Not exactly predator...

My son is now a Barracuda.

He has garnered this title by signing up for the local swim club. A swim club, I have been learning, is not the same thing as a swim team. Oh, there were tryouts-- but they were simply designed to gauge a minimum level of ability. Any child who could swim a length of the pool (25 yards) without stopping, could join. And they have competitions-- but meets are entirely optional; you may sign up for them or not, at your preference. And they have regularly scheduled practices 4-5 days a week-- but they are not mandatory. You pay a set amount at the beginning of each "season," (about 6 months), and then it's up to you whether you use it or not. Most folks apparently go 2-3 days each week. They have coaches-- but their job is to teach form first, and then distance and speed. Kyle's skill group will be working on the four basic strokes. Only when one reaches a given level of proficiency does one move up to the next level.

This setup will suit us well. Dad likes the schedule: the flexibility with practices will allow us to get Kyle there regularly, while still working around jobs and school. Mom is happy about the sport having a low possibility for injury, and encouraging an interest he can enjoy for the rest of his life. That, and we don't have to buy a whole gob of new equipment for him to get started. Only a swimsuit and towel, and he already has those. And Kyle is thrilled about the prospect of time in the water, and the structure suits both his cautious and his competitive nature. He will be able to compete, without being pushed before he feels ready.

I think this will be a good thing.