An AAU & USA Diving Affiliated Program

Frequestly Asked Questions

Check here first for answers to all your ZAP-related questions. And if you don't see what you're looking for, let us know and we'll add it!


Q: Well, it all sounds great...but what do your members have to say?

A: "Unlike other sports, diving is as much a mental sport as it is physical. This is what I personally have the hardest time with. I struggled to learn a reverse dive for about a year, fearing the outcome if something went wrong. Mary Ellen was able to help me where other coaches couldn't. She changed the way I practiced to slowly give me the confidence to do this dive…" continue reading


Q: Can my athlete do a "trial" lesson to see how he/she likes it before committing?
A: Absolutely! We offer a Drop-In option designed for this situation. Please download and complete our forms to register. Following the lesson, the coach, diver and a parent/guardian will discuss next steps.


Q: How soon can my child get started with the ZAP Team & Lessons program?
A: New members are welcomed at practice immediately upon completing our three-step registration process of:
1) speaking directly with Coach Clark, 2) submitting their completed ZAP Registration Packet, and 3) obtaining mandatory AAU Membership.


Q: What should the diver bring to practice?
A: A positive attitude, willingness to learn, bathing suit, towel, athletic shoes, t-shirt, shorts, water bottle.

Q: What should my child have to eat before practice, during competitions?
A: At ZAP, we take the health and nutrition of developing bodies very seriously. We are always happy to discuss our recommendations for your diver's individual needs, and encourage our families to maintain a dialogue with their diver's pediatrician at all times.


​Q: What is ZAP doing to ensure the safety of my diver during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
A: While the CDC currently reports that there is no evidence to suggest COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of recreational waters, ZAP requires all divers to 1) observe social distancing; 2) wear masks outside of the pool when social distancing is not possible; and 3) follow both the CDC's safe swimming practices and everyday preventative actions to protect themselves and others.