Aquamania provides swimming and water polo practices on different levels, for beginners to former Dutch champions. In addition to this, both sport and non-sport related activities are organized such as: bowling, dinners, drinks, game nights and of course the legendary student parties after the competitions!
So you can swim, play water polo and drink with us (in the order you prefer) on every level and experience a lot of fun without any obligation! If you cannot find your question here, feel free to send us an e-mail at info@aquamanialeiden.nl.
Do I need swimming and/or water polo experience to join Aquamania?
On the contrary, all we ask of you is that you know how to stay afloat! Aquamania is open to all levels, from beginners to professionals. At the swimming training, the lanes are divided according to your swimming level. At the water polo training, we train with all levels and depending on the training, separate instructions and exercises are occasionally given for the beginners or advanced players.
Can I become a member if I am not yet 18 years old?
Yes, as long as you are a student at a college or university, you are allowed to become a member.
How many times do you train each week?
Every week, there are 4 training sessions: 2 swimming training sessions and 2 water polo training sessions, each an hour long. Each swimming workout starts with half an hour of land training, which includes strength, conditioning, coordination and flexibility exercises that are helpful in swimming. Click here for more information about training times and locations.
What kind of activities do you organise besides the swimming and waterpolo practices?
In addition to the training sessions, Aquamania takes part in social activities as well. An important part of this are the monthly drinks that are held every first Tuesday of the month. In addition, the Aquactie – the activities committee – organizes a fun activity every month. This can be sports related (think skating or watching a water polo match), but many other activities are also organized, such as going to the Tikibad, eating together before a practice, movie nights and parties.
How much money does a membership cost?
A membership to Aquamania will cost €60,- for the coming year. In addition, a membership to the USC is required, which costs €169.25 annually. If you already have a USC membership, you do not have to pay these costs again. With the Aquamania and USC membership you can participate in all swimming and waterpolo practices, activities, competitions and also use all group lessons, fitness options and free swimming hours of the USC! It is also possible to become a member halfway through the year. From January, the membership costs will then be €50m,-.
Can I join aquamania all around the year?
Of course! You can sign up for a free trial training by sending an email to info@aquamanialeiden.nl.
There is also the possibility to become a trial member in September. As a trail member you can participate in all trainings and activities for €10 to see if Aquamania fits you. If you decide to become a member, the other membership costs are €50,-.
How can I join up?
You can find the signup form in the become a member section.
Are the competitions suitable for beginners?
The competitions are open to all levels! In swimming, many first time swimmers participate in the shorter distances (50m and 100m). And do not worry about swimming against a high level competitor, we will take your time during the training beforehand so that you swim against students of the same level during the competition! In the water polo competitions, we often make beginner teams and advance teams so experience is absolutely not required there either.
Yes! Competitions are open to all levels. In swimming, many beginners start with shorter distances like 50m or 100m. We take your time during training beforehand to ensure you’re placed in a heat with others of a similar level. In water polo, we often create separate teams for beginners and experienced players, so no prior experience is required.
Will I have to compete against high-level athletes?
No. We make sure you’re grouped with swimmers or players of a similar level. This keeps the experience fair, fun, and encouraging for everyone.
Do I have to join every part of the competition weekend?
Not at all. Participation is entirely up to you. You can join only the competition, just the social events, or the full weekend—whatever suits you best.
What happens during a competition weekend?
Most weekends start with a social event on Friday evening in the host city. We usually travel there together by train. Saturday is dedicated to the competition, followed by a themed party in the evening. It’s a great mix of sport and student life.
What swimming / water polo gear do I need for the training?
It is important to bring the following items for training:
- Swimsuit (bikini is also allowed, but less practical) or swimming trunks. As well as a swimming cap and goggles.
- Bottled water in case you get thirsty: ask the board about Aquabidons!
- A towel.
- Not required but very useful for the swimming practice: flippers, pull buoy and paddles and or a swimming board.
- Not required but very useful for the water polo practice: water polo cap and swimming goggles.
What obligations does Aquamania have?
None! You are completely free to decide which training sessions, drinks and activities you come to and whether you like to participate in the competitions.
What else can I do at Aquamania besides sports?
In addition to our activities in the swimming pool and our monthly drinks, there are countless activities throughout the year. We participate in the Batavierenrace, a student running race from Nijmegen to Enschede, the Swim-in in Leiden, activities of other swimming and water polo associations like Galas and pool parties, a canoe polo tournament with Levitas and the Leiden Student Diving Association and much more! In addition to participating in activities, you can also do a committee at Aquamania. With a committee you work together on a project/activity for Aquamania, such as the promotion committee, the activities committee or the Maniakaal committee (Aquamania club magazine). As a new member you are certainly welcome to join a committee! Ask a board member about the different committees to see what you like.
What does the introduction period look like?
Before the start of the academic year, an introduction day will take place with all kinds of fun activities, where you can immediately get to know all new and old members of Aquamania! In the month of September, prior to each training session, people will cycle together to the swimming pool from the Beestenmarkt. Introductory weeks also take place from the second week of the academic year to the first week of October, with at least one activity each week. The introductory period will be concluded in a festive manner in the swimming pool. Participation in these activities is also not mandatory and you can join whenever you want and when you have time for it.
Does aquamania have a KMT?
No. During the introduction period you can get to know each other and the association, but this does not have the character of a hazing. Introduction activities are purely aimed at making new friends and having a good time together, we don’t think hazing is appropriate here. At Aquamania you decide for yourself which activities you do and do not want to participate in.
I have a different question. Who can I go to?
If you have a diffent question, please send an email to info@aquamanialeiden.nl!