Boogieboards

The Boogieboards are the BHSAT Swim Team Pre-Team, which is the future of our BHSAT SURF Competitive Team.  We appreciate the opportunity to teach these young swimmers the proper techniques and fundamentals to be safe, comfortable and disciplined in the water.  Our hope is that they will grow to the love the sport of swimming!

Who swims on the Boogieboards Team?

Boogieboard swimmers are typically 4 to 8-years-old with some swimming experience (the ability to be in the water without direct contact with another person or a flotation device).  They are working toward graduating to the SURF Competitive Team which requires coach recommendation and the ability to swim 25 meters unassisted in at least one stroke.  

The Boogieboards Team is NOT a learn-to-swim program or a substitute for swim lessons.

What if I'm not sure where to place my swimmer? 

If based on the description above, you believe your swimmer will swim on the Boogieboards Team, register as such and plan to attend the placement tryout.  If the coaches determine the swimmer is ready for the SURF Competitive Team, our admin will be notified and update the system to reflect the change.

A placement "try-out" is held at the start of each season during the week following Memorial Day.  Our coaching staff will determine whether your swimmer is a) ready for Boogieboards, b) not yet ready, in which case lessons are recommended, or c) ready for the competitive team.  If it is determined that your swimmer is ready for the SURF Competitive Team, they will begin practicing with the 8 and Under team the following weekday.

A communication regarding the placement try-out will go out to all registered families prior to the event. Look for a link to sign-up for a date and time slot.

When do the Boogieboards practice?

The Boogieboards Team season always begins on the Monday following the last day of school for the Bloomfield Hills School district.  They practice for 6 weeks, Monday-Friday, from 9:45-10:15am. This information can also be found in the Practice Schedules Tab for future reference.

Who will supervise my swimmer during practice?

The Boogieboards Team is led by a member of our SURF coaching staff.  There will always be multiple coaches overseeing Boogieboard practices, with at least two of those coaches being IN the water with the swimmers; more if our numbers require it. 

Should I plan to stay at the pool during practice?

Yes!  All swimmers age 8 & Under are required to have a parent/guardian/caregiver present during practice.  Additionally, we ask that all spectators sit on the grass area, preferably at the north end of the pool (the diving board side). Spectators are NOT permitted to be on the pool deck behind the starting blocks or at the shallow end.

What does my swimmer need in order to be prepared for practice?

• A desire to participate and learn
• A positive, can-do attitude
• A (one-piece) swim suit
• Goggles
• Note: Boogieboard swimmers do not need to purchase swim fins, a team suit or a kickboard. Kickboards are available at the club for use during practice if the coaches decide to incorporate them into practice.

Do Boogieboard swimmers attend swim meets?

While there will be a there will be a Boogieboards Team mini-meet during their season, Boogieboard swimmers do NOT participate in dual meets with the SURF Competitive Team.

If you’ve never been to one, however, it is helpful to be a spectator at a meet prior to participating in one. This helps you and your swimmer get a sense for how a meet works and to know what to expect if/when your swimmer moves up to the SURF Competitive Team. 

When will my child be ready for the SURF Competitive Team and what is the process for making the transition?

When a recommendation is made for a Boogieboard swimmer to advance to the SURF Competitive Team, a coach will have a conversation with the parent/guardian and if all are in agreement, the coach will notify the swim team admin of the change (to make necessary changes behind the scenes).

This administrative change is necessary so that the parent/guardian of the newly added swimmer will receive notifications about meets and other SURF competitive team matters/events. 

The swimmer will then immediately start attending the appropriate age-group practice (typically 8 & Under) and have the option to participate in meets.  All SURF competitive team swimmers are encouraged to attend all six dual meets, the respective age-group mini-meet and either A or B Finals.  All swimmers go to B Finals unless invited to A Finals by the head coach(es).

Are Boogieboards Team-Only families responsible for service hours?

No. 

How will I get feedback about my swimmer?

For the safety of all swimmers, we ask that you not approach coaches during practice (unless of course it is in the name of safety).  Swim coaches are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of all swimmers during practice.  This is their #1 priority!  Hence, the best time to catch them is outside of practice time either in person, or via email.

Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns? 

Boogieboards Team questions should be directed to [email protected].

NOTE:  If you are registered for the current season, you should be receiving communication and weekly newsletters (during the season) from the team. If not, please send a message to [email protected]. Also, consider joining our BHSAT Swim Team Facebook page for more great information and interaction with other BHSAT SURF families.