About
The Cape Breton Dorados Swim Team has existed since at least 1973, serving Sydney and surrounding areas with developmental and competitive swimming. Many alumni have progressed to CIS, CIAU and US College Swimming careers.
Historically associated with the Kiwanis Pool in downtown Sydney, the Dorados have a history of training in all the regional facilities including the Sydney YMCA, the Northside Community Pool, and the Canadian Coast Guard College.
A volunteer-led and run organization, the Cape Breton Dorados Swim Team Association is governed by a Board of Directors and is a registered not for profit with Province of Nova Scotia. We operate as an official affiliated swim club in compliance with the policies and procedures set forth by Swim Nova Scotia (SNS) and Swimming Natation Canada.
"I never have to tell him to get ready for practice ... he does it himself!"
Nova Tech
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Nova Tech (NT) swimming is designed to provide foundational instruction in swimming. It meets the needs of younger and less experienced athletes by providing a dynamic and fun competitive experience. All new swimmers begin at the Nova Tech level and advance to Age Group competition level by achieving time standards established by SNS.
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NT Junior
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For new and/or less experienced swimmers
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Training: 3 times/week, approx. 3 hours of coaching
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Competition: 1-2 Home Time Trials, 2-3 Swim Meets per term (including 1 Home Meet)
NT Senior
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Progression after earning a Provincial Bronze Medal and completing six months of training
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Training: 3 times/week, approx. 3 hours of coaching
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Competition: 1-2 Home Time Trials, 2-3 Swim Meets per term (including 1 Home Meet)
Age Group
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Age Group (AA) swimming is acheived by swimmers who have reached the SNS established qualifying times for individual events.
Typically swimmers spend the first few years training at the Nova Tech level learning fundamental stroke and turn technique before advancing to Age Group.
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AA Junior
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Progression after earning a Provincial Gold Medal
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Training: 4 times/week, approx. 5 hours of coaching
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Competition: 1 Swim Meet per month, including 1 Home Meet per season
AA Senior
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Progression after completion of 1 year swimming at AA Junior level, and participation in 1 Championship meet
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Training: 4 times/week, approx. 5 hours of coaching
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Competition: 1 Swim Meet per month, including 1 Home Meet per season
AAA
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Progression at or approaching qualification of AAA swim times
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Top-level training group with no further progression
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Training: 4-6 times/week, approx. 5-7 hours of coaching
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Competition: 1 Swim Meet per month, including 1 Home Meet per season, potential to compete in Provincial-level and other invitational or qualification-based meets
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"Best bathing suit collection EVER"
Typical Practice
During a standard 45 minute-1 hour practice, your swimmer can expect the following:
First 10 minutes
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On Deck Activation
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Coach leads groups in dynamic stretching
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Coordination exercises, strength exercises, warm-ups
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Group discussion, goal setting, organizing groups​
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Next 40 minutes
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Lane assignments
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Training/Drills: description and explanation
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Warmup
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Training Sets: Focused on stroke/turn, repetition of fundamental techniques
Last 10 minutes
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Cool down, final stretch
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Conclusion and discussion
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Post practice discussion as necessary
"My daughter has never eaten so well, or slept so soundly after her practices!"
