About OC Youth Tri
OC Youth Tri welcomes athletes approximately ages 8–18, from beginners to experienced triathletes.
Triathlon should start with interest, not equipment.
OC Youth Tri was founded on the principle that any kid interested in triathlon should be able to start without first buying the equipment. Gearing up for three sports can be a substantial commitment before a family even knows whether their child enjoys the sport. We work to remove that barrier so athletes can discover triathlon first.
Training with the club
We practice swimming, bike handling, riding, and running, along with transitions and combined workouts that put the three sports together. Pool skills and stationary trainer sessions are part of that training.
Athletes arrive with different abilities, interests, and goals. Practices combine coaching and skill development with time for kids to laugh, socialize, and enjoy being active together.
Coach Eric Henninger
Eric Henninger founded OC Youth Tri and remains its primary coach. He has coached high-school swimming and water polo since 1998. His work with young athletes spans decades of helping kids develop skills, confidence, and a feel for training together.
Eric has participated in triathlon since 1995 and previously coached with Team in Training. He is a USA Triathlon Level 1 Certified Coach. Across more than 80 triathlons, including six full Ironman-distance events, he has experienced the preparation and demands of the sport firsthand. He was an XTERRA regional champion in 2002.
At OC Youth Tri, Eric coaches practices and plans training and races. He works directly with athletes on swimming, cycling, running, transitions, equipment, and race preparation, adapting training opportunities to the kids taking part.
Eric has built the club's equipment program through a combination of purchases and donated gear, much of which he has personally sought out. He maintains and repairs bikes and trainers, handles bike fitting and setup, and matches athletes with appropriate bikes already available through the club. When athletes are ready to buy their own bikes, he also helps families find the right one.
"My number one goal is for every kid to have the opportunity to try triathlon without paying a dime."
A bike to learn, train, and race on
If an athlete needs a bike, Coach Eric matches them with an appropriate bike already in the club’s equipment program, subject to fit and availability. It becomes that athlete’s regular bike. Many take it home; they practice, train, and race on it, often over a long period.
As athletes grow or their needs change, they may move to another bike. Some later decide to buy their own, with Eric helping them choose. Families can get to know the sport before making that investment.
The program has grown through purchases and generous donations. Tell the coach what your athlete has and needs before buying anything.
Learn about joiningOur back-to-back State Championships
OC Youth Tri won the High School Division of the 2025 Southern California State Championship and the 2026 Overall High School Team championship. We’re proud of our athletes and these back-to-back championships. Our athletes learn, improve, and race hard while enjoying the sport together. Success like this deserves to be celebrated.
Kids can pursue their goals in a supportive team, whether they’re learning their first transitions or preparing to race. Having fun, improving, and encouraging teammates matter throughout.
The friendships that develop come from kids training together and encouraging one another.
Race stories and club updates →