2026 Programs

RISE & SWIM
Before-school Program for Middle Schoolers

Middle school is a massive transition — physical changes, craving independence, and a faster pace of life.

Led by Coach Skyler Findley, Rise & Swim provides a grounding, high-energy environment every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:15–8:00 AM at the Elks Club.

Each morning features Coach Skyler’s unique mix of 30 minutes in the water and 15 minutes of deck-side executive functioning — including gratitude, mindfulness, and goal setting — ensuring students head to class with clarity.

True professional coaching is integrated with playful warm-ups to sharpen focus and foster a resilient, positive mindset before the first bell rings.

Rooted in Harvard psychiatrist Dr. John Ratey’s research, the program uses morning activity to boost academic performance, elevate mood, and sharpen concentration.

With Coach Skyler at the helm, Rise & Swim emphasizes community over competition, helping teenagers find authentic friendships and a supportive team that empowers them for the day ahead.

SHINE & SETTLE
Swim Lessons

Sundays · 7-week fall session

The Big Chill Warmup

Maybe your swimmer just wants great lessons — and that’s exactly what this is.

Beginner lessons for ages 7–9 and 10–13, built on the same gamified approach as The Big Chill.

What Your Swimmer Gets:

• Fun games with a focus on stroke technique

• Careful placement alongside kids at their level

• Friendships that form right alongside the skills

• A steady path toward The Big Chill, when ready

** Friday may become an option too, depending on interest — let us know if that day works better for your family.

Our Shine & Settle coaches will be announced soon.

THE BIG CHILL SWIM CLUB

Ages 6-8 & 8–13

Ages 6-8: Monday, 3:30-4:20

Ages 8-13: Monday, 4:30–5:30 PM
Ages: 8-13: Tuesday, 5:30–6:30 PM

Part diving well. Part lane workout. Part land games. All fun.

Practice, disguised as a party.

Themes, music, and games that make effort feel like play — sharks and minnows, noodle relays, invent-a-stroke. It flies by, and it never feels like a workout.

Mondays with Coach Skyler 3:30-4:20-well and lane time, learning our strokes, and working on breath control.

Mondays with Coach Skyler, 4:30–5:30 PM — diving well time, building breath control and water confidence.

Tuesdays with Coach Kim, 5:30–6:30 PM — well and lane time, sharpening stroke and technique.

Kids regulate, focus, and find their people, all while building real skills.

**Swimmers must be able to cross the diving well unassisted — a quick swim test confirms fit before day one.

Rise & Swim

Before-school Brain & Body Program for Middle Schoolers

What Three Mornings Look Like

Give us three mornings a week, and we'll help your kid start the day calmer, more focused, and ready to go.

Rise & Swim Coach
Skyler Findley

Coach Skyler Findley grew up in Nashville where he competed in summer league, high school, and eventually college club swimming at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He currently serves as Assistant Head Coach for Boulder Swim Team.

He has coached swimmers of all ages, talent levels, commitment, and ability including special olympics, middle school, high school, USA club swimming, masters, and summer swim for both kids and adults. He founded Nashville School Swim Club (a nonprofit that supports public school swimming in Nashville), and the Nashville Grown-Up Swim League (a summer swimming league for adults).

Skyler served as head coach for the Fairview HS Boys team in 2026, and just returned from his final summer coaching his childhood rec team to their 23rd consecutive Nashville city championship.

The RISE & SWIM program is swimming that wakes up the brain and body, paired with fun games and challenges that build focus, confidence, friendships, and connection.

For middle school swimmers of all levels — from kids building a strong foundation and learning new skills to swimmers who are swim team-ready or already on a team and looking for a positive start to their day.

THE HEADWATER DAILY FLOW

Each session has a structured, predictable 50-minute routine to prime the brain for the day ahead. The program begins with 15 minutes of on-deck focus activities including games and challenges that build task initiation, organization, and focus. All before the swim even begins! The remaining 30 minutes is in the pool for an engaging workout designed to set kids up for success — building skill, endurance, and teamwork.

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

Small-Group Coaching

Kids train in small groups within a calm,

focused environment and is never lost in the crowd.

Heart-Led Coaching

Every coach we hire is chosen for one thing above all: they see and connect with kids. When your child feels seen they are motivated and open. This is a no-pressure coaching experience; your coach celebrates who your child already is.

SCHEDULE & LOGISTICS

Weekly: Every Mon/Wed/Fri

Season Dates: September 23, 2026 – December 11, 2026

BVSD-Aligned Breaks (No Class): Sept 21, Oct 12–13, Nov 11, Nov 23–27,

Location: Elk's Club Swimming Pool

Age: Middle Schoolers, small groups

Bike-to-school & carpool options available

Skyler has coached our four children, ages 4 to 14, through every stage of their swimming journey — always encouraging them while knowing exactly when to push them harder. He is truly the best of the best! — Emily Bryan

Coach Skyler has been one of the greatest gifts to my three teenage boys. You couldn't ask for a better coach or mentor. — Abbe Keleher, Nashville Swim Team Mom

The Big Chill

After-school Energy & Focus for Ages 6 - 8 & 8 – 13

The Big Chill Coach Kimberly Tuesdays

Growing up in California, I spent as much time as possible at the pool. I am grateful to have maintained an enduring love for swimming throughout my life; a childhood spent (mostly) underwater gave way to decades of team practice and racing, ultimately leading to a fulfilling career on the pool deck. I have been coaching since 2006, with certifications from USA Swimming, US Masters Swimming and American Swimming Coaches Association. I am currently the Head Coach for the University of Colorado Boulder Swim team, and the Head Coach for the Dolphins summer league swim team.

My coaching philosophy prioritizes inclusivity and engagement of all swimmers, regardless of skill level or commitment. My goals as a coach are to help develop a lifelong love for the pool, and to teach swimmers to leverage the structure and teamwork learned at the pool, to foster confidence, friendships, and success in everyday life.

The Big Chill Coach Skyler Mondays

Coach Skyler is a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of experience to The Big Chill. With a deep background in competitive coaching and a passion for helping kids feel steady and confident in the water, he specializes in breath control and building water confidence.

Known for his heart-led coaching style, Skyler ensures that every Monday session at the pool is calm, encouraging, and genuinely fun. He believes confidence in the water comes first, and everything else follows from there.

The Big Chill Swim Club is the perfect bridge between swim lessons
and swim team.

SCHEDULE & LOGISTICS
Weekly: Monday and Tuesday
Monday: 3:30-4:20 PM

Monday: 4:30–5:30 PM
Tuesday: 5:30–6:30 PM
Location: Boulder Elks Club
Ages: 6-8 & 8–13 years old
Swimmers must pass a quick water safety test before starting.

Our Approach

HEART-LED COACHING

What does “heart-led coaching” mean?

Heart-led coaching is our philosophy that great coaches lead with empathy first. It’s connection, not correction. Our coaches are trained to bring genuine care, patience, and intentional mentorship to every interaction, creating an environment where kids feel seen, safe, and motivated. We believe athletic development and character development go hand in hand. Once a child feels truly supported, focus, confidence, and performance follow naturally.