Aquatic Foundation of Alaska

Parent Handbook

2025/26 Edition

 

Anchored in Safety • Driven by Growth • United as Yetis
🌐 www.swimyetiswim.com
📧 [email protected] | ☎️ (779) AFA-YETI

Table of Contents

1. Welcome from Coach Grant

2. Mission & Vision

3. Philosophy

4. Team Culture & Parent Support

5. Team Structure: The Yeti Pathway

6. Registration & Membership

7. Practice, Parking & Gear

8. Meets & Competition

9. Financial Policies (Effective January 1, 2026)

10. Volunteering & Community Impact

11. Safe Sport & Conduct

12. The Yeti Energy System

13. Quick-Start Checklist

14. Contacts

1. Welcome from Coach Grant

Welcome to Yeti Swimming, where every swimmer matters, and every effort helps strengthen the community around us.

Our Yetis train with purpose and unity. We value growth over perfection, respect over ego, and effort over outcome. From the first stroke to the final race of the season, we swim to build not only better athletes but better people—resilient, compassionate, and courageous.

Welcome to the Yeti community. Together, we’re creating a culture where swimming is more than a sport—it’s a force for connection, confidence, and change.

— Coach Grant Gamblin
Founder & Head Coach, Aquatic Foundation of Alaska (AFA)

2. Mission & Vision

Mission

We are dedicated to nurturing a profound connection between the people of Alaska and the lifesaving practice and lifelong art of swimming. Our core mission is to serve all communities, especially those historically under-represented and unrecognized in water safety and aquatics programs, by sharing invaluable swimming skills and a deep love for the water that surrounds us as Alaskans.

Anchored in the principles of water safety, fitness, and a growth mindset, we aspire to support vibrant communities in which individuals thrive through aquatic education and practice. Starting in East Anchorage, we aim to expand our offerings across Alaska.

Vision

Our vision is to revolutionize how Alaskans perceive and interact with water.
By providing comprehensive aquatic education and fostering a culture of water safety and fitness, we aim to equip every Alaskan—especially those in rural and historically underserved communities—with lifesaving swimming skills and the confidence to embrace water as a source of fitness and inspiration.

We envision a future where Alaskans of all backgrounds can thrive and achieve their full potential in and out of the water. Through our efforts, we aspire to create a generation that values and enjoys the benefits of swimming, transforming water into a cornerstone of their physical and mental well-being.

3. Philosophy: Smart Hard Work

We train the mind and body together.

• Swim smart — focus on technique and intention.

• Swim hard — give your best effort every day.

• Swim Yeti — lead with courage, humility, and community.

4. Team Culture & Parent Support

The Yeti Way

Yeti Swimming is built on respect, encouragement, and unity. We believe every swimmer should feel safe, supported, and celebrated—both in success and in struggle.

We value:

• Respect for self, teammates, and coaches

• Integrity in words and actions

• A positive attitude, no matter the outcome

• Team-first behavior—lift others, don’t compare

• The courage to learn, fail, and grow

The true measure of a Yeti isn’t how fast you swim—it’s how much you lift others up along the way.

Parent Support & Behavior

Parents are essential partners in the Yeti community. We ask that you:

• Encourage, don’t instruct. Let coaches handle technique and feedback.

• Model composure. Swimmers learn from how adults handle wins and losses.

• Cheer positively. Celebrate growth, effort, and sportsmanship.

• Communicate respectfully. Address questions privately, not during practice or meets.

• Support consistency. Help your swimmer show up prepared and rested.

• Get involved. Volunteer, connect with other families, and build our community together.

Together, we create an environment where swimmers feel confident, supported, and proud to be Yetis.

5. Team Structure: The Yeti Pathway

 

Progression is based on skill, attendance, and attitude. Coaches guide transitions to ensure long-term success and enjoyment.

6. Registration & Membership

USA Swimming Membership

All Yeti athletes must maintain a current USA Swimming membership. Register or renew at 🔗 AFA USA Swimming Link

Membership Options: Flex $30 | Seasonal $60 | Premium $90
Questions → Coach Ian at [email protected]

Annual AFA Registration

Each athlete pays a $175 annual registration fee (applied during your initial registration or billed each July). This covers team insurance, coach & volunteer certifications, Safe Sport education, and seasonal gear and swim-cap updates.

7. Practice, Parking & Gear

Location: Avis Alaska Sports Complex (UAA Campus) 2801 Spirit Way Dr, Anchorage
Parking: Provided by AFA during practice times
Locker Rooms: Girls—west | Boys—east (downstairs)

What to Bring: Suit, goggles, towel, water bottle, optional deck shoes, warm layers
Provided by AFA: Kickboards, fins, paddles, two team swim caps per season

Team Merch Store: 🛍️ AFA Merch Store

8. Meets & Competition

1. Log into the team portal.

2. Declare “Attending / Not Attending.”

3. Select events or allow coach assignment.

4. Submit before the deadline.

5. Meet fees are billed the day before the meet starts.

6. Entries are final once submitted.

Learn the Lingo: 🔗 Yeti Terminology Guide

Suits: Must meet USA Swimming rules

Relays: Chosen by speed, consistency, attendance, team balance.

9. Financial Policies (Effective January 1, 2026)

Annual Registration Fee: $175 per athlete (applied during your initial registration or billed each July)

Apprentice $160

Warrior $200

Gladiator $240

Meet Coaching Fees:

• In-Town (non-championship) $15 / swimmer

• In-Town (championship) $50 / swimmer

• Travel Meets – AFA travel costs split evenly among attending families

Fees are non-refundable once entries close and coaching assignments are confirmed. Billing → [email protected]

10. Volunteering & Community Impact

Every family helps sustain the Yeti community —and the larger Alaskan community we serve.

Family Commitment: Apprentice 10 hrs | Warrior & Gladiator 20 hrs | $50 / unserved hr
Your time makes meets, fundraisers, and outreach possible — timing, officials, hospitality, setup, community water-safety events, and more.

“We are a community that builds up the community around us.”
Every hour you give supports not only our team but the mission to make water safety and swimming accessible across Alaska.

Volunteer contact: [email protected]

 

11. Safe Sport & Conduct

AFA follows all USA Swimming Safe Sport standards to protect athletes and families.
🔗 AFA Code of Conduct
🔗 MAAPP Policy

Key Points: No private messaging minors; locker-room and travel rules enforced; report misconduct immediately.

Safe Sport Coordinator: Erika Bennett – [email protected]
Head Coach: Grant Gamblin – [email protected]

Removal Policy: AFA may remove any athlete, parent, or volunteer whose actions violate Safe Sport policies or the Yeti standard of conduct.

12. The Yeti Energy System

 

ZONE NAME HEART RATE FOCUS

1 SMOOTH <140 BPM AEROBIC BASE, TECHNIQUE

2 STRONG 140-160 BPM ENDURANCE & POWER

3 FAST 160-180 BPM THRESHOLD & PACING

4 SPRINT 180-200 BPM ANAEROBIC POWER

5 POWER 200+ BPM MAX EFFORT, RACE FINISH

🔗 Full Yeti Training Guide

13. Quick-Start Checklist

✅ Register with USA Swimming
✅ Complete AFA registration
✅ Pay $175 annual fee + first month dues
✅ Review meet schedule & deadlines
✅ Read this packet
✅ Acquire gear & team suit
✅ Follow @aquaticfoundationalaska
✅ Sign up to volunteer
✅ Communicate early & support consistently
✅ Remember: Swim Smart. Swim Strong. Swim Yeti.

14. Contacts

Aquatic Foundation of Alaska

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
🌐 www.swimyetiswim.com 📧 [email protected] ☎️ (779) AFA-YETI
Anchored in Safety • Driven by Growth • United as Yetis