ARGO SWIM VIDEO
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Frequently Asked Questions
Argo Swim Video makes underwater filming simple for busy coaches and teams. Whether you’re wondering how the system works, what’s included, or how to get started, we’ve covered the most common questions below. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out anytime — we’re here to help.
About The Company
When Was Argo Founded?
Argo was founded in 2006, originally under the name KidsinMotion. We started by providing professional photography at swim meets across the United States, helping families preserve memories of their swimmers in action.
What did Argo do before underwater video?
Before focusing on underwater video, Argo photographed swim meets nationwide and sold professional images, posters, and memorabilia to families. Our photos are hanging on the walls of over 100,000 families across the country.
Why did Argo shift from photography to video?
When the iPhone launched in 2007, smartphones made everyone a photographer and the market for professional swim meet photos changed dramatically. Our founder, Brad Hopkins, used his engineering background to pivot toward what coaches and swimmers truly needed — underwater video capture and analysis.
Who is Brad Hopkins?
Brad Hopkins a former Division I swimmer and the founder and engineer behind Argo Swim Video. He’s a lifelong swimmer who spent years developing underwater camera prototypes and personally filmed over 36,000 swimmers for hundreds of swim teams across the United States.
Why did Argo create a DIY camera system?
When COVID-19 hit in 2020, Brad decided at 70 years old that it was time to stop traveling to film thousands of swimmers each year. Rather than end the service, he set out to create a system that any coach could use to capture underwater video, accessible to everyone.
How much development went into the Argo system?
Four years and $250,000 went into building a system that gives coaches what they need most — simple filming, automatic uploads, and the underwater footage that helps swimmers improve.
About The Camera
Is the camera system difficult to use?
Not at all. The Argo system was designed for busy coaches who don’t have time for complicated equipment. Setup is tool-free, the app handles all the filming automatically, and everything is built to be as simple as possible.
How much does the Argo camera weigh?
The complete Argo camera rig weighs under 20 pounds, making it easy for anyone on your team to transport and set up poolside.
What is the camera made of?
Our camera is built entirely of carbon fiber and 3D printed components, making it lightweight, durable, and fully waterproof for reliable performance in any pool environment.
How long does it take to set up the camera?
Setup takes no more than two minutes and requires zero tools. It’s truly ezPeezy — just unpack, set up the rig, place the tablet on the camera, and plug it in.
About The Tablet
What tablet does Argo use?
We use a giant 14.6″ Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 tablet — it’s nearly the size of a small TV. The large screen makes it easy for coaches and swimmers to review video instantly poolside.
Do I have to return the tablet after my lease?
No! After your first weekend rental, the tablet is yours to keep — completely free. You can use it for teaching and reviewing video with your swimmers between rentals.
Why does Argo give away the tablet?
Keeping the tablet enables coaches to immediately teach with the video that’s been captured. It also makes future leasess even simpler — when you lease the camera again, just plug your tablet into the rig and start filming. No setup, no learning curve.
How does the tablet work for future leases?
When you lease the camera a second time, we ship just the camera rig to you via FedEx. You simply plug in the tablet you already have, and the Argo app picks up right where you left off. It’s seamless.
How does the leasing system work?
It’s straightforward: lease the camera, keep the tablet free, and next time just pop your tablet onto the camera rig we ship to you. Simple, intuitive, and designed to save you time.
Do I need to operate the camera during filming?
Once the tablet is placed on the rig and plugged in, the Argo app takes over and runs the show automatically. No manual operation needed — just let it do it’s thing; instant playback, automatic uploads, links sent directly to the swimmer’s phone and everything stored securely on AWS servers.
About The Software
What does the Argo app do?
The Argo app lives on the Samsung tablet and controls everything. It enables two HD cameras — one overwater and one underwater — to simultaneously stream video directly into the tablet for storage and instant playback.
How are videos organized in the app?
Videos are automatically organized by swimmer, group, and stroke type, making it easy for coaches to find exactly what they need without sorting through hundreds of random clips.
What playback features does the app have?
The app offers slow motion, frame-by-frame and split-screen toggling — giving coaches all the tools they need to provide detailed technical feedback immediately.
Do swimmers get their videos automatically?
Yes! Once a swimmer is filmed, the tablet automatically begins uploading their video to the cloud. As soon as it’s uploaded, the swimmer receives both a text and an email with links to their video — all while filming continues.
How do swimmers and parents access videos?
Swimmers and parents can access videos through a simple portal on the Argo website. Every time they log in, they receive a 6-digit security code via email to ensure privacy and security.
Where are the videos stored?
All videos are stored on Amazon Web Servers (AWS) for secure, reliable cloud storage. Swimmers can play back and download their videos anytime from the secure Argo portal.
Does the coach have to manually send videos to swimmers?
Not at all. The entire process is automatic. Once a swimmer is filmed, they get a text and email with their video — no extra steps required from the coach. You can focus on coaching while the app handles distribution.
Can swimmers share their videos?
Yes! Once swimmers receive their video links via text and email, they can access, download, and share their videos from the secure Argo portal.
About Our Analysts
What are eVOs?
eVOs (educational voice overs) are professional video analysis markups created by our team of Argo Analysts. Each eVO covers 5 important talking points for the stroke being analyzed, focusing on fundamentals to complement — not replace — your coaching.
Will eVOs contradict my coaching?
No. Our Analysts stick to fundamentals and are careful not to step on coaches’ toes. The eVOs are designed to reinforce basic technique and give swimmers professional feedback that supports what you’re already teaching.
Who are Argo Analysts?
Argo Analysts are former standout D1 and D3 swimmers and active coaches who have each produced hundreds of educational voice overs over several years. They practice relentlessly before being accepted onto our team and are trained to provide consistent, high-quality analysis — sticking to the fundamentals ONLY. No fancy coach talk!
When do Analysts create eVOs?
Most of our Analysts are young women who do their work in the afternoon — often before practice or “while the baby is sleeping.” This flexible schedule helps us provide quick turnaround times for teams.
Can I see a sample eVO?
Yes! You can watch a sample eVO here: https://youtu.be/4rgelV9KrSI?si=T0y1X-93_gtU2HTG
Is Argo hiring Analysts?
Yes! Demand for eVOs is always increasing, and we’re actively looking for talented former swimmers and coaches to join our team. If you’re interested, shoot us a text to learn more.
How many talking points does each eVO cover?
Each eVO covers 5 important talking points specific to the stroke being analyzed, giving swimmers clear, actionable feedback they can work on immediately.
About Demo Day
How much does a demo visit cost?
Demo visits are completely free of charge. There’s no obligation — we just want to show you how simple and powerful the Argo system is.
How long does a demo visit take?
Demos last about an hour. It’s best to schedule the visit one hour before practice starts, either AM or PM, so it doesn’t interfere with your training schedule.
Who needs to attend the demo?
Both the Head Coach and one assistant coach are required to attend. You’re welcome to invite a board member or key parent if you’d like additional decision-makers to see the system in action.
What happens during the demo visit?
We’ll unpack the camera (which takes about 2 minutes) and film a couple of swimmers. You’ll see the entire filming process, the slow motion and split screen playback of underwater and overwater video, and watch how the software instantly delivers text and email notifications with video links to your phone.
Will I get to see the video delivery system during the demo?
Yes! We’ll demonstrate how swimmers automatically receive both a text and an email with their video links immediately after being filmed. You’ll see it happen in real-time on your phone during the demo.
What happens after the demo?
Most teams schedule their first camera lease during the demo visit once they see how easy and effective the system is. There’s no pressure — just an opportunity to lock in a date if you’re ready.
