I have been swimming for fitness for several years and sometimes time myself just to trick myself into swimming harder and more. Anyway, the time of day and expense of our local masters team does not appeal to me but I would like to try to compete at a meet sometime. Do I have to be on a team to do so? If so, are there any free teams to join that I could join in name only in order to qualify? Finally, where do I find the rules for masters swim meets (for example, I wondered if I have to do flip turns). FYI from reviewing the motivational times I am probably a BB and maybe could become an A in my age group, which is over 50. Thanks!
PS I am new to the forum and did try searching this but I think the words are so common on the forum that I could not narrow down the results to find answers so if it has been asked and answered a lot, I apologize.
Some good info in the previous post.
I would just offer that I swam in my first Masters meet "unattached" a year ago when I was training on my own. It was a little bit scary climbing on the blocks for the first time in 40 years, but I had a blast.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how supportive and welcoming the other swimmers were, especially when they found out I was a "newbie".
The experience was enough to get me to retire from my triathlon career (and the sore runner's knees) to become a full-time swimmer again. Joined my Masters team a week later and have never looked back.
Good luck & have fun!
Some good info in the previous post.
I would just offer that I swam in my first Masters meet "unattached" a year ago when I was training on my own. It was a little bit scary climbing on the blocks for the first time in 40 years, but I had a blast.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how supportive and welcoming the other swimmers were, especially when they found out I was a "newbie".
The experience was enough to get me to retire from my triathlon career (and the sore runner's knees) to become a full-time swimmer again. Joined my Masters team a week later and have never looked back.
Good luck & have fun!
