It’s never too early, or too late, to learn and experience the values of teamwork, fair competition and good sportsmanship, fitness and exercise, setting goals, managing success and overcoming disappointment, and most importantly, of just plain having fun!

Here at the Hurricanes, we cherish the student athlete; whether that means you’re still in school or an adult “student of the sport.”  For our young swimmers, education always comes first, but after school, our coaches will share their knowledge of the sport of swimming and assist desiring athletes in substantial and progressive achievement across an entire swimming career.

 GETTING STARTED

Now that you know who we are and what we’re all about, call, email, or come in today to find out which one of our ten different training groups is the best fit for you.  We want you on our team so you too can swim with Hurricane Force!

 Columbus Hurricanes Swim Team (HURR-GA)

                          &

Hurricane Masters Swim Team (HURM)

Columbus Aquatic Club, Inc.

P.O. Box 4581

Columbus, GA 31914

Office: 706-561-2547

Email: cachurricanes@bellsouth.net

 The Columbus Aquatic Club is not a YMCA program, and it is not necessary for you to possess a YMCA membership in order to get started with one of our teams.

 PROGRAM HISTORY

The Columbus Hurricanes Swim Team (HURR-GA) began as the Windsor Park Swim Team in 1967. In 1977 the name was changed to the Columbus Aquatic Club and the structure was organized into a non-profit organization.  During the early 1980s our home pool was the Central YMCA in downtown Columbus, Georgia. In 1983 the new D.A. Turner YMCA opened in North Columbus and became our new home.

 The Columbus Aquatic Club still calls the D.A. Turner YMCA home for 9 months each year (mid-August through May).  During the summer months (June through mid-August) the Hurricanes move to an 8-lane, outdoor, 50-meter “long course” pool in the Double Churches Community Park.

 

In September 2008, the Columbus Aquatic Club expanded upon its USA Swimming affiliated developmental, age group & senior programs to include both training and competition for adults.  In so doing, the Hurricane Masters began as a chapter of the Georgia Masters (GAJA) super-team, and in November 2009 the Hurricane Masters Swim Team (HURM) became an independent member team within the GA Local Masters Swimming Committee of US Masters Swimming. 

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

The Columbus Hurricanes swimming program is founded on the belief that competitive swimming should be looked at as a fun and exciting as well as educational experience. Swimming can be learned and enjoyed by those with very little natural ability as well as those with Olympic potential. The value of swimming goes well beyond anything that is learned in the water.

It is a basic assumption that for a competitive swimming program to succeed, it must encompass and challenge all that participate, and follow a continuous development progression. Children should be exposed to water as soon as possible so as to learn the feel of movement through it much the same as they sense movement and balance out of water. Since this water sense can only come through continued and constant exposure to water, with each succeeding step bringing about an increased sophistication in stroke technique. 

It should be understood that not every child will become a world-class swimmer.  Regardless of how deeply motivated or how hard they are driven, some may never participate on a national or international level.  However, if the program is well planned and directed, the participants will gain from the experience whether or not a given individual ever wins a single race.

The Columbus atmosphere is sometimes a challenging environment for developing young people. The Columbus Hurricanes offer an opportunity for young people to participate in a program where high moral standards and sound values are the focus. For this reason, we have adopted these basic objectives: Provide for social and emotional development; Furnish a wholesome and worthwhile physical and recreational outlet; Provide an opportunity to learn sportsmanship and promote awareness of team cooperation; Provide educational opportunities; Provide opportunities to learn good health habits; Offer training and competition to all swimmers who desire that opportunity; Encourage senior swimmers who develop through the program to serve as positive role models for the team; Provide a wide base of experienced developmental-level swimmers in order to contribute to the increased skills and knowledge needed at the age group and senior level of swimming. 

ABOUT USA SWIMMING

As the National Governing Body for competitive swimming in the United States, USA Swimming formulates the rules, implements policies and procedures, conducts national championships, disseminates safety and sports medicine information and selects athletes to represent the United States in international competition. USA Swimming has more than 300,000 members nationwide and sanctions more than 7,000 events each year. For more information, visit www.usaswimming.org.

ABOUT US MASTERS SWIMMING

US Masters Swimming (USMS) is a national organization that provides organized workouts, competitions, clinics and workshops for adults aged 18 and over.  Programs are open to all adult swimmers (fitness, triathlete, competitive, non-competitive) who are dedicated to improving their fitness through swimming.  Founded in 1970, the non-profit corporation is organized with 500 clubs in 53 regions  throughout the United States.  Membership numbers more than 50,000, with individual members ranging in age from 18 to over 100.  Within the clubs, structured workouts, often with a coach, offer well-thought-out training assistance.  Pool and open-water races provide opportunities to compete and measure individual progress at the local, state, national and international levels.  USMS programs also offer stroke and technique clinics, workshops, and instruction, as well as social functions.  All USMS programs are designed to help swimmers improve fitness and/or train for specific goals, and offer active support for a healthy lifestyle through friendship, and camaraderie.  For more information, visit www.usms.org.