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    FAQ

    Who can join Westside Thunder? Westside Thunder is open to adults 18 years and older who already have swimming skills, are aware how to do all the main four strokes and are comfortable participating in a coached lap-swimming workout.
    Do I need previous Masters or competitive swimming experience? No. Previous Masters or competitive swimming experience is not required. Our members have a range of backgrounds, from recreational and fitness swimmers to triathletes, open-water swimmers and former competitive swimmers.
    Do I need to already know how to swim? Yes. Westside Thunder is not a learn-to-swim program. Members should already be comfortable and independent in the water and have a basic understanding of the main swimming strokes.
    How strong of a swimmer do I need to be? As a general guideline, swimmers should be comfortable swimming approximately 100 metres continuously (4 lengths of the pool) and be able to participate in repeated lengths during a structured one-hour practice. You do not need to be fast or have perfect technique.
    Do I need to know all four strokes? Members should have a basic understanding of the main swimming strokes.
    • Freestyle
    • Backstroke
    • Breaststroke 
    • Butterfly 

    Coaching and stroke correction are provided to help swimmers improve technique.
    I'm not sure if I'm ready. What should I do? Contact us and tell us a little about your current swimming experience. We’ll be happy to help you determine whether Westside Thunder is a good fit.
    Or show up and check us out for a class, and see if we are the right fit for you. 
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    Membership, Registration & Fees

    How do I join? All members create a SwimTopia account and complete the Westside Thunder swimmer registration form, including the required waivers and MSABC registration.
    What does membership cost? Members can choose between $50 per month or an 8-swim punch pass for $60. Punch passes do not expire.
    Is there an annual registration fee? Yes. All swimmers pay a $25 annual MSABC registration fee to Westside Thunder. The club collects the fee and forwards the required registration payment to MSABC on the swimmer’s behalf.
    How do I pay? Send payment by eTransfer to [email protected]
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    Swimming Goals & Competition

    Do I have to compete? No. Members can swim for fitness, technique, endurance, triathlon or open-water preparation, personal goals, or competition. Swim meets are optional.
    Can Westside Thunder help me train for a triathlon or open-water swim? Yes. The structured workouts can help build swimming fitness, endurance and technique that are useful for triathlon and open-water events.
    Does the club attend swim meets? Members may have opportunities to participate in Masters meets and other events during the season. Details and registration information can be shared through SwimTopia as events become available.
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    Practices and Coaching

    When do you swim? Practices are held Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre in West Kelowna.
    What time should I arrive? Please arrive a few minutes early and be ready to enter the pool on time. Warm-up begins promptly at 8:00 PM.
    Who coaches the practices? Practices are led by Coach Tina Pomponio, who provides structured workouts along with stroke development and technique feedback.
    What does a typical practice look like? A typical workout may offer approximately 2 km of swimming over the hour. Swimmers are encouraged to adjust the workout based on their ability, fitness and individual goals.
    What should I bring to practice? Come prepared for lap swimming with:
    • A lap-swimming or training swimsuit that is comfortable, secure and designed for active swimming
    • Goggles
    • A swim cap if you have longer hair
    • A towel
    • A water bottle

    Loose recreational swimwear, such as board shorts, is generally not well suited to a structured swim workout because it creates additional drag and can make swimming more difficult.
    Is more equipment required?  Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre has common training equipment available for swimmers to use during practice, including fins, paddles, kickboards and pull buoys, so you do not need to purchase your own equipment before joining.

    You’re welcome to bring your own equipment if you prefer. Please make sure it is designed for lap-swimming or swim training. For example, swim-training fins are appropriate, while long snorkeling or scuba fins are not suitable for practice.
    Will I be expected to keep up with everyone else?

    No. Westside Thunder uses several lanes to accommodate different swimming speeds and abilities.

    Swimmers are grouped with others who swim at a similar pace, so you do not need to keep up with the fastest swimmers in the pool. You are, however, expected to be able to maintain the general pace of the lane you are swimming in so that the workout flows safely and smoothly for everyone.
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    SwimTopia

    Why do I need a SwimTopia account? SwimTopia is Westside Thunder’s team portal. Your account is used to complete registration and waivers and will also be used for club communications, meets, events and other team activities throughout the season.
    I already have a SwimTopia account. Do I need another one? No. Sign in using your existing SwimTopia account and complete the Westside Thunder registration.
    I'm having trouble with registration. Who do I contact? Please reach out 
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    Club & Community

    Is Westside Thunder social as well as competitive? Absolutely. Members train toward different goals, but a big part of the club is swimming alongside familiar faces, encouraging one another and enjoying the social side of training
    How do I stay up to date with club news? Direct them to SwimTopia for official team information and your Facebook group for club updates and community posts.
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    Contact Us









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    2026 Westside Thunder Masters Swim Club
    West Kelowna, BC

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