Vikings Swim Squad
Transitioning from the Kings Swim Programme to the London squad under Olympic Coach Todd Mason presents swimmers with an unparalleled opportunity. Todd’s extensive experience and expertise, with over 47 years of experience, has consistently propelled swimmers from the Kings Swim School to the highest levels of competition both nationally and internationally. In 2023 Vikings had swimmers attend the Youth Commonwealth Games, the World Junior Championships along with several state championships in Australia.
At Vikings, our ethos emphasises more than just winning; we strive to cultivate well-rounded individuals within a close-knit swim community. Here, swimmers build long lasting friendships while embracing the values of strength, camaraderie, competitiveness, and passion.
Progression through Squad Levels
London Squad
Swimmers new to competitive swimming – our Vikings rising stars! Swimmers will be competing at local meets.
x3 trainings per week.
Rio Squad
Swimmers regularly competing at local and regional meets and aiming for NZ Division II qualifying times.
x 6 trainings per week.
Tokyo Squad
Athletes swimming at regional champs, Division II and National Age Group level.
x 7 trainings per week.
Paris Squad
Athletes competing at NZ Opens, National Age Groups and NZ Short Course Champs.
x 9 trainings per week.
You’ll receive access to:
Free Vikings Caps x2
Flippers & Vikings Swim Bag (bond required)
Competing at swim meets across Christchurch and New Zealand
Olympic Coaches
Access to ordering Vikings Clothing for swim meets
London to Paris Squad Training
The Vikings comprehensive training programmes for our London to Paris Squads encompasses various aspects of technique and skills to ensure their readiness for competitive high performance swimmers.
Swimmers begin with warm-up routines both on land and in the water, and are primed to optimise their performance. Dedicated sessions then focus on refining swim technique, honing each stroke to maximise efficiency and speed in the water.
Endurance training forms a crucial component of the programme, building the physical and mental resilience necessary to sustain prolonged efforts during the swim journey.
Swimmers are provided with opportunities to engage in various swim competitions at home, away or internationally, allowing them to apply their skills in a competitive environment and fine-tune their race strategies. Through this holistic approach, participants are equipped with the skills and conditioning required to excel in the London to Paris challenge.
Cost:
London Squad: $160 per month
Rio Squad: $200 per month
Tokyo Squad: $225 per month
Paris Squad: $260 per month
+ Vikings Annual Membership Fee
Introducing our Head Coach - Todd Mason
Todd embarked on his swimming journey in 1977 as a member of the Tawa Swim Club. Transitioning to coaching in 1990, he began his career with the same club. Subsequently, Todd sought new coaching opportunities, leading him to Napier before settling in Christchurch in 1999, where he assumed the coaching role at Wharenui Swim Club.
The Vikings Club was established in 2014, with Todd Mason being appointed as Head Coach, bringing with him a wealth of experience to the club, leading the club with professionalism and dedication. Todd has served as a National Age Group Coach and contributed as one of the coaches for the 2004 Athens Olympic Swim Team, simultaneously taking on the role of Swim Team Manager. Todd’s coaching prowess has earned him recognition as a ‘carded coach’ through the NZ Academy of Sport. Holding a SNZ Level Three coaching certification, he also boasts numerous learn-to-swim accreditations.
Todd’s Career Highlights:
– Coaching Annabelle Carey to the 2004
– Coach for Athens Olympics 2024
– Multiple National open and Age Group level Champions
– Forming Vikings Swim Team in 2013
– Construction of the new pool in 2023
– Domestic Para Coach of the Year Finalist 2024
Vikings Swim Club team philosophy is: learning to grow through competitive swimming. We are about having fun and encouraging everyone to achieve his or her full potential as a swimmer and as a person.
When you become a Viking, you’re not just joining a swim team, you’re becoming part of the Viking Swim Family, where we balance rigorous training with an enjoyable atmosphere.
For more information about competition swimming and Vikings Swim Club, contact Todd at todd@swimkings.co.nz.
