Swim Team | YMCA of the Chippewa Valley 3/4

BARRACUDA SWIM TEAM

Swim Team Programs

The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley Swim Team is a competitive program for swimmers ages 5–19 of all ability levels. Our trained coaches focus on developing technique, endurance, and confidence while teaching the four competitive strokes, starts, turns, and finishes. Practices are organized by ability and emphasize skill progression, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

YMCA of the Chippewa Valley Barracudas

The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley Barracudas Swim Team compete in the Central Wisconsin Swim Conference, Wisconsin YMCA meets, and USA Swimming events. With year-round training in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and surrounding areas, more than 200 athletes grow in a supportive, encouraging environment that promotes long-term development and a healthy lifestyle.

NOTICE TO SWIM TEAM FAMILIES: There will be a $10 Away Meet Fee applied this year, per family. This is additional to the meet fee that is required for attending the meet.

Prerequisites:

Ages 5-19 Years Old
Ability to swim 25 yards continuously
Must be a current member of the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley

Questions?

Contact Ryan Wedl, Head Coach at rwedl@ymca-cv.org or (715) 839-4614

Current programs

Silver/Gold EC Memorial Option

Spring 2026

Silver: Swimmers in this group will still focus on technique as well as get a sample of what training will be once moved up to the Gold group. Swimmers should be committed to swimming at least 3-4 times per week, and must be able to swim and train all 4 strokes. Swimmers in this group experience a higher intensity, and be expected to train at least at a 1:45 per 100 base or faster. You will be told when you can move into this group. Gold: Swimmers in this group are generally High School athletes, 14 and up. Training groups will be decided based on previous development and training experience. Swimmers are committed to swimming at a high level, expected to be at practice everyday, and focused on swimming at their best at bigger meets at the end of each competitive season. Swimmers will experience an increased training volume and intensity, and be expected to train at least at a 1:30 per 100 base or faster.

Session Dates:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays, April 13-May 29, 2026

Time:

6:30-8:30 PM

Age:

10-18 Year Olds

Pricing:

$190-$290

Location:

Eau Claire Downtown YMCA

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EC Junior 1

Spring 2026

Swimmers should be able to complete at least one length of freestyle and backstroke. The Junior group will be taught stroke technique for all of the four strokes. Competitive starts and turns will also be taught and practiced. There will be no practice requirement, however the more practices a swimmer attends the faster they will progress! A great way for your young swimmer to develop swimming skills and confidence while creating new friendships! Level 1: Participants in this group must have passed Beginner Barracudas or can complete a full 25 of backstroke and freestyle in the large pool. This group will swim 45 minutes during their practice time. (Practice Expectation: 2 Days a week)

Session Dates:

Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays, April 13-May 29, 2026

Time:

4:15-5:00 PM

Age:

2-10 Year Olds

Pricing:

$140-$240

Location:

Eau Claire Downtown YMCA

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EC Beginner Barracudas Session I

Spring 2026

An introduction to competitive swimming! Emphasis is on instruction and developmental drills teaching the four competitive strokes. A great way to prepare your young swimmer for YMCA of the Chippewa Valley Swim Team while developing new skills & friendships! Beginner Barracudas is primarily taught in the YMCA small wading pool. When the swimmers are ready to swim in the large pool they will spend some of the lesson time in that pool!

Session Dates:

Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 13-May 29, 2026

Time:

4:15-5:00 PM

Age:

4-8 Year Olds

Pricing:

$110-$210

Location:

Eau Claire Downtown YMCA

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SWIM TEAM FAQ's