Bedford Barracudas is a local non-profit swim team, running training sessions for Bedford kids every morning throughout the summer. The team was formed soon after the town pool opened in the 1970s and has kids competing yearly in the Granite State Swim Association championships. When I first moved to New Hampshire, it was midsummer 2021, and I needed ways to make new friends before school began. A Bedford parent recommended we get in contact with the team and get involved! Little did I know joining the Barracudas would leave me with friendships for life, work experience, enhanced swim skills, volunteer hours for school, and a great way to exercise over the summer.  

A typical morning session is broken up into three different sections based on age groups, with lanes spread out based on skill level. From the oldest swimmers with years of experience down to littles as young as six who are just entering the world of competitive swimming, everyone can take something from getting involved in such a great opportunity. Each age group trains for an hour and fifteen minutes every morning, with a morning-long competition meet on Tuesdays.

The season goes on till early August and closes with a Granite State Championship meet held in Milford with multiple divisions of kids based on team size. While this meet has had a tendency in the past to end with the heavens opening in a torrential downpour, I’ve never had as much fun running around in the rain after a great relay with friends.  

After my first year with the Bedford Barracudas, I spent my second summer working as a Junior Coach with my friends. Coaching for Barracudas was such a worthwhile experience. After training in the first session, a junior coach will get out of the pool and help the head coach encourage littles and instruct sets. During my time coaching, I had the absolute privilege of teaching a little boy to swim the length of the pool. From refusing to get past the flags and countless sessions gripping the wall, seeing him swim not just one but two lengths of the pool in the Milford competition was so inexpressibly fulfilling. Coaching for Barracudas is an opportunity I would encourage any passionate swimmer to take. Looking closely at swim techniques and going back to the basics not only teaches your swimmers but also allows for athletic reflection. Taking the time to appreciate all aspects of your sport is so important to be a well-rounded athlete. 

Whether you’re a swimmer trying to improve, looking for an activity for the summer, a parent wanting to get involved, looking for friends, or an experienced swimmer looking for coaching opportunities, Bedford Barracudas swim team is a tremendous facet of our town to be a part of. 

After a busy six weeks with these coaches and kiddos working very hard, the season ended in early August at the big GSSA Championship in Milford. With a wild turn of events, a fierce thunderstorm came through, forcing the event to be canceled early on Sunday, only making it to event 59 out of 80. However, The Barracuddas ended up finishing their season as GSSA Championship Winners! What a wonderful season! We are already looking forward to next year!