AQUATICS

About Tuckahoe Aquatics

Tuckahoe offers year-round aquatics opportunities for both members and non-members, utilizing our indoor 6-lane, 25-yard pool and outdoor 10-lane, 25-meter pool. Regardless of age or ability, we have something for you!

We are proud to partner with Hydra Aquatics, a USA Swimming club founded and led by Tuckahoe’s Aquatics Director, Coach Torey Ortmayer. Hydra offers year-round training and instruction for swimmers of all levels—from beginners learning water safety to advanced athletes preparing for college swimming.

This partnership replaces our traditional Winter Swim and Group Lesson offerings with structured, team-based programming that keeps kids engaged, progressing, and connected to the Tuckahoe community. Members receive priority registration and discounted fees for Hydra programming held at Tuckahoe.

To learn more about Tuckahoe Aquatics, explore the links below. For questions, contact Aquatics Director Torey Ortmayer at Aquatics@tuckahoe.net.

Swim & Dive Lessons

Tuckahoe offers a range of swim lesson options to suit your needs:

Swim Lessons

Private Lessons: Available exclusively for members and those on the waitlist. Work one-on-one with our talented instructors to improve your skills, whether you’re focused on comfort and safety, competitive techniques, or personalized workouts.

Group Lessons (Summer Only): Open to all children, regardless of membership status. Perfect for beginners looking to swim independently.

Dive Lessons

Our dive coaches provide instruction on essential skills, from learning how to jump off the board to mastering more advanced techniques.

Join us to enhance your swimming and diving skills in a supportive environment!

Learn more about our private lesson instructors and request a lesson today!

Tuckahoe Swim Instructional Progression

Beginner

Private Lessons, Group Lessons, or Hydra Beginner Ages ~2–8
  • Water comfort and safety
  • Submerging and returning to the surface
  • Floating (front and back) and basic treading
  • Rhythmic breathing
  • Introduction to forward propulsion

Intermediate

Private Lessons, Little Tigers, or Hydra Stroke School 1 & 2
Ages 5–13
  • Develop forward propulsion with freestyle and backstroke
  • Build proper kicking technique and side breathing
  • Learn advanced water safety, including diving and deep water comfort
  • Practice lane etiquette, coachability, and teamwork in a structured group setting

Advanced

Swim Team / Hydra (8-U/AG/Senior)
  • Refine stroke technique and mechanics in all four competitive strokes
  • Build race strategy including starts, turns, pacing, and finishes
  • Train with structured workouts to improve endurance, speed, and performance
  • Prepare for competition through regular meets and performance tracking

Adult

Ages 18+/ Private Lessons/ Big Cats
  • Learn to swim with comfort and confidence
  • Improve technique, endurance, and efficiency for lap swimming
  • Access competitive training for Masters swimmers, triathletes, and fitness-focused adults

Group Lessons (Ages ~3-8)

Tuckahoe’s Group Lessons provide a fun, supportive environment where beginner swimmers build essential safety and comfort skills in the water. These structured classes offer the benefits of private instruction with the energy of a small group setting. Swimmers will work on:
– Proper breathing techniques
– Submerging and returning to the surface
– Floating and treading water
– Developing basic forward propulsion
Classes run daily throughout the summer and are open to both members and non-members.
Looking for a year-round option? Our Hydra Beginner program builds on the same foundations during the fall, winter, and spring months, offering consistent development and community in a team setting.
Join us this summer—or continue the journey year-round with Hydra Aquatics!

Teams

Swim Team

Tuckahoe is proud to be a charter member of the Northern Virginia Swim League (NVSL), established in 1956. Our swim team welcomes over 300 athletes ages 5 to 18 each summer, providing an exciting introduction to competitive swimming. Families can look forward to a season filled with daily practices, dual meets, pep rallies, and unforgettable team traditions.
We also offer the Little Tigers Swim Program, a developmental pathway for our youngest swimmers. This program provides structured daily practices and introduces athletes to the excitement of team events—helping them gain confidence and build skills toward full swim team participation.
New for 2025: Tuckahoe has partnered with Hydra Aquatics, a USA Swimming club led by our Head Coach, Torey Ortmayer, to offer year-round training options for swimmers of all ages and levels. Hydra replaces the Tuckahoe Winter Swim Program and extends opportunities for continued growth beyond the summer season.
Registration for the Tuckahoe Swim Team opens March 1.

Dive Team

Tuckahoe offers a competitive summer dive team for athletes of all skill levels, from those learning to jump off a 1m springboard to advanced year-round divers. On our team, athletes will develop their competitive diving skills, including building a six-dive list, while also fostering a sense of teamwork both in and out of the pool.

The Flying Tigers team ensures a summer full of fun and activities for the entire family. After summer wraps up, our Tuckahoe Winter Dive Program continues to support athletes, helping them take bigger leaps and further develop their diving skills as they grow in the sport!

Adult Aquatic Activities

While many of our aquatic programs focus on children, Tuckahoe has something for everyone in the family.

In addition to private instruction, you can participate in group activities tailored to your interests and skill levels. Whether you’re looking to improve your swimming, dive competitively, or just enjoy time in the water, we offer a variety of options to engage and inspire all members of the family!

Water Aerobics

Tuckahoe’s co-ed Water Aerobics classes are perfect for anyone seeking a low-impact, full-body workout in the pool. Led by professional instructors, these classes focus on enhancing your cardiovascular endurance, strength, and mobility, while also accommodating any natural limitations from wear and tear over the years. Join us to improve your fitness in a supportive and fun environment!

  • Open to members and non-members

Water Polo

Tuckahoe offers a weekly drop-in water polo opportunity open to both members and guests. This program is free and perfect for anyone interested in learning the basics, including ball skills, movements, rules, and gameplay situations. Participants will have the chance to work through drills and scrimmages. Come cap up and give this exciting sport a try!

  • Open to members and non-members

Big Cat Swim Program

Regardless of your competitive background, Tuckahoe Big Cats offers a fantastic swim workout with quality instruction that surpasses swimming laps on your own. Our program allows you to train several times a week, year-round, alongside motivated members who share your passion for team training. Whether you’re a beginner, a former competitive swimmer, or a triathlete, everyone is welcome to join the Tuckahoe Big Cats and enjoy a supportive and dynamic workout environment!

  • Open to members and non-members

Pools & Activities

Tuckahoe Recreation Club features four pools, including a 25-yard indoor pool that is open year-round. Our 25-meter outdoor pool is also heated and available year-round, complete with dedicated lap lanes, open swim areas, a waterslide, and a diving well with both three-meter and one-meter boards. Enjoy ample shaded seating under our sun canopy. Additionally, we offer an intermediate pool and a baby pool for our members. Come enjoy our fantastic aquatic facilities!