The Kindersley Surge Swim Club recently concluded its 2025 competitive season with several swimmers advancing through key competitions, reflecting a year of progress and community spirit.
Tammy Sorenson, co-president of the board, and Krista Giefer, head coach, shared insights on the season’s highlights, challenges, and plans for next year.
“We had 11 swimmers that were able to make it to semis,” Giefer said, referring to the semifinals held in Saskatoon. “The top six of our Northern Swim Saskatchewan team were picked, and out of the 11 that went, seven made it on to provincials, which were top 12 across Saskatchewan and top six for our Northern division.”
The provincials, held in Watrous, featured about 250 registered swimmers, a significant increase compared to regular meets during the season.
“Swift Current had 100 kids at their meet, and Rosetown had 150,” Giefer explained. “Provincials was 250. One of the biggest things was, because it was held in Watrous, there was not places for 250 families to stay.”
That created logistical challenges for many families who had to scramble for accommodations.
“It worked,” Sorenson said. “From friends, to a couple people renting a place in Outlook and it was over an hour drive for them, but that was the closest they found. I had family lend me a house in Manitou Springs, so that was nice because I was planning to bring a tent and put it on the church lawn if I had to.”
Provincials is a two-day event featuring multiple heats per race, ranging from sprints to endurance swims.
The two-day format includes an evening banquet and meetings, creating a long but exciting weekend for swimmers, families, coaches, and board members.
“It’s a big weekend,” Sorenson noted.
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Beyond competition results, Giefer highlighted the personal growth of swimmers.
“I think a highlight for me, because I've been with some of these swimmers for three years, was them shaving off seconds. I had a first-year swimmer shave twelve seconds in one of his races. He started at a 42-second doing a 50-meter, and when he swam at his last one, he was down at 28 seconds. That's incredible.”
Looking ahead, the club is planning a wrap-up event in late August, giving swimmers and families a chance to celebrate the season.
“We rented the pool and we're going to just get the swimmers, their families, everybody can just come have a fun swim,” Sorenson explained. The event will include races between kids and parents and recognition of semi-provincial and provincial ribbons.
Next season will bring changes and challenges.
“We have 24 kids this year and three coaches, and that's pretty much the limit,” Sorenson said. “Those three coaches need to be there for that many kids. So next year, if we don't have more coaching staff, we'll have to cap it.” Currently, only two coaching staff are secured for 2026, so recruiting is underway. “We would need more commitment from someone in the community who knows what they're doing, and who has their coaching.”
The swim season runs from early May to late July, with practices four days a week and meets on many weekends.
Anyone who is interested in coaching or getting the qualifications to coach can contact the Kindersley Surge Swim Club for more information.
For those interested in swimming, eligibility requires swimmers to be seven years old by April 30, 2026, to compete in meets. The club welcomes swimmers of all ages.
“There actually isn't a maximum age,” Giefer added. “From 18-plus, we call it our masters, and 18-and-under is called our competitive, and then 7-and-under is called our non-competitive. A couple of our swimmers who are 15 and 16 were racing against a 36-year-old, a 48-year-old fellow coach from Elrose, and it's a blast to watch.”
The Kindersley Surge Swim Club shares information and updates on their Facebook page where parents and swimmers can reach out for more details.
With a growing club, enthusiastic swimmers, and plans for an expanded season, the Kindersley Surge looks forward to continued progress and community involvement in 2026.