Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Former Member — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:45:13 GMT

I don't know, it seems strange to wear a wetsuit into a coffee shop... Trust me. You would not attract attention here. Tee shirts and bumper stickers read "Keep Austin Weird." What I do find strange are the banana lattes that my training partners have been ordering lately.

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

ande — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:49:11 GMT

Street closings during SXSW adds an additional challenge to navigation. Steer clear of bottlenecks. SXSW Street Closures The following streets will be closed from 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 14th until 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 18: • East 6th Street, between Brazos and the southbound IH-35 access road. Exception 1: East 6th Street will be open on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., to accommodate commuter traffic. Exception 2: Delivery vehicles will be allowed on 6th St. until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. • Sabine, Neches, Trinity, and San Jacinto, between East 5th Street and East 7th Street. • Red River, between East 5th and East 10th. All east-west cross streets will remain open, except East 6th as noted above. The following streets will be closed from 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14th until 6:00 am on Sunday, March 18: • One lane on the north side of East 5th, between Brazos and Red River. • One lane on the south side of East 7th, between Brazos and Sabine. Trinity Street, between Cesar Chavez and E. 4th Street, will be closed from 7 am on Friday, March 9th until 6 am on Sunday, March 18th Riverside Drive, along Auditorium Shores, will be closed from noon until midnight on Thursday, March 15th and Friday, March 16th; and from 10 a.m. until midnight on Saturday, March 17. Fado’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration West 4th Street, between Colorado and Lavaca, will be closed from 11 a.m. until midnight on Saturday, March 17.

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

knelson — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:27:11 GMT

then we reconvene at Mozart's for coffee. Admission is free. Wetsuit is optional (as are tops). I don't know, it seems strange to wear a wetsuit into a coffee shop...

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Former Member — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:47:14 GMT

I don't know, it seems strange to wear a wetsuit into a coffee shop... i think it would be strange to wear a wetsuit anywhere in tehas

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Patrick W. Brundage — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:53:36 GMT

i think it would be strange to wear a wetsuit anywhere in tehas Dave, shouldn't your statement have ended at "anywhere?"

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Former Member — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:59:31 GMT

We train at Nitro in an indoor 50 meter x 25 yard pool Monday through Saturday from 5:30 to 6:45 am. We have coached workouts, and there is no drop in fee. Here is the website: www.nitroswimming.com/Home.jsp I did take Ande up on his generous offer five years ago, and then I joined him and some of his teammates for breakfast at Magnolia Cafe (try the gingerbread pancakes if you go). A few of us swim at Barton Springs on Sunday mornings from 6 until 8:00, then we reconvene at Mozart's for coffee. Admission is free. Wetsuit is optional (as are tops).

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Former Member — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:37:10 GMT

Austin is such a great place to be a swimmer... Sure seems like it. I almost feel like I should give em all a go hah. Thanks again, all. Definitely helpful.

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Former Member — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:10:45 GMT

Austin is such a great place to be a swimmer...

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Former Member — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:21:35 GMT

the 10 buck thing is a University policy, the swim center has a front desk monitor who enforces it. I think she wants prior approval to know who's coming and to make sure there's adequate lane space. I haven't heard of anyone being refused. There's often 2 or 3 other groups using the pool when we are. We're low on the pools priority list, we're grateful & lucky to get what we're given. OK, managing space makes sense. I thought you guys had the whole pool and needing prior approval seemed kinda snooty.

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

ande — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:59:44 GMT

Seriously? Wow, you guys must be extra special elite. Are there qualifying times required before being accepted to workout? I've showed up at masters workouts all over the country without requesting prior approval. Every single time I was warmly welcomed by the coach and other swimmers*. Only one time was I charged for visiting. the 10 buck thing is a University policy, the swim center has a front desk monitor who enforces it. I think she wants prior approval to know who's coming and to make sure there's adequate lane space. I haven't heard of anyone being refused. There's often 2 or 3 other groups using the pool when we are. We're low on the pools priority list, we're grateful & lucky to get what we're given.

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

aquageek — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:24:48 GMT

I've often wondered about the drop in fee. It is arbitrary and I'm never quite sure what happens to that cash, not that it really matters. It would nice as part of USMS membership to have an option to increase dues by $XX that would allow you unlimited drop-ins at other USMS clubs (not your home club). I don't know if that would improve the situation or make it any less complicated. While it pains me to admit this, other than the swimming mecca of the know universe, Charlotte, Austin does seem to have an abundance of really awesome and varied swimming options.

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Kurt Dickson — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:10:48 GMT

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

knelson — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:58:19 GMT

I've also found lots of groups will let you drop-in once for free, but if you're going to be in town for a while and plan to attend a few practices odds are they'll charge you. This makes sense to me since most teams will probably offer potential new swimmers a free trial.

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

ourswimmer — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:44:06 GMT

At some facilities, though, there are reasons (often unknown to me) why the coaches need to pre-approve guests. Yes, one reason might be to get the visitor into a secured-access facility, such as a university gym or a private club. Another might be that the workout is normally full, and that even regular members of that team can't just drop in at it. At least one team in this area used to have to assign members to workouts because of limited pool space and time. I always email the coach first just to check on access, parking, lane space, schedule changes, etc. In Austin, many of the outdoor municipal pools are not open in winter. Deep Eddy and Barton Springs are open year-round. They are outdoor, and cool both temperature- and style-wise. Big Stacy pool is open year-round too and it is warmer. City web site has schedules.

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Patrick W. Brundage — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:40:33 GMT

Seriously? Wow, you guys must be extra special elite... I've showed up at masters workouts all over the country without requesting prior approval. Keith, this might be a facility issue. I have dropped in many places and always email the coach in advance as a courtesy. At some facilities, though, there are reasons (often unknown to me) why the coaches need to pre-approve guests. As far as costs, I've done lots of free drop-ins, but $10 is not unheard of and I've paid more (e.g, $15 recently in San Francisco @ USF).

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

ande — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 01:41:07 GMT

Also, be careful where you park. I got a 35 dollar ticket a few months ago in a completely empty parking lot at about 8pm on campus...UT wants to extract every cent from you to park on their hallowed burnt orange fire ant infested earth.:) Parking at UT can be a challenge. You gotta read the signs and follow the rules. While most areas of government are bureaucratic and inefficient. UT meter maids get their job done! If you get a UT parking ticket, you can attempt to protest it and you might get it waived, reduced or at least delayed. I suggest visitors park on Red River in front of the Erwin Center. It's city of Austin parking. I believe it's FREE: M - F between 5:00 pm & 8:30 am, Sat & Sun, & Holidays. But read the meter boxes & follow the rules. There's more street parking on San Jacinto & Trinity between 15th & MLK. also You might find spaces across from the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum Also there's 3 UT parking garages close to the swim center but they aren't a bargain unless you have a monthly pass. A cab could be a good way to get to & from. Plus here's my offer: If you want to train with Longhorn Masters & you're staying at a downtown Austin hotel which is East of Lamar, West of IH 35, North of the River & South of MLK. Get Whitney's approval, bring your USMS card & drop in fee & if I'm attending that practice & have time, I'm happy pick you up at your hotel before and take you back after. Just ask. Maybe it might work. I did this for Gull when he first came to Austin & happy to help when I can. Just email AndeRasmussen (at) aol (dot) com, Put "Longhorn Swim" in the Subject field. BTW SXSW can be extra trafficky. Especially along Cesar Chavez & the convention center when hoards are coming or going. maybe leave 20 min early for noon practice instead of 10 or 15 or walk away from the crowds. But early a.m. is usually empty & easy.

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Former Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:25:36 GMT

Below is Longhorn Masters March schedule Visitors must email Whitney for approval $10 drop in fee last time i was in austin, longhorns weren't taking drop-ins at their morning sessions. i did have a nice visit with Nitro.

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Former Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:16:25 GMT

Agree with Chaos. Deep Eddy and Barton Springs! super awesome places to swim

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Former Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:21:25 GMT

Below is Longhorn Masters March schedule Visitors must email Whitney for approval $10 drop in fee Seriously? Wow, you guys must be extra special elite. Are there qualifying times required before being accepted to workout? I've showed up at masters workouts all over the country without requesting prior approval. Every single time I was warmly welcomed by the coach and other swimmers*. Only one time was I charged for visiting. * At Stanford everyone is nice, but they don't greet you as a visitor. There are so many workouts and participants, they assume you're just another member who normally does another workout.

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Former Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:18:14 GMT

Fantastic! Thank you all for your responses!

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Former Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:07:02 GMT

... oh and I forgot to mention Barton Springs!

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Former Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:05:35 GMT

Deep Eddy is a great place to swim.

RE: Where to Swim in Austin during SXSW

Patrick W. Brundage — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:23:08 GMT

No time for posting web links, but 3 great Masters programs: Longhorn Masters @ UT Nitro Masters -- north of town Rollingwood -- where Lance is rumored to lurk with other fast, ex-UT guys