Evo Swim School

Getting your child in the water at an early age has lots of benefits! Here are just a few…

> A fun activity you can do together
> Learn to swim at an earlier age
> NOW IT’S AFFORDABLE!!

1 lesson per week rates:
> FREE for 6 months and younger
> $28 per month for 7 to 9 months old
> $56 per month 10 months and older

The Starfish class requires an adult to be in the water with each baby. First time swimmers (ages 3 to 15 months) will focus on a basic introduction to the water with emphasis placed on becoming relaxed, holding their breath and participation in a group setting. A great bonding experience for both parent and tot!

Enroll or take a break at any time. Call us today at 480-404-6191 for details or complete the pre-registration form online to get your enrollment started.

EVO Swim School is an evolutionary learn-to-swim facility with complete resources to offer the very best in aquatic instruction for infants, children, pre-competitive swimmers, highly competitive swimmers, and adults.

Learning to swim has evolved in two ways. First, our progressive approach to instruction is more than just bubbles and back floats. Our students actually learn to swim, are confident in the water, and emerge as happy and safe swimmers.

Secondly, from babies all the way to college-bound student athletes, we have the ability to offer the very best in aquatic instruction for every age and at every level.

EVO is the first step in our evolutionary approach to swimming. EVO Swim School will teach your child to swim and introduce them to the competitive strokes. Beyond that, our club swim component, know as the RIO Salado Swim Club, manages the competitive side of swimming. Our Pre- Competitive Swim Team is a great way to introduce your child to the world of competitive swimming. As our athletes develop their skills, they have the opportunity to train and compete with our Competitive Squad where are goal is to help athletes prepare to swim in college.

Wherever your child fits into our program, our ultimate goal is to teach them how to swim for safety first, then for backyard fun, then for fitness…and finally for competition.

We are so confident in our highly trained staff that we offer a 100% money back guarantee if you are not fully satisfied after your first four lessons.

With several locations in the east valley including Chandler, Gilbert, and Queen Creek, there is a convenient place for your child to participate.

This is why EVO Swim School is the place “Where Learning to Swim Has Evolved”!

Have you ever wondered what the next step in your child’s progression is past the Development Training Program. The Competitive Junior 1 Group is designed for swimmers that have been recruited directly from our Development Training Program. This program enables them to receive the next level of coaching with a focus on core competitive stroke fundamentals. Athletes ages 8 to 14 years old can be eligible for this group. However, children of like ages will practice in separate groups. Athletes will swim 2x per week for 1.25 or 1.5 hours per practice (depending on age and ability).

We have the most qualified coach in the state to lead this group. Coach Melissa Ripley has been coaching age group swimmers for over 40 years. Melissa is a three time Olympic gold medalist in 1972 and has devoted her life to the sport. She is a perfectionist and loves to teach sound fundamentals to kids who want to the be the best they can be. Read Melissa’s full bio below.

Required Equipment (Items stocked at both EVO locations)
> Kick board
> Center-mount snorkel
> Fins
> Duckie fins
> Pull buoy
> Water bottle
> Mesh equipment bag
> Team cap
> Team suit

BIO: MELISSA BELOTE RIPLEY – THREE TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST

Melissa Louise Belote was born on October 16, 1956 in Washington D.C. and grew up in Springfield, Virginia. She has been called one of America’s greatest swimmers. Melissa is the middle child of Florence and Buddy Belote. She has two sisters Barbara and Jenny.

Melissa first appeared on the national swimming scene at the age of 12 (1969) when she qualified for her first United States National Championship.

In 1972, Melissa won both the 100 and 200 meter Backstroke at the United States Olympic Trials and set a world record in the 200 meter Backstroke.

Later that year in Munich, Germany, Melissa led the women’s American Swim Team as she won three Gold Medals. She placed first in the 100 meter Backstroke, setting an Olympic and American record. She finished first in the 200 meter Backstroke setting a World, Olympic, and American record. She also swam the lead off leg on the World, Olympic, and American record setting 400 Medley Relay team.

In 1973, Melissa continued her dominance when she won the 200 meter Backstroke at the World Championships.

In 1976, Melissa made her second Olympic team, which competed in Montreal, Canada. Melissa finished fifth in the 200 meter Backstroke, setting a new American record.

From 1970 to 1979, Melissa won 8 AAU Individual National Championships and was a 16 time AAU All-American. She also won 6 individual National Collegiate Swimming Championships and led her college team, Arizona State University to two National Championships. Melissa was a four-year All-American at Arizona State University.

In 1972 and 1973, Melissa was the runner-up for the Sullivan Award, the highest amateur award recognized in the United States. In 1977, she won the Broderick Award as the Outstanding Women’s Collegiate Swimmer in America.

Melissa is in the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, the Washington Hall of Stars, the Arizona State University Athletic Hall of Fame, and the International Swimming Hall of Fame. In 1999 Melissa was selected to the United States Swimming “Team of the Century,” as well as, Sports Illustrated Top 50 Athletes from the state of Virginia, and the Arizona Republic Newspapers Top 100 Athletes of Arizona.

Melissa has been involved with swimming, either as a swimmer or coach, since 1965 when she started competing as an 8 year old at her community swim club, Springfield Swim & Racquet Club. In addition to her coaching responsibilities as Head Age Group Coach at Rio Salado Swim Club, Melissa is the Head Swim Coach at McClintock High School.

Melissa is married to Richard A. Ripley and they have two children, Rachel Alexandra (28) and Erik Alexander (26). Rachel swam at the University of Missouri and graduated in 2013. Erik swam at Towson University and graduated in May 2015.

Melissa Belote Ripley
> 40 year’s coaching age group swimming, 14 years High School coaching
> Four time All-American for Arizona State University
> Six time National Collegiate Champion for Arizona State University
> Olympian (1972 & 1976)
> Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist (World, Olympic and American Record holder)
> World Champion 1973 – 200 m Backstroke
> Sullivan Award Runner-up (1972 & 1973) – Top Amateur Athlete in American
> Broderick Award (now called Honda Award) for Outstanding Women’s Collegiate Swimmer (1977)
> Fiesta Bowl All-American (1977)
> Arizona Republic Newspaper – Women Athlete of the Year (1977 & 1978)
> Inducted into the Arizona State University Athletic Hall of Fame (1981)
> Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame (1983)
> Inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame (1989)
> Sports Illustrated Top 50 Virginia Athletes (1999)
> Arizona Republic 100 Greatest Arizona Athletes (1999)
> USA Swimming – Female 200 Backstroker of the Century
> Named to the PAC 12 All-Century Team – 100 Years of Champions, 1915 – 2015
> Inducted into the Arizona Swimming Hall of Fame (2016)

Miss Addison started at EVO, as an Otter, when she was just 2 1/2 years old.

Below is her success story (narrated by her Mother):

“I was very nervous for Addison on that day because at that age she didn’t like men at all. Coach Bryn was amazing with her. She quickly graduated that Otter level, and several other levels.

At 6 years old she has graduated the top lessons level Dolphin and is now eligible for the swim team!

Coach Bryn has been with her every step of the way along with Coach Ashley and Coach Nick who are all so proud of her.

Thank you EVO for your outstanding swim program and the talented coaches you have!”

When your child begins to take lessons at our Gilbert swim school, one of the first things they will learn is how to hold their breath underwater. This skill is not only important for their safety, but also for their comfort so they can grow to be independent, strong swimmers.

In EVO’s Otter classes, our skilled instructors will teach your child the basics of holding their breath. Like any other form of education, the most successful swim students are the ones that practice outside the “classroom.”

After taking your child home from their swim lessons, try playing a few of these games so they can practice their new skills.

Bathtub play: Pour large cups of water over your child’s head while in the bathtub. This kills two birds with one stone by helping them learn how to hold their breath and get used to having water in the face. Make sure you count to three before you pour the water to give them a familiar signal that it’s time to take a deep breathe and pucker up!

Bubble blowing: Encourage them to blow bubbles. This easy activity helps them learn breath control and how to expel air when their mouth is underwater.

“Eyes wet:” See how long your child can keep their “eyes wet” in the tub or pool. Count while they put their face in the water and hold it there. Shoot for 5 seconds at first (making sure they come up for air before they get uncomfortable or scared), and work your way up to 10 seconds at a time.

Submerge intervals: In the pool or bathtub, count out loud to three, and submerge your child under the water just until their entire head gets wet. Do this on an interval of every 5-10 seconds. This helps them learn how to hold their breath, then breathe, then prepare to hold their breath again many times in a row. Start with one submersion, and work your way up until they’re comfortable doing it up to ten times in row.

Want more tips on how to help your child be the best swimmer they can be? Contact our Gilbert swim school staff at 480-539-2660.

>As a parent signing your child up for our Gilbert swimming lessons, you’re probably feeling a wave of excitement, questions, and maybe even a few concerns. “When should I start teaching them how to swim?” “How many lessons do they need?” “Should I buy any gear or equipment?”

At EVO Swim School, our goal is to offer the very best aquatic instruction for infants, children, pre-competitive swimmers, and adults. Part of that instruction includes helping people be knowledgeable and confident swimmers, so from time to time, Owner David Tait will discuss answers to some of the common questions he receives from parents and students at our school.

This month, David welcomes a special guest — his wife, Kim — to share advice about how to respond when your child complains about taking swimming lessons.

1. What are the most common complaints you hear from kids about swim lessons?

David: The most common complaint I hear from our young students is not wanting to go to lessons because they are not yet confident and/or comfortable in the water yet. Most kids are just uncomfortable until they figure out they can swim on their own. Think about how you felt when you were learning to ride a bike! That’s probably how your child is feeling now.

Kim: The one thing I’ve noticed is that every single child goes through an adjustment period when being introduced to formal swim lessons. Some (few) adapt more quickly and are happily swimming along in no time. Others (most) are not so keen on things like dipping their head underwater and may put on a good show of how upset they are about it.

2. Where do you think those complaints stem from?

David: Uncertainty is #1. Sometimes, kids feel pressured or scared of swimming, but that’s often just uncertainty in disguise. Fortunately, our swimming instructors have specific techniques for building confidence so they feel more secure and less fearful.

3. What should parents and coaches say to address those common complaints?

David: The #1 mistake parents make is giving a child who doesn’t know how to swim the “option” of taking swimming lessons. They must understand that this is mandatory, not a choice. This is for their own benefit and safety.

If a child feels like they have a say in the matter, they normally cry and rebel much harder and longer, whereas if they feel like it’s just a fact of life, they will be far more teachable and willing to try new things.

EVO’s coaches talk to parents to let them know that crying is normal and not a cause for concern or embarrassment. Tears are part of the game and can easily be washed away if the parents support the coach’s instruction. Kids cry every day, but they also overcome those tears every day!

Kim: Agreed. Our children went through various periods of crying during swim lessons. You can imagine how frustrating this was for us! But we realized early on that it is a very common and natural response for any beginner.

Their response is very similar to when I dropped my children off for their first day of school. It is a new environment where they are being challenged to do difficult things that might be outside of their comfort zone. But in the end, I knew the same thing about swim lessons that I knew about their classroom: If I am consistent and encouraging, they will grow confident in their abilities. If I – as their mom – am strong, and try not to validate their fears by rushing in and “rescuing” them, they will soon realize that a swim lesson is not something to be afraid of!

4. Any other words of wisdom for parents trying to help their kids overcome their fears and embrace the water?

Kim: Starting to take our Gilbert swimming lessons comes with lots of uncertainty, but I know a few things for sure:

A. The instructors your children are working with are top notch.
B. Children are capable of doing hard things.
C. Learning to swim in Arizona is not really optional. Kids can cry during lessons as a three year old, or they can cry during lessons as a ten year old. Either way, they have to learn sometime!

Today, our children are happy, confident swimmers. We wish our students and their family the same success. As a parent, the greatest thing you can do for your child may be to step outside of their eyesight and let an amazing, qualified instructor teach them the life-saving skill of swimming. Your child may find this uncomfortable at first…and in all honesty, so will you! But, like most difficult things, it is well worth it. And, in the end, you know as well as we do…they can totally do it!

For more advice from David and Kim or information about swim lessons at EVO, get in touch with us at 480-404-6191.

EVO Swim School is an evolutionary learn-to-swim facility with complete resources to offer the very best in aquatic instruction for infants, children, pre-competitive swimmers, and adults. Our approach to aquatic instruction inspired our company name and motto: “Where Learning to Swim Has Evolved”.

Swim at one of our three east valley locations! Click HERE for a class schedule or call anytime with questions.

480-404-6191
SanTan Gilbert Location
Spectrum Gilbert Location
Queen Creek Location

As teenage and adult swimmers begin taking EVO’s Gilbert swimming lessons, they often ask about other training they should or shouldn’t do to improve their endurance and performance. Weight lifting is an integral part of most athletes’ training, but many swimmers hesitate to do it for fear of bulking up and creating drag that reduces their speed. But is this fact or fiction?

We’re busting this myth!

Not only is it ok for swimmers to do strength training, but it’s actually encouraged because of the many benefits it helps achieve:

Increases speed

Contrary to common belief, lifting weights can increase a swimmer’s speed because it helps build the arm, leg, shoulder, and back muscles that propel you through the water faster.

Liberty University assistant swim coach Jessica Barnes explains, “Weight training was absolutely beneficial to my swimming in college [at Penn State]. Before college I had never lifted, only did pull-ups for strength work; therefore, I knew I had a lot of room for improvement in getting stronger and increasing my muscle mass. I put on 15 pounds of muscle over the course of my four years, and as a result of getting stronger outside of the pool, I got faster in the pool.”

Helps prevent injuries

Weight lifting also increases bone density while strengthening tendons, ligaments, and weak areas that are prone to injuries, like a swimmer’s shoulders. USA Swimming suggests several dry land exercises for improving strength and preventing injuries, including:

Rows
Presses
Pull-ups
Deadlifts
Squats
Lunges

Keeps your body in shape during the off-season

Unless your swim team practices year-round, there are going to be weeks on end — perhaps months — when you aren’t swimming as regularly. Although the main season is usually seen as prime training time, what happens during the off-season is equally (if not more) important. Many swimmers take time off, indulge in foods that are normally off limits, and cut back on their training. However, those who keep up with their diet and exercise routine (including weight lifting) not only stay in better shape during the off-season, but also have a faster and easier transition back into the pool.

Swimming World reports several areas that swimmers can focus on improving by doing strength training during off-peak times, including healing injuries, strengthening weak links, improving body composition, and increasing overall athleticism.

Boosts mental health

Weight lifting isn’t just good for the body — it’s good for the mind and soul too. Studies show strength training reduces stress, releases endorphins that make you feel happier, increases your energy, and provides many other mental and emotional benefits.

Based on these facts, it’s safe to say that swimmers should ignore this myth and embrace strength training! For more information on EVO’s Gilbert swimming lessons, as well as tips on how to safely and effectively incorporate weight lifting into your routine, contact us at 480-539-2660.

We recently received some feedback from a current customer with EVO Swim School. We wanted to take this opportunity to share their story of success.

To whom it may concern at EVO,

I thought I would take the time to share an experience our family recently had. It was a scary moment, but ended well, and is a great reminder about the need for pool safety, strong swim skills, and an understanding of what drowning looks like.

I debated it in my head, but I really think this story may be beneficial for others to hear. This summer we had a scary moment in the pool with friends. It was only a moment, but it really reminded me how important swim safety is.

Two families were getting into a pool to swim. I was already in the pool with several kids, my own and friends. Both of my boys are well trained and excellent swimmers for their ages, so I am always close at hand, but seldom worried. My youngest Joshua was about four feet behind me. Suddenly I hear, “He’s drowning me!”

I turned around and it took a few seconds to register the two bobbing children before me. His friend had gotten into the pool, but was not wearing the puddle jumper (flotation device) that he normally does. Of course this friend panicked not being able to swim. And naturally he reached out and grabbed onto my son. It seems it was seconds, maybe 20-30 (?), that the boys struggled and bobbed silently in the water before my son was able to call out. All of this happening while I was directly next to them. I was able to reach the children and pull the non-swimmer child off and both were then safe. Of course they were both terribly upset and their mothers both stunned. We talked about pool safety and how to handle a drowning situation.

Friends, pool safety is serious business. Drowning is silent and quick. Don’t ever assume because your children are strong swimmers that they are safe in the water. There’s really no such thing. Also, please consider that most Swim School’s discourage any use of flotation devices for non-swimming children as they give them a false sense security in water. It only takes one time for a child to enter the water forgetting their customary flotation device to then be in real and immediate danger of drowning.

I’m so thankful for a positive outcome to those few, but potentially lethal, seconds in the pool. I have to tell you I’m thankful for every penny I have ever spent on swim lessons and safety training. I feel the tender mercies of heaven that both little boys were unscathed.

Please take the time to learn about pool safety, teach pool safety to your kids, and practice what to do in a pool emergency.
I highly recommend any swim program that is a member of, and follows, the U.S. Swim School Association guidelines and teaching methods. Our family has chosen EVO Swim School and Rio Salado Swim Team.”

Thank you for being the swim instructors for my family. My son Joshua’s (age 5) strength as a swimmer helped him save himself, and his friend, long enough for a parent to intervene. We love what you do here at EVO Swim School and want to thank everyone for the opportunity to teach our little swimmers how to become strong and safe in the water.

Thank You!

Wendy Morris

Signing up your child for lessons at our Gilbert swim school unleashes a wave of excitement, questions, and maybe even a few concerns. When should I start teaching them how to swim? How many lessons do they need? Should I buy any gear or equipment?

At EVO Swim School, our goal is to offer the very best aquatic instruction for infants, children, pre-competitive swimmers, and adults. Part of that instruction includes helping people be knowledgeable and confident swimmers, so from time to time, Owner David Tait will share answers to some of the common questions he receives from parents and students at our school.

This month, David shares his advice about how long it takes to master each level of swimming lessons and move up to the next one.

1. How long should a child take swimming lessons if they just want to be a backyard swimmer, not swim competitively?

David: Every child should begin swimming lessons no later than the age of three. After that, the time it takes to master certain skills is very different for every person. It depends on how early you start, how confident you are in the water, and how consistently you come to swimming lessons.

To be a good backyard swimmer, we recommend completing our first three levels of instruction to learn the following skills:

Otter teaches the basics of independent swimming.
Seal teaches more advanced skills for swimming longer distances and helps children fully master the safety skill of rolling on their back while taking a breath.
Sea Lion teaches kids how to freestyle. We have found that children who finish this level are very confident in the water and know how to keep themselves in a safe, horizontal position by rolling on their back for a breath and kicking to propel them through the water.

It is also important to note that all of our levels are based on ability, not age or the amount of time spent taking lessons. Each child can and will progress as fast as they are able to demonstrate the master skills being taught at each level.

2. What are the primary skills someone needs to master to be a successful backyard swimmer?

David: They should know how to:

Swim while staying relaxed
Swim in a horizontal position, which requires their entire face to be in the water
Roll onto their back while kicking their feet (the safest and easiest way to breathe while swimming)

3. How long do students usually stay in each Development Swim Team level before moving up?

David: This is very hard to say. Just like swimming lessons, every person progresses at different rates based on a variety of variables. However, we have listed the basic requirements for each Development Team training group for a feel of what each level is capable of doing.

Development Swim Team

Advanced Stroke Group: Can display the basics of all four strokes.
Development I Group: All four strokes are displayed by legal standards of USA Swimming. A flip turn with a streamlined push off the wall can also demonstrated.
Development II Group: Proficient in all four strokes, starts, and turns.
High School Development Group: Improve technique with all of the above skills in an age appropriate group.

No matter your age or swimming abilities, EVO welcomes everyone at our Gilbert swim school and lets you take swimming lessons at your own pace. Want your child to become an independent swimmer so they can swim safely in the backyard, ocean, or lake? No problem. Looking for a way to continue their training with a Development or Competitive team? Awesome! Wish you could swim just for exercise without worrying about your form or performance? We’ve got you covered. Regardless of your goals, we have plenty of options for the whole family.

For more advice from David or information about swim lessons, get in touch with EVO Swim School at 480-404-6191.