SPRINT SQUAD
Swimmers in the top two squads (Aoraki and Pukaki) will be given the opportunity select whether they prefer sprinting or distance swimming.
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The Sprint Program has shorter sessions with less swimming volume but requires swimmers to work at their max speed more often - to do this swimmers will be given more rest between sprints to maximise their effort levels. These programs will also use more in-water resistance training methods and work on developing a more explosive swimming technique.
Sprint training also has a greater emphasis on dryland strength training and comes with an expectation that swimmers that truly want to maximise their performance will engage in complimentary sports or fitness activities - for example an indoor rock climbing or cycling spin class session each week.
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Dryland strength and conditioning sessions are separated more from the swim sessions to maximise performance gains.
Please note: eligibility for the Sprint Squad is based on personal best times and will be at the discretion of the coaches.
Coach: Patrick Langley
Patrick is a highly skilled swim coach with advanced training in swimming and sports leadership. He is excited to be guiding the swimmers to excel personally and competitively with a strong skill base.
Patrick will be a valuable asset to the Waitaha Swim Club. Patrick brings with him the experience of having competed with distinction at National Level, a range of valuable skills he has been taught and retained from his former coach, "Master Coach Frank Tourelle". Frank is a highly respected gold licence coach who has put a number of swimmers onto NZ teams.
Patrick’s own swimming journey took him to National Age Groups Division 1 at the age of 13 through to 18, placing in the top 10 throughout the years. Patrick also swam for the Wellington All Stars Zonal team in the Auckland invitational championships, and attended the Queensland state championships in 2015.
Notable achievements include gold medals at the Wellington Long Course and Short course Championships, including winning the 50m Freestyle against swimmers such as Lewis Clareburt.
Patrick started coaching at Canterbury Swim School in 2018 when he moved to Christchurch from Wellington. He then focussed on coaching swimming as he studied throughout the years.
