays: 9:30 am – 10:00 am (after Big Team ribbons)
No practice on May 25.
Guppy Meets
The Guppies typically participate in Saturday morning meets in May and June against other Guppy teams.
These meets are very relaxed and beginner-friendly, lasting about an hour, with coaches and helpers in the water with swimmers the entire time.
The 2026 Guppy Meet Schedule is as follows:
Parent Responsibilities
- Stay at the pool during practice
- Volunteer during Guppy meets
Volunteer roles may include timers, ribbon writers, and meet setup to help ensure a safe and efficient meet experience for all swimmers.
