Help Your Child Discover Springboard Diving
Beginner diving classes at RIT in Rochester and in Canandaigua.
No previous diving experience is required. Upstate Diving helps children learn safely, build confidence, and progress one dive at a time.
For children ages 6 – 12 years old who can swim independently in deep water.
A Fun New Sport With Room to Grow
Does your child love jumping, flipping, swimming, or learning new physical skills?
Springboard diving combines athletic movement, mental focus, courage, and fun. It gives children the opportunity to challenge themselves as individuals while belonging to a supportive team.
At Upstate Diving, every new diver begins with age-appropriate fundamentals. Our coaches introduce skills gradually and help children progress at a pace that matches their readiness and confidence.
Your child does not need gymnastics, diving, or competitive experience to get started.
New Divers Learn More Than Dives
Confidence
Divers learn to approach unfamiliar skills one manageable step at a time. Each successful step builds confidence for the next challenge.
Coordination
Diving develops balance, body awareness, flexibility, strength, and control.
Focus
Divers learn to listen, make corrections, and repeat skills with purpose.
Resilience
Not every skill happens on the first attempt. Divers learn how to respond positively, adjust, and try again.
Friendship
Children train alongside other divers while receiving individual instruction and encouragement.
Recreational or Competitive—Your Child Can Choose
Your child does not need to compete to participate in Upstate Diving.
Some divers join because they want a fun recreational activity. Others eventually pursue school, collegiate, or national-level competition. Both pathways begin with the same foundation: safe instruction, strong fundamentals, and a positive experience.
As your child progresses, our coaches will explain the available opportunities. There is no pressure to choose a competitive pathway when beginning.
Upstate’s Structured Learning System
New divers do not simply arrive at the pool and attempt difficult dives.
Upstate Diving uses a progressive skill-development system that breaks diving into manageable steps. Divers learn fundamental positions, movements, jumps, entries, and introductory dives before moving to more challenging skills.
Your child will work on:
- Diving-board and pool safety
- Forward and backward jumps
- Straight, tuck, and pike positions
- Safe entries into the water
- Balance and body control
- Basic dryland exercises
- Introductory springboard dives
Coaches monitor each diver’s progress and recommend advancement when the required skills and readiness standards have been met.
Outstanding Training Facilities
Upstate divers train at facilities designed to support safe, effective skill development.
Depending on the program and location, training may include:
- One-meter and three-meter springboards
- Dryland diving boards
- Trampolines
- Overhead spotting equipment
- Video replay
- Training mats
- Strength and flexibility exercises
Programs are available at RIT in Rochester and in Canandaigua.
What Happens at a Trial Class?
A trial class allows your child to experience Upstate Diving before selecting a regular membership.
During the trial, your diver will:
- Meet an Upstate coach.
- Learn basic safety expectations.
- Try age-appropriate introductory skills.
- Experience the pool and diving boards.
- Receive a recommendation for the appropriate group and schedule.
For a pool trial, bring a swimsuit and towel.
Divers do not need goggles.
Required sports-insurance registration must be completed before participation. We will provide the current instructions after receiving your trial request.
Starting Is Simple
1. Tell Us About Your Diver
Complete the short trial-request form.
2. Receive a Class Recommendation
We will help you select the most appropriate location and beginner practice.
3. Meet Your Coach
Attend the confirmed trial class and let your child experience springboard diving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need previous diving experience?
No. Our beginner program is specifically designed for children with little or no previous diving experience.
Does my child need gymnastics experience?
No. Gymnastics experience can be helpful, but it is not required.
Does my child need to compete?
No. Divers may participate recreationally. Competition is introduced only when the diver, family, and coaches believe it is appropriate.
Does my child need to know how to swim?
Yes. Divers must be able to swim 20 yards independently in deep water.
What should my child wear?
For pool practices, bring a swimsuit and towel. Divers do not wear goggles. We will provide instructions for any dryland session.
Which group will my child join?
Most beginners start in Learn to Dive. After the trial, a coach will confirm the most appropriate placement.
Give Your Child a Chance to Try Something New
Your child does not need to be fearless or experienced to begin. They only need an interest in learning and a willingness to try.
Book a trial class and discover whether springboard diving is the sport your child has been looking for.
