EXCELLENCE, DEDICATION, TEAMWORK, AND FUN!
The Ridgewood YMCA Breakers offer competitive swimming programs for youth and adults, creating opportunities for swimmers of all ages and experience levels to build skills, stay active, challenge themselves, and be part of a team.
Our experienced coaching staff focuses on developing technique, endurance, confidence, and a love of swimming while supporting each swimmer’s individual goals. Whether a young swimmer is building their competitive skills or an adult is looking to continue swimming, train for competition, or stay active, the Breakers provide a welcoming team environment built around the Y’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
Breakers Youth Swim Team
Open to swimmers ages 6–18, the Breakers compete at the local, regional, and national levels. The program helps young athletes develop their physical and mental approach to competition while building confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Breakers Masters Swim Team
The Masters program gives adult swimmers the opportunity to train with a team, improve technique and endurance, and pursue personal or competitive swimming goals in a supportive environment. Visit the Breakers Masters web page.
Whether you’re just starting your competitive swimming journey or continuing a lifelong love of the sport, there’s a place for you on the Breakers.
The Ridgewood Y Breakers embraces the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility by promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for young swimmers and teaching the benefits of a team sport.
Our trained coaching staff focuses on athletic development and aims to improve swimmers’ competitive skills and endurance through progression and an appropriate level of competition. It is designed to motivate and challenge swimmers to reach individual goals while still enjoying the benefits of a team sport.
The Breakers program goals:
Introduce and develop the mental and physical aspects of athletic competition
Advance and maximize swimming abilities
Cultivate self-confidence
Teach respect for others
Foster team spirit and support
Open to youth ages 6-18, the Breakers compete on the local, regional, and national level.
youth swim team
Ready to Tryout?
To join the Breakers, you must try out and be
accepted to the team. Short course tryouts happen in August/September and long course in April.
Already on the team?
Visit the team portal page for all team related information: registration details, practice schedule, meets + events, coaches and handbook.
TRYOUT GENERAL INFO
2025-26 SHORT COURSE TRYOUTS WILL OCCUR THU AUG 14, THU SEP 4 + FRI SEP 5
The Breakers have tryouts in the summer and fall for the short course season, and in the spring for the long course season.
Swimmers will be expected to demonstrate the four competitive strokes for the coaches: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
Each age group has specific skills that are required to demonstrate.
MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR TRYING OUT
- Must be able to swim 25 yards of the pool without stopping or needing assistance
- Must be able to swim freestyle and backstroke
MINIMUM CRITERIA TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ACCEPTANCE ONTO THE TEAM
- Must be able to swim 25 yards of the pool without stopping or needing assistance
- Must be able to swim freestyle and backstroke (8 & under)
- Must be able to swim all four competitive strokes (9-12)
- Have previous competitive experience at the BRONZE level or above, be able to swim and train all four strokes, ability to handle 2 hour training sessions 6x a week (13 & over)
- Any swimmer of any age that has achieved NJYMA State Level times and/or NJUSA JO times should contact coaches before registering
SWIMMERS MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR A TIME SLOT FOR THEIR TRYOUT
Swimmers and parents must check in before entering the pool grounds.
Results of the try-outs will be emailed to each family shortly after the conclusion of try out days.
Try-out age is the age of the swimmer on December 1st of the tryout year.
Practice Group Registration
View fees and register for your child’s practice groups below. To register you must be assigned a group by Breakers Coaches. To sign-up or schedule a tryout based on space availability, please contact the VP of Aquatics, Meaghan Donnelly, at [email protected]
Breakers Youth Swim Team
The Ridgewood YMCA Breakers helps young swimmers strive for a healthy, active lifestyle while also embracing the Y’s four core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Our trained coaching staff focuses on athletic development and aims to improve swimmers’ competitive skills and endurance through progression and an appropriate level of competition. It is designed to motivate and challenge swimmers to reach individual goals while still enjoying the benefits of a team sport.
To join the Breakers you must try out and be accepted to the team.
Learn more about all our youth sports programs
Elite

Ages 13-18+
High-Performance Training
Our top-level training group for athletes aiming for state and national competition. Elite emphasizes advanced technique, race preparation, and year-round competitive excellence.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26-27 SC Season | 8/11/26 | 9/20/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 2550.00 | - |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
09/09/26 - 03/26/27
|
Register |
High School Development

Ages 13-18
Fitness & Flexibility
Perfect for high school swimmers seeking to stay in shape and maintain skills. Practices support fitness and occasional competition, with breaks built in for school swim seasons.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26-27 SC Season | 8/11/26 | 3/25/27 | Online / Front Desk | $ 1750.00 | - |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
09/09/26 - 03/25/27
|
Register |
Midnight

Ages 10-11 + Some 12s
Progressive Training & Competition for Age Group Athletes
Midnight athletes are committed to refining technique and increasing training intensity. Swimmers are experienced in competition and preparing for higher levels of performance.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26-27 SC Season | 8/11/26 | 3/25/27 | Online / Front Desk | $ 1800.00 | - |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
09/09/26 - 03/25/27
|
Register |
Navy

Ages 9-13
Intro to Competitive Swimming – A Bridge from Lessons
A semi-competitive group for swimmers transitioning from lessons. Navy introduces dual meets and structured practices while focusing on skill development and teamwork.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26-27 SC Season | 8/11/26 | 3/25/27 | Online / Front Desk | $ 1700.00 | - |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
09/09/26 - 03/25/27
|
Register |
Ocean

Ages 9-10 + Some 11s
Developmental Training & Technique
Ocean is for swimmers with growing proficiency looking to strengthen form and develop training habits. Ideal for athletes new to year-round competitive swimming.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26-27 SC Season | 8/11/26 | 3/25/27 | Online / Front Desk | $ 1700.00 | - |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
09/09/26 - 03/25/27
|
Register |
Senior Prep

Ages 12-18
Pathway to Elite & Multi-Sport Training
A flexible training group for athletes preparing for Elite-level swimming or balancing multiple sports. Focuses on skill refinement, conditioning, and long-term growth.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26-27 SC Season | 8/11/26 | 3/25/27 | Online / Front Desk | $ 1985.00 | - |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
09/09/26 - 03/25/27
|
Register |
Sky

Ages 7-8 + New 9s
Foundations and Building Skills & Technique
Designed for swimmers ready to grow beyond the basics. Sky develops stroke technique, starts, turns, and introduces training structure through engaging drills and practice sets.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/11/26 | 3/25/27 | Online / Front Desk | $ 1600.00 | - |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
09/09/26 - 03/25/27
|
Register |
Slate

Ages 5-7
Foundations of Competitive Swimming
A fun and welcoming introduction to competitive swimming. Swimmers build water confidence and learn foundational stroke skills in a positive, small-group setting.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-26 SC Season | 8/11/26 | 3/25/27 | Online / Front Desk | $ 1350.00 | - |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
09/09/26 - 03/25/27
|
Register |
Slate | Ages 5-7
Foundations of Competitive Swimming
A fun and welcoming introduction to competitive swimming. Swimmers build water confidence and learn foundational stroke skills in a positive, small-group setting.
Sky | Ages 7-8 + New 9s
Foundations and Building Skills & Technique
Designed for swimmers ready to grow beyond the basics. Sky develops stroke technique, starts, turns, and introduces training structure through engaging drills and practice sets.
Ocean | Ages 9-10 + Some 11s
Developmental Training & Technique
Ocean is for swimmers with growing proficiency looking to strengthen form and develop training habits. Ideal for athletes new to year-round competitive swimming.
Cobalt | Ages 9-10 + Some 11s
Elevated Development and Competition Readiness
A group for younger athletes with a solid foundation and competitive spirit. Cobalt emphasizes advanced technique, aerobic development, and race strategy.
Midnight | Ages 10-11 + Some 12s
Progressive Training & Competition for Age Group Athletes
Midnight athletes are committed to refining technique and increasing training intensity. Swimmers are experienced in competition and preparing for higher levels of performance.
Navy | Ages 9-13
Intro to Competitive Swimming – A Bridge from Lessons
A semi-competitive group for swimmers transitioning from lessons. Navy introduces dual meets and structured practices while focusing on skill development and teamwork.
High School Development | Ages 14-18
Fitness & Flexibility
Perfect for high school swimmers seeking to stay in shape and maintain skills. Practices support fitness and occasional competition, with breaks built in for school swim seasons.
Senior Prep | Ages 12-18
Pathway to Elite & Multi-Sport Training
A flexible training group for athletes preparing for Elite-level swimming or balancing multiple sports. Focuses on skill refinement, conditioning, and long-term growth.
Elite | Ages 13-18+
High-Performance Training
Our top-level training group for athletes aiming for state and national competition. Elite emphasizes advanced technique, race preparation, and year-round competitive excellence.
Breakers FAQ
How do you communicate with Families?
The Breakers use several communication channels:
- Email: Weekly newsletters, reminders, and meet sign-ups
- TeamUnify Text & Push Notifications: Cancellations, urgent updates, injuries, and changes
- Instagram: @RY_breakers
What are the behavior expectations?
We expect all swimmers, parents, coaches, and officials to contribute to a safe, respectful, and positive team environment. Bullying will not be tolerated.
Swimmers are expected to follow USA Swimming and Safe Sport guidelines. Parents should follow the Parent Code of Conduct, while coaches and officials follow YMCA and USA Swimming codes of conduct.
The Breakers use a progressive discipline process designed to keep practices and meets safe, respectful, and focused:
- First offense: Verbal warning
- Second offense: Final warning
- Third offense: 5-minute sit-out and expectations review
- Fourth offense: Parent contact and a plan for improvement
Additional steps may be taken depending on the severity and frequency of the behavior.
Does my swimmer need a USA Swimming Membership?
It depends on the swimmer’s group and the meets they participate in.
- Semi-Comp & most YMCA meets: USA Swimming membership is not required
- 8 & Unders / some 9–10s: FLEX membership, which covers up to two meets per year; swimmers can upgrade later
- High School Development: Required only for specific meets
- Midnight, Senior Prep & Elite: Premium membership required
Are meet fees refundable?
No. Meet fees are not refundable once entries have been accepted.
Where are my team and meet fees charged?
- Team practice season fees and YMCA memberships: YMCA account
- Meet fees, tryout fees, and registration: TeamUnify
What are the group bins and folders used for?
Each practice group has a labeled bin with hanging folders for individual swimmers.
Folders may be used for:
- Medals after meets
- Notes before meets
- Coach communications
Swimmers should avoid touching folders with wet hands or disturbing posted materials.
can my swimmer take lessons outside of breakers?
Yes. If your swimmer takes private lessons, please let the Breakers coaching staff know.
Sharing this information helps coaches avoid giving conflicting technique cues. The team cannot assume responsibility for techniques taught outside of the Breakers program.
why might my swimmer's progress slow down
Improvement isn’t always linear. Sometimes a swimmer may work for months to gain just fractions of a second.
Performance can be affected by many factors, including:
- Puberty and growth spurts
- Hormonal changes and menstrual cycles
- Mental stress
- Other training
- Nutrition
These are just some of the factors that can influence training and performance.
How should swimmer's handle setbacks?
Failure is part of learning. Allowing athletes to feel, recover, and return helps them develop resilience—not only for higher-level competition, but for life beyond the pool.
what if my swimmer isn't feeling motivated?
Motivation naturally comes and goes. The goal is to build the habit of showing up, even when motivation is low.
are there options for swimmers experiencing puberty?
Yes. Funkita and Modibodi offer period swimwear that can provide additional comfort and confidence in the pool.
Are Parents expected to volunteer?
Yes. Parents, coaches, liaisons, and the STPO board all play an important role in making the Breakers the best team it can be.
All parents are expected to help with meets and committees.
How can I volunteer?
There are many ways to help, including:
- Timers, runners, and marshals
- Meet set-up and take-down
- Concessions
- Awards
- Merchandise
- Console operator
- Meet officials
- Social events
- Fundraising
- Yearbook
- Alumni activities
Some roles, such as console operator and official, require training. Volunteer sign-ups can be done here:
Why should I become a meet official?
Officials are an important part of making meets happen. Becoming an official allows you to:
- Fill an important need at meets
- Better understand disqualification (DQ) rules
- Serve as a role model for swimmers
- Get one of the best views on deck
- Meet other members of the swimming community
- Receive free admission, food, and drinks
Meet FAQ
How do I request specific meet sessions or events for my swimmer?
Meet declarations and session requests must be submitted through TeamUnify when registering. Use the Notes field to include event requests or date restrictions.
Requests submitted by email will not be accepted.
How do I declare my swimmer for a meet
Meet declarations are completed through TeamUnify.
Once entries have been accepted by the meet host, athletes cannot be removed, so please review your declaration carefully before submitting it.
What are Duel Meets?
Dual Meets include all age groups, with two boys’ teams and two girls’ teams. Teams are assigned at random.
The focus is on having fun, gaining meet experience, and achieving qualifying swims.
Are meet fees refundable?
No. Meet fees are not refundable once entries have been accepted.
What are Invitational and Championship Meets?
Invitationals and Championship Meets may require qualifying times and may include multiple age groups.
For YMCA Championship Meets, athletes must participate in three closed YMCA meets to qualify.
Where are my team and meet fees charged?
- Team practice season fees and YMCA memberships: YMCA account
- Meet fees, tryout fees, and registration: TeamUnify
Can swimmers use their phones and other devices at meets?
Devices may be used only for:
- Listening to music
- Briefly contacting a parent
- Checking heats and lanes on Meet Mobile
What should swimmers do instead of spending time on devices?
We encourage swimmers to:
- Interact with teammates and cheer each other on
- Play cards or participate in other low-key activities
- Warm up and warm down when opportunities are available