Youth Triathlon

Junior & Youth Triathlon Training in Clermont, FL

Transform your child’s athletic journey with Clermont’s premier youth triathlon program at Swim Like A Pro (SLAP). Located in the heart of Florida’s triathlon hub, our program leverages Clermont’s world-class training facilities, including the National Training Center and Lake Louisa State Park, to develop young athletes into accomplished competitors.

Our experienced USA Triathlon-certified coaches offer three developmental pathways: Intro Team for beginners, Youth Development Team (YDT) for intermediate athletes, and High-Performance Squad (HPS) for competitive youth athletes in both junior division and age group categories. Training sessions incorporate swimming (including proper swim cap fitting), cycling, and running in a fun, supportive environment that builds confidence and athletic skills.

For our junior division athletes, we offer comprehensive race course preparation, including junior pre-race meeting guidance. Senior groups receive dedicated support with senior pre-race meeting sessions and convenient senior parking access arrangements for events.

Clermont’s year-round favorable weather and challenging terrain create the perfect training ground for aspiring triathletes. Our young athletes and junior national championships competitors benefit from access to open-water swimming venues, safe cycling routes, and professional running tracks. Seasonal camps complement regular training sessions, local kids triathlon events, and specialized clinics. Every participant receives a participation medal to celebrate their achievements.

Join Clermont’s thriving youth triathlon community, where we focus on long-term athlete development, healthy lifestyle habits, and the joy of multi-sport competition. Monthly and per-session training options are available. USA Triathlon youth membership is required. Junior parking access is provided for all training sessions.

Monthly Training Fee ($150)

#miniSLAPPER's Name:
The monthly fee is required for all regularly attending #miniSLAPPERS (while they are active with the team). Single session payments are only for visitors, friends, or new athletes. 

Single Hour Fee
($15 per hour)

#miniSLAPPERS's Name
Group training sessions are $15 per child, per hour. *2 hour training sessions are $30 total.
Every child MUST have a current USA Triathlon Youth Annual Membership before participating in any SLAP training sessions. 
This $10 annual fee provides your child and our team with insurance. This membership is also required for participation in any event or camp during the season.
The SLAP Waiver must also be completed for your child before their first training session!

Join the Facebook Group

Click to join the SLAP Youth & Junior Tri Team Facebook group for events, training, racing, and social event updates. You can also find equipment hand-me-downs and out-grown bikes for sale!

SLAP Youth Team - Training, Racing & Camp Calendar

March 2025

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1
  • Clermont Draft Legal (HPS)
  • #miniSLAPPERS & parents Volunteer at LLSP Draft-Legal Races
2
  • Clermont Draft Legal (HPS)
  • Clermont: Swim & Bike Training
3
  • Eastside: Swim & Bike & Run Training
4
5
  • Eastside: Run & Pool Swim
6
7
  • Eastside: Swim & Bike & Run Training
8
  • Citrus County Kids Triathlon
  • **cancelled**Clermont: Swim & Run Training
  • HPS - Flatlands REGISTRATION
9
  • Great Clermont Tri (sprint for youth athletes)
  • Central: Swim & Bike Training
10
  • Eastside: Swim & Bike & Run Training
11
12
  • Eastside: Run & Pool Swim
13
14
  • Eastside: Swim & Bike & Run Training
15
  • Clermont: Swim & Run Training
16
  • **CANCELLED**Central: Swim & Bike Training
17
  • Eastside: Swim & Bike & Run Training
18
19
  • Eastside: Run & Pool Swim
20
21
  • Eastside: Swim & Bike & Run Training
22
  • **UPDATE**Clermont: BIKE & Run Training
23
  • Central: Swim & Bike Training
24
  • Eastside: Swim & Bike & Run Training
25
26
  • Eastside: Run & Pool Swim
27
28
  • Eastside: Swim & Bike & Run Training
29
30
  • Alachua County Kids: Splish & Dash (Swim & Run)
  • Central: Swim & Bike Training
31
  • Eastside: Swim & Bike & Run Training
Have More Questions?

Your Junior & Youth Triathlon Questions Answered

We welcome all kids between the ages of 6-17 years old. Each child must know how to swim across a 25 yard pool with their face in the water (contact us for learn-to-swim lessons). Each child must also have a working bike (no training wheels allowed) and a properly sized helmet.

There are no annual fees. Only single-session or monthly payments and additional fees for weekend camps/clinics. Athletes are encouraged (but not required) to purchase and race in a team kit from WGWW. We also have team shirts, cycling kits, running hats and visors, swim caps, etc. We understand that the sport itself is expensive and we don't require the purchase of any gear.

For insurance purposes, it is REQUIRED that your child has a USA Triathlon annual membership ($10) before attending ANY training session or camp with the SLAP Tri Team. Please respect this requirement for our safety and the safety of your child(ren). Click here to purchase the membership online.

No problem! We welcome beginners and experienced triathletes. Kids learn fast and love to train with others. We will help you (the parents) navigate the world of triathlon and prepare you for spectating at your first event!

Here is a helpful list of equipment that you will need:

  • a sporty swim suit
  • goggles
  • swim cap (provided by the team or the race)
  • wetsuit (optional)
  • swim training equipment & mesh bag (order fins in appropriate size)
  • a bike with working brakes
  • a properly sized helmet
  • sunglasses (optional)
  • dry-fit/sporty clothes for training
  • 1-2 water bottles
  • sunscreen & hat/visor
  • running sneakers
  • elastic laces (optional)
  • race number belt (provided)
  • transition mat or towel
  • a large bag to carry all the above gear!

Only the ones that you want to participate in. There are no competition requirements to participate on the team. Typically, there are a handful of races for kids right in Central Florida and Clermont during the summer so travel is minimal.

Athletes on the SLAP Development & High Performance Squad will be encouraged to travel and race out of town and out of state.

We have mutiple talented and experienced SLAP coaches that can be scheduled for one-on-one coaching sessions. Our most popular lessons are for swimming skills and cycling skills. More details, payment, and scheduling options are on the Youth 1-on-1 Lessons page.

The Intro & Youth Development Team (YDT) races will vary in distance from race to race, but typically fall in this range:

  • the 10 and under age groups - 100 yard swim, 3 mile bike, and 1/2 mile run.
  • the 11 and older age groups - 200 yard swim, 6 mile bike, and 1 mile run.

The SLAP High Performance Squad (HPS) athletes will compete in draft legal national cup races and local sprint or super-sprint races.

  • Youth Elite (YE 13-15) - 375 meter swim, 6 mile bike, 1.5 mile run.
  • Junior Elite (JE 16-19) - 750 meter swim, 12 mile bike, 3.1 mile run.

Youth Intro Team - the Intro team is for our novice and beginner athletes, as well as athletes that want to continue to participate in the sport without being competitive. All athletes with no triathlon experience (regardless of age, 6-17 years old) will start on the Intro team to learn all the skills and rules involved with the sport of triathlon. The goal of all Intro training sessions is to have fun, learn skills, make friends, encourage participation, and athlete retention (aka: encourage the athletes to WANT to return to practice/camps/races).

Youth Development Team - the YDT team is for athletes that have participated in at least one season of triathlon and show or express a desire to be competitive. Athletes on the YDT team are required to have more advanced racing equipment (racing bike, team kit, elastic laces, etc) and are encouraged to attend as many camps and training sessions as possible to be ready for upcoming races.
Parental involvement is very important at this level to provide additional support. A monthly "workout guide" will be emailed to all parents of the SLAP YDT team to provide additional workouts to be completed at home (in addition to the weekly group sessions). Joining a local swim team is also highly encouraged to provide the necessary swim skills and additional weekly workouts.

SLAP High Performance Squad - the HPS team is for athletes 12+ years old that have shown excellence in past races and want to make a "full-time" commitment to the sport. The HPS team is by invitation only (contact Coach Sara if you think your child qualifies or want more information). These athletes are training 10+ hours per week and are focused on racing at the Youth & Junior National Cup races around the country. HPS athletes are required to order and purchase an ITU-style racing suit for Cup races.

HPS athletes must sign up for monthly personalized triathlon coaching with Coach Sara or be members of a competitive swim team and running club in their area. This is also the best track for a young female triathlete to take towards getting an NCAA Triathlon college scholarship to one of the 35+ national schools that offer competitive teams!

Check out the calendar below for ALL the information (dates, times, locations, and more details) for all the SLAP Youth Tri Team training sessions, races, and camps.

Each item on the calendar will have a designation for the group(s) who should attend: Intro, YDT, or HPS.

Training sessions are $15 per athlete per hour or $90 per month. Camps are all FREE in 2021. Races will have a link to the registration page (don't forget to check the weekly SLAP email for discount codes).

Real Stories from the #SLAPPERS Community

We’re deeply grateful for the incredible support and inspiring stories from our SLAP community. Your achievements and growth fuel our passion for delivering exceptional coaching across Central Florida.

Tara C
★★★★★
Having Sara McLarty as my coach was the absolute BEST decision I've made as a triathlete. I couldn't have been better prepared for my first 70.3 race. My training is customized for me based on what I need to achieve my goals. I am amazed at how much my swim, bike, and run has improved since I started with SLAP. Thank you Sara!
Juan G
★★★★★
This team is spectacular, so proffesional. Thanks Sara for all your support.
Scott W
★★★★★
I was looking for a group that would help me take my fitness to the next level when it came to swimming. I immediately found that the coaches were extremely professional and very knowledgeable and the members were very inviting and friendly. The opportunities to swim and participate are very flexible and the workouts are always fun. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or getting ready to go to the world championships… The SLAPPERS is a great team.
A N
★★★★★
Excellent coaching staff with years of experience both professionally and in amateur racing! If you’re looking for a challenge to push your triathlon or swimming skills, or just to keep in shape for fun - SLAP is the best team around. I’ve made some of my closest friends from joining the team 😊 …
Tina B
★★★★★
I absolutely love SLAP! The expertise the coaches bring to the table is second to none. It doesn’t matter if your goal is to learn how to swim or complete an Ironman, the coaches will help you achieve your goals. The camaraderie of the team is also really great. We train hard, support each other and have fun doing it. I highly recommended SLAP to anyone looking for quality coaching.
Hector A
★★★★★
Excellent coaching, no matter your level of experience!
Julie P
★★★★★
Julie, you rock!