What New Masters Swimmers Need To Know
One of the biggest steps you will ever take as an adult swimmer is to join a masters swim team or to at least work out with one.
Most people don't have a lot of confidence in their swimming skills, even if they swam as youngsters, so joining a team as an adult can be pretty daunting.
Here is some information that can help you transition into a new team easily, and do so without finding yourself breaking any of those unwritten rules that many teams have.
What Is Masters Swimming? Masters swimming is more than just swimming for adults - it is actually overseen by a national organization called United States Masters Swimming.
This organization is in charge of literally hundreds of different swim teams all over the country, and is just part of the international federation (FINA).
So, when you join a masters team, you will usually need to purchase a USMS registration in addition to your swim's own fees which will vary from team to team.
Do You Need To Compete? There are some teams that will highly urge you to compete since they think if you are taking up their pool space, then you should provide them with some benefit when it comes time to score points in meets.
But, remember that fewer than ten percent of all masters swimmers compete on a regular basis, so if you don't feel comfortable, do not succumb to the pressure.
There is nothing wrong with swimming simply to improve your body and enjoy the companionship of other swimmers.
What Should You Know for Your First Swim? Your first practice will usually be a little frightening for you since all teams are different.
But, there are a few things that you should bring with you: - A swimsuit that is appropriate for lap swimming - Goggles - Swim cap - Swimming fins - Pull buoy - Kick board - Water Many teams will provide pull buoys and kick boards, and you can also buy pull buoys that also function as kick boards, which can save you room in your swim bag.
Perhaps the best thing that you could do before your first swim is to contact the coach who will be on deck that day, either by phone or email, and let them know that you are going to be joining them.
They will therefore be ready for your arrival and should not have any trouble spending time with you.
Final Tips When it comes to etiquette, take some time to watch the flow of swimmers in the pool.
It is vital that you choose a lane that is appropriate for your speed and your skill level or you will slow down swimmers in your lane or frustrate slower swimmers.
If you have questions as to where you should swim or what rules you should follow, always feel free to ask other swimmers in your lane or the coach who is on deck.
Most people don't have a lot of confidence in their swimming skills, even if they swam as youngsters, so joining a team as an adult can be pretty daunting.
Here is some information that can help you transition into a new team easily, and do so without finding yourself breaking any of those unwritten rules that many teams have.
What Is Masters Swimming? Masters swimming is more than just swimming for adults - it is actually overseen by a national organization called United States Masters Swimming.
This organization is in charge of literally hundreds of different swim teams all over the country, and is just part of the international federation (FINA).
So, when you join a masters team, you will usually need to purchase a USMS registration in addition to your swim's own fees which will vary from team to team.
Do You Need To Compete? There are some teams that will highly urge you to compete since they think if you are taking up their pool space, then you should provide them with some benefit when it comes time to score points in meets.
But, remember that fewer than ten percent of all masters swimmers compete on a regular basis, so if you don't feel comfortable, do not succumb to the pressure.
There is nothing wrong with swimming simply to improve your body and enjoy the companionship of other swimmers.
What Should You Know for Your First Swim? Your first practice will usually be a little frightening for you since all teams are different.
But, there are a few things that you should bring with you: - A swimsuit that is appropriate for lap swimming - Goggles - Swim cap - Swimming fins - Pull buoy - Kick board - Water Many teams will provide pull buoys and kick boards, and you can also buy pull buoys that also function as kick boards, which can save you room in your swim bag.
Perhaps the best thing that you could do before your first swim is to contact the coach who will be on deck that day, either by phone or email, and let them know that you are going to be joining them.
They will therefore be ready for your arrival and should not have any trouble spending time with you.
Final Tips When it comes to etiquette, take some time to watch the flow of swimmers in the pool.
It is vital that you choose a lane that is appropriate for your speed and your skill level or you will slow down swimmers in your lane or frustrate slower swimmers.
If you have questions as to where you should swim or what rules you should follow, always feel free to ask other swimmers in your lane or the coach who is on deck.
