I will be attending a regional SCY meet this weekend for the first time. Can someone give me an idea of what to expect -- besides hundreds of swimmers vying for parking spaces, warm-up lanes and deck space? Specifically, what do most swimmers DO between races? Is there usually a place to leave your stuff or must you lug it around all weekend? Should I bring a blanket, chair, pillow etc.? Do teams hang out together? How early should I arrive before my first event? (Check in is one hour prior but do I need to be there much before that?)
You get the idea. I just need someone to give me the lay of the land for a big meet.
Are you coming to the meet at Harvard this week-end? Basically, what everyone here said is correct. Masters meets are a lot of fun. Lots of people hanging out. Assuming you're coming to the Harvard meet.... there will be locker rooms where you can lock things for the day, but "standard disclaimer - not responsible for lost items". The Harvard meet will have a swimwear vendor at the meet, too, as well as concessions. At some of the big meets that last a long time, sometimes people leave the pool between swims and "go do other stuff" and then come back. At Harvard, that's pretty easy to do, since Harvard Square is just on the other side of the river (5 minute walk).
One other thing... for the Harvard meet, we're making a particular effort this year to try to make the meet easier to understand for people new to Masters swimming (or to swimming at all). There will be lots of people around to ask questions, etc., as well as easy-to-read signage with important information. (I made the signs last night...)
The other thing about Masters swimming is that while we're all on teams, etc., and sometimes we can get competitive (especially during relays!), it's really about the most friendly kind of competitive spirit you'll ever see. Really, we're all one big team.
-Rick
Are you coming to the meet at Harvard this week-end? Basically, what everyone here said is correct. Masters meets are a lot of fun. Lots of people hanging out. Assuming you're coming to the Harvard meet.... there will be locker rooms where you can lock things for the day, but "standard disclaimer - not responsible for lost items". The Harvard meet will have a swimwear vendor at the meet, too, as well as concessions. At some of the big meets that last a long time, sometimes people leave the pool between swims and "go do other stuff" and then come back. At Harvard, that's pretty easy to do, since Harvard Square is just on the other side of the river (5 minute walk).
One other thing... for the Harvard meet, we're making a particular effort this year to try to make the meet easier to understand for people new to Masters swimming (or to swimming at all). There will be lots of people around to ask questions, etc., as well as easy-to-read signage with important information. (I made the signs last night...)
The other thing about Masters swimming is that while we're all on teams, etc., and sometimes we can get competitive (especially during relays!), it's really about the most friendly kind of competitive spirit you'll ever see. Really, we're all one big team.
-Rick
