The Orcas swim programs are based upon the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) strategy created by Swimming/Natation Canada.  ​​​​​​​

As coaches, we take a long term athlete development (LTAD) view of swimming, seeing the swimmer's experience as an endurance event, not a sprint race. LCSC coaches prioritize learning good stroke technique at every stage of their development. We believe that swimming correctly needs to be taught before athletes move on to training. We also find that swimmers who learn better stroke technique early, will inherently swim faster and smarter races, reduce injuries, and better enjoy swimming long term. 

At the younger levels, basic technique, kicking and learning about the sport are the most important. Our coaches are trained to give feedback at these levels and be patient about a swimmer's progress. All strokes are stressed at the developmental, age group, junior and senior levels. We consider our team to be all round swimmers rather than stroke specific swimmers, which will give the swimmers the best possible chance for success as they move through their swimming career. Coaches stress the ownership of the athlete in the process of their improvement and achievement. Concepts of intrinsic feedback are introduced, along with goal setting, accountability and a vision for the future of their swimming.

Naturally, year round swimming will improve swimming ability, but it will also carry over to other aspects of an athlete’s life. Swimmers tend to take the listening, discipline, organization, work-ethic, time management, and goal setting skills they learn in our program,with them to the classroom, and thereafter to the rest of their world. In addition, swimmers learn to handle successes and failures, which create resilience, sportsmanship and self-confidence.

The Coaches are here to support your swimmers and are happy to answer questions and offer support. If your questions are related to workouts, meets, events, goal setting, and other swimming related needs, please contact one of the coaches.  For all questions related to administrative, such as dues, safety, or policy issues, please email ladysmithchemainusorcas@gmail.com.

All Orca staff are trained and certified with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).