Even our friend Aquageek gets a mention!
www.wsj.com/.../in-u-s-masters-swimming-training-is-more-important-than-the-race-1438622826
I think the article is fine as far as it goes, but it would be nice if they at least mentioned that competition IS a big facet of masters swimming for lots of us. Sure lots of USMS members do not compete, but how many other adult sports can boast of having an annual national championship event where ~2,000 athletes compete?
Interestingly, some Masters clubs do have certain requirements to join, and they don't seem in line with the everyone is welcome message. I encountered several in my search for different clubs since we're contemplating a move back to New England at some point. This from the website for the BU Masters:
Participants should be proficient at three of the four competitive strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle and be able to swim 500 yards in 10 minutes or less before enrolling.
Leaves me out.
Just did a quick search and see that BU also has a "Pre-Masters" group, so maybe that would work for you.
110350 - Pre-Masters
Prereq: Ability to swim 500 yards continuously in less than 13 minutes (about a 2:30 interval per 100 yards) and competence in freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke. Designed for swimmers who want to gain endurance, learn training techniques, and improve strokes. This program will help prepare swimmers for either a Masters Swim Program or for the use of lap swimming as a form of aerobic exercise.
Interestingly, some Masters clubs do have certain requirements to join, and they don't seem in line with the everyone is welcome message. I encountered several in my search for different clubs since we're contemplating a move back to New England at some point. This from the website for the BU Masters:
Participants should be proficient at three of the four competitive strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle and be able to swim 500 yards in 10 minutes or less before enrolling.
Leaves me out.
Just did a quick search and see that BU also has a "Pre-Masters" group, so maybe that would work for you.
110350 - Pre-Masters
Prereq: Ability to swim 500 yards continuously in less than 13 minutes (about a 2:30 interval per 100 yards) and competence in freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke. Designed for swimmers who want to gain endurance, learn training techniques, and improve strokes. This program will help prepare swimmers for either a Masters Swim Program or for the use of lap swimming as a form of aerobic exercise.
