Considering Master Swim, but first I need some advice

Always good too to call around, talk to the different coaches. You can get a sense of the vibe over the phone a lot of times. First time I tried masters' swimming, the coach was very friendly and enthusiastic, told me to come on out and give it a try, and when I got there, he was wonderful--very encouraging and supportive. Another time when I called, the coach was more stand-offish, and I had the sense that he was looking for more experienced swimmers. But that was okay too--at least I knew on the phone, so I didn't spend a lot of time going to a workout that wasn't a good fit. Later, I went to a workout geared toward faster swimmers (though there was a lane for my speed), but by then I had gotten a lot of what I needed by way of instruction, so the workout was mostly just to get the yards /training in. Good luck and enjoy!

If I understand your concern, you think you might want to get some instruction in strokes and technique before you start with a program. I would suggest that you go and watch a masters workout and then you will have an idea how you would fit in. I don't think you would have any problems fitting in, but if you want the names of some people who could give you private instruction, I can give you some. DAM is a good place to go with a lot of people of various abilities. I swim at Town North Y. The Aerobics Center has a group. There is a group in Plano. All of the programs will have coaches who will be able to help you with turns and technique. Go by and watch a workout and I think you will see that you would like it.

While lamenting that fact that running and my knees just don't get along like they used to, my sister suggested Master Swim. So I quickly found plenty of activity here in Dallas, but here's the problem. I'd characterize myself as a "former strong" swimmer. Red Cross Life Guard certified as a kid, which helped me survive water survival in Pensacola. Problem is I never swam competitively, or for fitness. Really all of my water training is survival based with the Navy verses fitness. I'd really like to learn proper technique for lap training, kick turns, breathing proper breathing etc. Can this organization help me find a coach? Should I join a local club first? Thanks in advance for any advice. Dan in Dallas... Hi Dan! :welcome: I would recommend starting here: www.usms.org/.../gettingstarted And, here: www.usms.org/.../mapsearch.php The best place to start on the forums is here: Ande's Swimming Tips: Swimming Faster Faster - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums and forums.usms.org/showthread.php Next, I would check out swim drill videos here: http://www.goswim.tv/ Your sister sent you to the right place! :applaud: And, it is not a "problem" at all that you never swam competitively or for fitness. USMS has members of all levels, including those who are just learning to swim. It is the most welcoming organization I have ever encountered! So, make sure to check out that link for where you can swim in Dallas and join a Masters team. Don't worry about your swimming level; you will be placed in a swim lane with others that have similar skills. And, make sure to hang around here; you will learn a lot! :agree: Good luck! :cheerleader:

Dallas Aquatic Masters appears to be the largest organized team in your area. They have 139 registered members this year. It appears that they train out of several different facilities. I don't know anything about their team, but they have a nice website: http://www.damswim.com/. That's probably your best bet.

One thing I would warn you about is not all programs are going to be the same. There are lots of coaches out there who can give you good instruction and have the time to do so during workouts, but there are plenty of others that are focused on training and may have too many people in the pool to single out an individual for much one-on-one work. For this reason you might also consider seeking lessons first rather than jumping right into masters. No question you could jump right into masters, but you could be frustrated if it's a team that doesn't cater as much to novice competitive swimmers.

... just try drownproofing drills like trading water for 30 mins ... I know water is a commodity, but I don't think there are futures markets on which it is traded. :D (Sorry, I work for a commodities trading firm and couldn't resist...) Skip

While lamenting that fact that running and my knees just don't get along like they used to, my sister suggested Master Swim. So I quickly found plenty of activity here in Dallas, but here's the problem. I'd characterize myself as a "former strong" swimmer. Red Cross Life Guard certified as a kid, which helped me survive water survival in Pensacola. Problem is I never swam competitively, or for fitness. Really all of my water training is survival based with the Navy verses fitness. I'd really like to learn proper technique for lap training, kick turns, breathing proper breathing etc. Can this organization help me find a coach? Should I join a local club first? Thanks in advance for any advice. Dan in Dallas... Hey Dan in Dallas, Welcome to the USMS forums Dallas Aquatic Masters (DAM) is the best masters swimming program in Dallas. They have great coaches, several pools and offer many training opps per week, along with really nice swimmers of all ages and ability levels, I'm sure they have a lane for you. There are a lot of Places to swim in Dallas Where you choose to train depends on your life and schedule. Consider convenience, quality of program and time slots. There's plenty of programs and people who can give you private lessons. Here's links to the Swim Faster Faster Index Swim Faster Faster Index: Updated Fri Apr 13, 2012 SFF Index PART 2 Just Begin, start where you are with what you have & improve. Set goals, Make a plan, DO IT Let us know what you choose, give us updates & comments good luck & have fun. ande

I was wary of actually joining the local Masters club due to my own assessment of my ability and watching the club workout. I talked with the coach who told me that I should just give it a try. Being the chicken that I am, I decided to work out on my own until I thought I could fit in. Then, the best/worst thing happened - my work schedule changed and I could not swim except at the time that the club(s) had the pool. I was forced to either break it off or go with the club. I have only been swimming with Saluki Masters for 10 days now but I know that I have made much more progress with them than I possibly could have my myself. There is nothing but support and fun competition before, during, and after workouts. Our coach does not spend the entire workout with me personally but he does have something for me to work on or correct every day (and he does watch...) Besides the great info and suggestions already provided, I'd like to suggest that you show up to one or more clubs workouts and chat with the coach. Be frank about your abilities and your goals. Find out how to get in the program. Bill 1) Swimming is Easy 2) Swimming is Hard 3) 1 and 2 are NOT contradictory

Dan, focus on learning proper technique. If you're worried about aerobic training just try drownproofing drills like trading water for 30 mins, with or without hands, or even vertical SDK or flutter. You can also do laps of side stroke frogman style. If you want to get into masters lap swimming, flip turns, different strokes, then get some qualified instruction. Fitness is important but efficiency is from techqunique, which is why you see swimmers of all shapes sizes and ages routinely lapping the typical buffed out athlete. Good luck and have fun!

Where in Dallas are you?