nova tech
Building Strong Competitive Swimming Foundations
Nova Tech is where swimmers begin their competitive swimming journey with the Pictou County Mariners.
The program focuses on developing strong fundamentals across all four competitive strokes while introducing swimmers to starts, turns, training skills and competitive swimming.
Swimmers build confidence in the water, learn how to train as part of a team and experience the fun of swimming and competing alongside their teammates.
Nova Tech Training Schedule
Pictou Fisheries Pool
What Swimmers Work On
Throughout Nova Tech, swimmers work on:
- Developing all four competitive strokes
- Strong swimming fundamentals and technique
- Starts and turns
- Building confidence in the water
- Learning how to train effectively during practices
- Being part of a supportive team environment
- Developing experience and confidence at swim meets
Nova Tech Swim Meets
Nova Tech swimmers have the opportunity to begin competing through Nova Scotia's developmental competition program.
These meets are designed to introduce swimmers to competitive swimming in a supportive environment while giving them the opportunity to put the skills they are learning in practice into action.
As swimmers gain experience, meets also give them the opportunity to work towards the Nova Tech time standards and progress through the program.
Moving Through Nova Tech
Nova Tech provides swimmers with a clear progression pathway based on the times they achieve.
Bronze Medal
100 IM
Silver Medal
100 IM
Gold Medal
200 IM
200 Free
What Happens After Gold?
Achieving the Gold standard completes the Nova Tech progression, but moving into Age Group is not automatic.
At this stage, the coach will discuss the swimmer's next step with them and their family. Along with achieving the required times, swimmers need to have developed the stroke technique and training skills needed for the increased demands of the Age Group program.
For some swimmers, Age Group will be the right next step. Others may benefit from spending additional time in Nova Tech strengthening their technique before making the transition.