Ridgewood YMCA Breakers

Join Breakers

Information for new and prospective families

Registration Open

Now accepting new swimmers for the 2026 season

Youth ages 6–18

Is Breakers right for us?

The Breakers are open to youth ages 6–18. Any swimmer who can swim at least one lap of freestyle unassisted is welcome to try out. You do not need prior competitive experience — we accept swimmers at all levels, from first-timers in our Slate and Sky groups to experienced athletes ready for Senior Prep or Elite.

Our Practice Groups

Slate

Foundations of Competitive Swimming. A fun, welcoming introduction. Swimmers build water confidence and foundational stroke skills in a small-group setting.

Sky

Foundations and Building Skills & Technique. Beyond basics — stroke technique, starts, turns, training structure through drills.

Navy

Intro to Competitive Swimming — a bridge from lessons. Semi-competitive group featuring dual meets and structured practices.

Ocean

Developmental Training & Technique. Strengthening form and developing training habits for year-round competitive swimming.

Cobalt

Elevated Development and Competition Readiness. Advanced technique, aerobic development, and race strategy.

Midnight

Progressive Training & Competition for Age Group Athletes. Refining technique and increasing training intensity.

Senior Prep

Pathway to Elite & Multi-Sport Training. Skill refinement, conditioning, and long-term growth.

HS Dev

Fitness & Flexibility. Stay in shape and maintain skills with breaks for school swim seasons.

Senior Elite

High-Performance Training. State and national competition — advanced technique, race preparation, year-round excellence.

Group placement is determined by your swimmer's evaluation swim — not age alone.

What to bring to your evaluation

Competitive swimsuit (one-piece or jammers/briefs)
Two pairs of goggles — one as a backup
Swim cap
Towel
Water bottle

How the tryout process works

1

Register for a tryout on GoMotion

Complete the Team Tryouts registration on GoMotion to request an evaluation swim. Evaluations are typically held on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings.

2

Attend your evaluation

A coach will watch your swimmer swim a few laps of each stroke. Evaluations take about 30 minutes and are low-pressure.

3

Receive your group placement

Within 1–2 business days, you'll receive an email with your swimmer's recommended group and next steps.

4

Register on GoMotion

Complete team registration through GoMotion. You'll set up your account, pay dues, and register for USA Swimming membership.

5

Attend your first practice

Show up 10 minutes early, introduce yourself to the coach, and get in the water. That's it — you're a Breaker!

Register for a Tryout Evaluation

Parent / Guardian
Swimmer

We'll reach out within 2 business days to schedule your evaluation.

Questions? Get in touch.

We're happy to answer any questions about our program, practice schedule, or what to expect as a new family.

swimteam@ridgewoodymca.org

Register for a tryout / evaluation swim through GoMotion. A coach will help place your swimmer in the right group.