Virginia Run Riptide Winter Swim Program 2026-2027
We welcome swimmers from across the community. Whether you swim with Virginia Run Riptide during the summer or represent another local team, we would love to have you join us.
The Virginia Run Riptide Winter Swim Program is a developmental off-season program designed to help swimmers stay active, improve technique, build endurance, and prepare for the 2027 summer swim season. The program provides a supportive and challenging environment while keeping swimming fun throughout the winter.
Program Information
| Head Coach | Nick McGrath |
| Lane Coaches | Volunteer coaches will be assigned to each lane. |
| Dates | Sundays, September 13, 2026 through May 23, 2027 |
| Time | 5:00 PM–6:00 PM |
| Location |
Cub Run Recreation Center 4630 Stonecroft Blvd. Chantilly, VA 20151 |
| Tuition | $500 per swimmer for 32 Sunday practices |
No-Practice Dates
| November 29, 2026 | December 27, 2026 |
| January 3, 2027 | February 7, 2027 |
| March 28, 2027 |
Registration and Enrollment
Registration will be completed online through SwimTopia beginning August 5, 2026. A registration link will be emailed and posted when it becomes available.
Priority registration will be given to swimmers who participated with Virginia Run Riptide during the 2026 summer and winter seasons.
Enrollment is limited to 40 swimmers. Once the program reaches capacity, a waitlist will be maintained in the order requests are received.
Minimum Swimmer Requirements
These requirements help ensure that swimmers can participate safely and keep pace with the other swimmers in their lane.
- Swimmers must be able to swim 25 meters of freestyle and backstroke.
- Swimmers must be able to independently and confidently cross the pool.
- Swimmers must be prepared to swim laps and complete a variety of drills for one hour with only brief breaks.
The lanes at Cub Run are deep. Coaches will not regularly provide in-water support except when demonstrating technique or teaching a new skill, such as a stroke or flip turn.
Swimmers who do not yet meet these minimum requirements are strongly encouraged to continue developing their skills through traditional swim lessons offered locally.
Volunteer Coaches
We are seeking volunteer coaches to assist with individual lanes throughout the winter season. Volunteers will help reinforce technique, lead drills, encourage swimmers, and support the head coach. Bathing suits are required as part of the coaching wardrobe.
- Coaches must model and support our swimmers in upholding the values of respect, teamwork, integrity, and sportsmanship.
- Coaches must keep swimmers safe and provide clear, constructive feedback.
- Coaches will earn 1 hour of service for each Sunday you coach.
Please complete the registration and sign up as a volunteer coach to join our coaching team.
Questions
| Swim Program Questions |
Nick McGrath [email protected] |
| Enrollment and Program Rules |
Wendy Wall [email protected] |
Supporting the Riptide Scholarship Fund
After program expenses, proceeds from the Winter Swim Program will benefit the Virginia Run Riptide Scholarship Fund for eligible graduating seniors.
Virginia Run Riptide is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are welcome and tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
