Hey everyone! First post on here so be nice*
So I'm new to swimming, this is my second week. Right now I'm going three days a week in the morning before work. So when I go, it's always the same people there. There is one guy who appears to be a pretty good swimmer. Then three elderly folks who just kind of float from one end to the other; not saying that in a bad way, I think it's great they're active!
So anyways, those four take up four lanes, then the other two are closed for Masters swim practice. The first couple times the elderly man joined lanes with his wife and gave me his. Thought it was great and an awesome gesture, but I could tell it didn't make him happy. So last time it was obvious he wasn't giving me his lane again, but the good swimmer invited me to share his, so I did.
I felt bad for this guy because he's going back and forth like crazy, and I'm going down and back and then resting every time; I can only make it more than once down and back on my first two laps right now. I made sure to tuck myself in the corner when I stopped, but just felt bad, maybe because I'm still new. And I struggled a couple times trying hard to make sure I didn't bump him, and I'd bump the rope or struggle with my breathing and get messed up. Is it wrong to think it sure would be nice for the elderly couple to keep swimming together since they just float back and forth?
Long story longer, the Masters squad that uses the first two lanes stretches for over 30 minutes each day beside the pool, but still have the first two lanes closed even though they aren't using them. Would it be rude to ask the coach if I can use one of their lanes if I get out before their done stretching? I know basically the exact time they get in the pool each day.*
Soon I'm sure I'll be asking technique questions, because I could definitely use the help there too!*
I don't think it's rude to ask the Masters coach to use the lane while the team stretches, and if you're up front that you plan to be out before any swimmers take the lane, there's a chance the coach may be agreeable. However, my experience, is that coaches aren't generally agreeable to this sort of arrangement. From their perspective the feeling might be that if I let one swimmer in on these conditions, others may follow suit, and then I'm chasing swimmers out of the Masters lanes we had reserved.
Further, it absolutely not wrong to expect to share any lane for which you've paid the right to swim. If there are more swimmers than lanes, every swimmer in the pool should be prepared to share a lane -- especially those floating back and forth and those that are in the pool with someone they already know. I've never hesitated to slip to the side of the lane or invite a swimmer to join me whether or not they are faster or slower than I.
I've never looked to create a problem, but if there is only one option to share and the person looks less than happy for me to be joining that lane, I stick my legs in on a side and proceed anyway.
Enjoy. Swimming is the greatest (even when navigating these bits).
I don't think it's rude to ask the Masters coach to use the lane while the team stretches, and if you're up front that you plan to be out before any swimmers take the lane, there's a chance the coach may be agreeable. However, my experience, is that coaches aren't generally agreeable to this sort of arrangement. From their perspective the feeling might be that if I let one swimmer in on these conditions, others may follow suit, and then I'm chasing swimmers out of the Masters lanes we had reserved.
Further, it absolutely not wrong to expect to share any lane for which you've paid the right to swim. If there are more swimmers than lanes, every swimmer in the pool should be prepared to share a lane -- especially those floating back and forth and those that are in the pool with someone they already know. I've never hesitated to slip to the side of the lane or invite a swimmer to join me whether or not they are faster or slower than I.
I've never looked to create a problem, but if there is only one option to share and the person looks less than happy for me to be joining that lane, I stick my legs in on a side and proceed anyway.
Enjoy. Swimming is the greatest (even when navigating these bits).
