Vikings Swim Club
Training for Competition
Vikings Competitive Squads
Transitioning from the Kings Swim Programme to the Junior Squad under Head Coach Marco Troiani and Assistant Coach Eliana Troiani presents swimmers with an unparalleled opportunity. Together, our coaches bring over 40 years of combined experience and expertise, consistently propelling swimmers from Kings Swim School to the highest levels of competition.
In 2023 Vikings had swimmers attend the Youth Commonwealth Games and the World Junior Championships along with several state championships in Australia. We were also proud to see Vikings Swim Club member Gaby Smith represent New Zealand in the 2024 Paralympics.
At Vikings, our ethos emphasises more than just winning – we strive to cultivate well-rounded individuals within a close-knit swim community.
Here, swimmers build long lasting friendships whilst embracing the values of strength, camaraderie, competitiveness, and passion.
Vikings Programme
The Vikings comprehensive training programmes for our Junior to Senior Squads encompass various aspects of technique and skills to ensure their readiness for competitive high performance swimmers.
Swimmers begin with warm-up routines both on land and in the water, and are primed to optimise their performance. Dedicated sessions then focus on refining swim technique, honing each stroke to maximise efficiency and speed in the water.
Endurance training forms a crucial component of the programme, building the physical and mental resilience necessary to sustain prolonged efforts during the swim journey.
Swimmers are provided with opportunities to engage in various swim competitions at home, away or internationally, allowing them to apply their skills in a competitive environment and fine-tune their race strategies. Through this holistic approach, participants are equipped with the skills and conditioning required to excel in their swimming.
Junior Squad
Swimmers entering the Junior Squad begin their journey toward competitive swimming. Over the first 4–6 months, our focus is on building strong skills, fitness, and confidence to become race-ready.
Once ready, swimmers will start taking part in local and South Island swim meets, gaining valuable experience and having fun as part of a supportive, competitive team environment.
If you’re in Level 9 at Kings Swim School, you’re almost ready for the next step!
Whether you’re currently in a squad or looking to join one, come and try Vikings Swim Club with a FREE one-week trial – see if it’s the right fit for you!
Session Times:
Monday: 6.00pm – 7.30pm
Wednesday: 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Friday: 6.00pm – 7.30pm
Please note times can be subject to change.Some swimmers start with one or two training sessions per week when they first join the squad. You can choose how many sessions your child attends—no pressure.
When you officially join Vikings Swim Club, you will receive two FREE Vikings swim caps to start your club swimming journey.
Junior Squad Gear:
Please see Squad gear requirements below.
To arrange a FREE trial session, simply email us at hello@vikingsswimclub.co.nz, and we’ll be happy to set it up.
Senior Squad
Athletes swimming at regional champs, Division II and National Age Group level. NZ Opens, National Age Groups and NZ Short Course Champs.
Up to x 8 trainings per week
Monday – Saturday (AM & PM sessions)
Land and pool sessions
Senior Squad Gear:
Please see Senior Squad gear requirements below.
Training Camps & Summer Training
At Vikings we are not in the Kings pool all year round – we also take the squads outdoors (Jellie Park & Parakiore) for long course, fitness training and swim camps in Christchurch & away from home.
In January 2025 Vikings summer training camp was held in Timaru giving everyone a great chance to bond as a team, work out on Caroline Bay beach and train in the pool.
Fees & Uniform
Squad Fees
Junior Squad: $160 per month (up to 3 trainings)
Junior Squad: $200 per month (up to 5 trainings)
Senior Squad: $230 per month (up to 8 lessons a week)
Non – Competitive Annual Membership Fee – $120
This fee is paid to Vikings Swim Club for Vikings Swim Club membership.
Annual fees run from July to July. Pro-rata options are available—for example, if you join in November, your fee will be adjusted to cover the period until July of the following year. Most London Squad swimmers come in as non-competitive and move over to competitive when they are ready.
Junior Squad Non-Competitive Fee:
$160 per month (up to 3 months) + Annual Membership fee
or
Competitive Annual Membership Fee – $258
(Fees split between -SwimmingNZ, Swim Canterbury West Coast and Vikings Swim Club – fee paid direct to Swimming New Zealand)
Annual Fee from: July to July (no pro-rata option).
Uniform order: All swimmers representing Vikings Swim Club will require a uniform
Please place your order by clicking order now below.
Make sure to register and create an account in the top right before ordering. If you skip this step, the Add to Cart button won’t appear.
Any questions please contact our Uniform Co-ordinator, Anj Hawkins by email – uniform@vikingsswimclub.co.nz
Training Gear Requirements
Junior Squad: Mesh bag, short fins, pull buoy, ankle band, medium-sized kickboard (e.g., Vorgee kickboard), and TYR or Glyde hand paddles (for ages 11+ xxs or xs).
Senior Squad: Mesh bag, short fins, pull buoy, ankle band, medium-sized kickboard (e.g., Vorgee kickboard), TYR or Glyde hand paddles (for ages 11+ xxs or xs), snorkel (optional).
Hand Paddles:
These paddles should be a few centimetres larger than the swimmer’s hand. Coach Marco’s current TYR hand paddles are small size, so please check with him before making a purchase.
Gear Bags:
These bags and items should all be named and can be kept at Kings Swim School, hooked onto the gear bag with a stainless steel carabiner/snap hook.
Helpful Equipment websites:
Teamline: www.teamline.co.nz
Aqualine: www.aqualineswim.co.nz
Zoggs: www.zoggs.com
Funkita: www.funkita.co.nz
T3 Swim: www.swimt3.co.nz
Swimhub: www.swimhub.nz
Arena: www.arenasport.com
