SLAP Tri Team

Welcome to the
SLAP Tri Team!

Welcome to the SLAP Tri Team…aka the #SLAPPERS!
We’re excited to have you join our community of passionate athletes dedicated to pushing boundaries and achieving greatness in triathlon, endurance sports, and fitness for life.
Whether you’re racing for a World Championship, or just getting started with multisport racing, you’ll find a home among our amazing coaching staff and welcoming teammates.
At SLAP, we have built a culture of inclusivity, support, and camaraderie. Every SLAP Tri Team member is valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Get ready to embark on an incredible journey of personal growth, unforgettable experiences, and shared triumphs. Together, we’ll help you conquer new challenges, be inspired, and celebrate every milestone along the way.

The Origin Story

The SLAP Tri Team is a collaboration of two passionate multi-sport organizations in Central Florida – the Swim Like a Pro coaching business, owned by Sara McLarty, and the Winter Garden Wheel Works bike store, owned by Dennis Jones. Both Sara & Dennis wanted to offer a high quality triathlon team experience in the area and joined forces in 2018 to offer the best of both worlds – coaching and gear – as well as uniting the community in a collective pursuit of athletic excellence. From that pivotal moment, the SLAP Tri Team #SLAPPERS emerged as a force to be reckoned with, not only in races but also in the hearts of its members who found family, friendship, and endless inspiration within its ranks.

The SLAP Coaches are passionate about helping you achieve your triathlon, multi-sport, and endurance goals. Contact us in the form below to get started.
Visit us for all your cycling and triathlon needs at the online store (click the image above) or in person on Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden.

The #SLAPPERS Story

The #SLAPPERS (a fun nickname that encapsulates the spirit of our team) are an extraordinary community of individuals! They’ve proudly represented the SLAP Tri Team at races spanning across the state, country, and globe.
From the junior and senior divisions of youth races, to the challenging distances of sprint, Olympic, 70.3, and Ironman events, as well as the rigorous Ultraman, swimrun, adventure races and more…the #SLAPPERS have conquered every race distance and style imaginable.
At home, our team is deeply committed to giving back to the community, whether through water testing at local open water venues, organizing garbage clean-ups along our training routes, hosting annual gear swap meets for budding athletes, or volunteering at local races and events.

Every year we select key events as “team races” and encourage a large participation of #SLAPPERS. We’ve earned notable team awards, including top team points at multiple Ironman events and USAT Regional Championships. We also organize social events through the year including holiday celebrations, training challenges, mock races, group dinners, team parties, and much more. 
Our vibrant team kits, hats, socks, and training gear are not only designed for performance but also prioritize the safety of our members. Inspired by Coach Sara’s personal tragedy of losing her father to a cycling accident, we advocate for visibility on the roads, encouraging members to wear bright gear for enhanced safety and camaraderie among teammates.

SLAP Team Gear

We’ve had some awesome team kit designs over the years! The crew at Winter Garden Wheel Works make sure that the #SLAPPERS are outfitted and ready to race. Stop by the store on Plant St. to check out what’s in stock…or place your order in the online store.

FAQs

Why should I join the #SLAPPERS?

Because we’re not just a team, we’re a vibrant community of endurance enthusiasts based in Central Florida. Picture this: a mix of motivation, encouragement, and a healthy dose of friendly rivalry all rolled into one awesome package. Plus, we’ve got some amazing coaches on deck at our training sessions to help you crush those goals. But hey, it’s not all about the sport; we’re like a big ol’ family, cheering each other on through the ups and downs of life. So, if you’re up for some epic training sessions, epic races, and epic friendships, come join the #SLAPPERS!

How much does it cost to be on the team?

Zip. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Nothing. Free. $0.00.
We are proud to be a completely FREE triathlon team! There are enough things to pay for in this sport…a triathlon team isn’t one of them. We do charge a $10 drop-in-fee to attend group training sessions (to pay our wonderful coaches for their time and shared knowledge) and we offer personal coaching for a fee. 

When did the SLAP Tri Team start?

Swim Like a Pro & Winter Garden Wheel Works merged for a smooth start in 2019. We are looking forward to our sixth year of team adventures and acheivements in 2024.

How do I join the SLAP Tri Team?

Just click here and sign the team SLAP waiver. It’s as easy as that! 
You can also send us a message using the Contact SLAP form (below) so we know who you are and what your training for.
Get all the team updates and stay up to date with the team news by signing up for the SLAP Mailing List (below).  

What if I don't do triathlons?

No worries! The #SLAPPERS are made up of all kinds of endurance athletes…masters swimmers, duathletes, runners, swimrunners, adventure racers, aqua-bikers, etc. We welcome everyone who likes to do fun things!

What about my kids?

We’ve got a team for them as well! Kids between the ages of 6-17 years old are invited to join the SLAP Youth & Junior Tri Team, aka the #miniSLAPPERS. We have coaches and training sessions across Central Florida.