Hello hello! :) I'm 16 years old and would like to compete in a triathlon. The problem? I am no good at swimming and barely passed the minimum lap requirement for graduation; sad I know. If you're wondering why I don't just compete in a dualthon it's because they don't host many around where I live and I want to conquer my weakness in the water. I don't have enough time to join my high school swim team and train for a triathlon, so I was wondering if USMS can help? My stroke needs major work and since I'm under 18, the possibility of attending swim classes with elementary school'ers terrifies me. :eek: Do any of you have suggestions as to what type of program I should enroll in at USMS or should I look for another program? Thanks for your help.
Parents
Former Member
PowerK,
Being under 18 technically USMS can't help you but I do know of some USMS coaches that are are also age group (or USS) coaches. You can use the swimming links from USMS home page to get to the United States Swimming web site and then try to track down a swim club near you. The swim coaches may or may not be open to giving private lessons (most of them are - so don't get discouraged if the first one you talk to isn't interested). You mentioned taking swimming lesson with elemenatry school kids - once again keep checking around lots of agencies do provide either adult lessons and or private swim lessons (City Parks and Recreation Dept., YMCA's, etc.). You might even want to check into a community college, if they have a pool they will usually have a swim program including a beginning swim program - of course you would have to enroll in the school but gives you another option (not sure in regards to your age and if they would have something to fit your schedule). Another good source of information is calling the American Red Cross they will usually have information on where pools are that offer swim lesson programs. Good luck and stick with it.
Jeff
PowerK,
Being under 18 technically USMS can't help you but I do know of some USMS coaches that are are also age group (or USS) coaches. You can use the swimming links from USMS home page to get to the United States Swimming web site and then try to track down a swim club near you. The swim coaches may or may not be open to giving private lessons (most of them are - so don't get discouraged if the first one you talk to isn't interested). You mentioned taking swimming lesson with elemenatry school kids - once again keep checking around lots of agencies do provide either adult lessons and or private swim lessons (City Parks and Recreation Dept., YMCA's, etc.). You might even want to check into a community college, if they have a pool they will usually have a swim program including a beginning swim program - of course you would have to enroll in the school but gives you another option (not sure in regards to your age and if they would have something to fit your schedule). Another good source of information is calling the American Red Cross they will usually have information on where pools are that offer swim lesson programs. Good luck and stick with it.
Jeff
