Weekly News - November 17, 2025

Amy Parratto

IMPORTANT REMINDERS  

SWIM MEETS: Several Riptide practice groups are attending the HAST IMX Invite this coming weekend. We should have additional information posted on our meet page in the next few days. If you have any questions, please reach out to your swimmer’s lead coach.

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY PRACTICE ADJUSTMENTS: There are no practices held on Thanksgiving except for Senior Elite. They will practice in the 7 lane pool from 7:00 to 9:30 a.m. and will enter the pool area from the entrance at the start end of the pool. The 8 lane pool is being used for our Masters Charity Swim. On Friday (11/28), there is practice for Junior Select from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. and Senior Elite from 7:00 to 9:30 a.m. (both pools). There are no other practices offered on Friday. We have a normal practice schedule on Saturday (11/29). If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to your swimmer’s lead coach.

RIPTIDE MASTERS CHARITY SWIM: Our Masters group is holding their annual charity swim Thanksgiving morning. They are gathering donations for 360 Communities Food Shelf. We have a table set up in the lobby to receive your donations. Please place your items in a paper bag and re-usable bag. The items most needed are: canned fish and meat; canned fruits and vegetables; cooking and baking supplies; rice, pasta, and cereal; peanut butter. Also consider personal care items such as toothpaste, diapers, cleaning supplies etc. Thanks for your support! We are also looking for a volunteer lifeguard who might need service hours. If you know a swimmer / lifeguard who could help us out, please reach out to coach Amy Parratto.

BOOK DRIVE: We are collecting new or gently used books for infants to young adult for the Book Buggie. There is a table set up in the lobby for your donations. Let’s fill the table with books!

RIPTIDE BINGO - Riptide will be hosting BINGO on Friday, November 21st from 5:15pm to 7pm and again on Monday, November 24th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. All swimmers are invited to play. We have some great prizes to give away! We also need volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, you can sign up here - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4AAEA72AA7FA7-60498195-riptide

TEAM APPAREL AND GIFTS - If you are looking for gifts for your swimmer this holiday season, check out the special holiday offerings here - https://elsmoreswim.com/collections/riptide-swim-team-mn To guarantee delivery of your order by December 25th, orders MUST be placed by November 30th.

USA SWIMMING 2026 MEMBERSHIP - If you have not yet renewed your swimmer's membership with USA Swimming, be sure to do that this month! To renew your swimmer's membership, log into your USA Swimming account and then select the RENEW option. Swimmers must have a current USA Swimming membership to participate in practice, team events and meets.

HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMERS - If your swimmer is leaving for the boys high school swim season or another winter sport, and you have not yet communicated with our billing resource, please do that today! Email [email protected] and include your swimmer's name, practice group and date of their final practice. 

REGULAR REMINDERS 

  • QUESTIONS REGARDING PRACTICES AND SWIM MEETS: If you have questions regarding your child’s practices or swim meets, contact the lead coach for their group (see below). 
  • QUESTIONS REGARDING BILLING AND REGISTRATION: If you have questions regarding billing and registration, reach out to Cara Pavek or Anne Knapp. Anne will be taking over for Car this fall. Our contact information is listed below. 
  • Adult Swim Training & Private Lessons: Group Training for Triathletes & Masters; Beginner Adult Swim Classes; Individual and Small Group Lessons going on now! For more information –contact [email protected]. 
  • Private Lessons: Riptide Coaches offer 30 and 60 minute private lessons. If your swimmer is interested, contact your lead coach directly and they can help you out or recommend another coach on our staff. 
  • Stroke and Turn Officials - Anyone interested in learning to become a USA Swimming Stroke and Turn Official - please contact Wendy Peterson at [email protected].   

RIPTIDE LEAD COACH and STAFF CONTACTS: