Orange Beach Swim Team

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HOME OF THE MAKOS

USA Swimming Competitive Team, Ages 5-18


Orange Beach Swim Team was derived from a place of passion and experience in the sport of swimming with a responsibility to establish a safe, competitive outlet in a supportive environment for the City of Orange Beach’s youth community. OBST sets out to inspire, challenge and build well-rounded individuals while instilling the principles of good sportsmanship and individual championship through competitive sport and team atmosphere. OBST takes pride in shaping the character of young athletes and developing a skill that provides health benefits for a lifetime.

As an official club under USA Swimming and Southeastern Swimming LSC, athletes are encouraged to compete in USAS sanctioned meets as long as they hold membership. This is an opportunity to compete at a higher level in addition to local meets within the Mobile County Aquatic League (MCAL).

Follow OBST on social media (@obstmakos) and via club website obstmakos.swimtopia.com.

#obstmakos #gotgrit

The swim year is divided by the following trimesters:

  • Winter/Spring | Jan. 6 - May 15  | $200 
  • Summer | May 26 - July 24  | $150
    • Registration will open to returning athletes and residents on April 1st at 8 a.m. and to the general public on April 8th at 8 a.m. Registration will close on April 30th.
  • Fall | Aug. 10 - Dec. 11 | $200

Please, continue below for group requirements, team progression, and relative links for athlete registration. Visit www.obstmakos.swimtopia.com to learn further details.

As a member of OBST, swimmers must meet respective group requirements. If one's swimming ability/level is in question upon joining, please contact OBST’s Head Coach, Dakota Heflin, to schedule an evaluation at dheflin@orangebeachal.gov.

GROUP DESCRIPTIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

BLUE

Typically 8 y/o and under beginning the early instruction of stroke technique, competitive skills (starts, turns, etc.), legal stroke and competition guidelines. At this age, swim meets are encouraged to measure progress, however, not mandatory. 

  • Requirements:
    • hold a float or tread water for at least 1 minute
    • perform or show working knowledge of freestyle and backstroke 
    • ability to swim a 50 yd freestyle without stopping
  • Necessary Equipment: OBST cap, goggles, training suit, OBST meet suit, short blade fins, mesh bag, water bottle 

ORANGE

Typically 9-12 elevating their stroke development and competitive skills and paired with body-weight dryland stretching and exercise. At this age, practice and swim meet attendance is important so they can gain confidence in a competitive environment while strengthening relationships with teammates. 

  • Requirements:
    • hold a float or tread water for at least 1 minute
    • perform or show working knowledge of all four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle)
    • ability to swim a 100 yd freestyle without stopping
  • Necessary Equipment: OBST cap, goggles, training suit, OBST meet suit, short blade fins, training snorkel, fingertip paddles, mesh bag, water bottle 

JUNIOR

Typically 11-14 years old with refinement of strokes and skills. By this age group, the sport should be one of your main activities and swim meet attendance is essential. Participating as a committed athlete and bonding with teammates is important to an athlete’s quality of sportsmanship and character. At this age, dry-land has become an important part of being a healthy athlete.  

  • Requirements:
    • hold a float or tread water for at least 1 minute
    • legally perform all four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle)
    • ability to swim a 200 yd freestyle and 100 yd IM without stopping
  • Necessary Equipment: OBST cap, goggles, training suit, OBST meet suit, tech suit (optional), short blade fins, training snorkel, fingertip and/or hand paddles, ankle band, mesh bag, water bottle  

SENIOR

15-18 years old with a heightened sense of commitment and dedication to the sport appreciating the opportunity to excel, push oneself, and grow as an athlete/individual. A significant increase in yardage and practice structure At this level, athletes are expected to attend practice and compete in swim meets consistently and have pride in what they accomplish.

  • Requirements:
    • hold a float or tread water for at least 1 minute
    • legally perform all four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle)
    • ability to swim a 500 yd freestyle and 200 yd IM without stopping
  • Necessary Equipment: OBST cap, goggles, training suit, OBST meet suit, tech suit (optional), short blade fins, training snorkel, fingertip and/or hand paddles, ankle band, mesh bag, water bottle  

REGISTER HERE:

Orange Beach Activity Login: https://orangebeach.activityreg.com/.

Orange Beach Swim Activity Reg: https://orangebeach.activityreg.com/selectActivity.

OBST HANDBOOK