How about some reminiscing about the worst pools you ever were forced to work out and/or compete in ??
Our old pool was 20 yards long, with gutters and the deck was about 2 feet above that. The water level was always low, so it was like ocean swimming every day. There were no starting blocks and the "lane lines" were nylon cord with a plastic bobber every 3 feet or so. The water was always quite warm to accomodate the family swims and lessons that were also sharing the pool during the day.
Since goggles had not yet been invented and the only antiseptic method was chlorine (lots of it), we would have those chlorine "light halos" until the next day. The kick-boards were solid, varnished wood and they doubled as pull-buoys. There were no fins or hand paddles.
Thank the higher power of your choice that we had a GREAT coach.
Oh, did I mention that they used to beat us with knives???
Bert
I swam for Huntington Y and swam in the Flushing Y pool in meets at that time (late 50s). Coming from the LI burbs into the City the pool was a real eye opener, the lesson "stop complaining". Talk about perseverance, you guys had it! Of course, as Frank sang, "if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere." Great to see you are still swimming.Thanks. I was 7-12 when I swam there (lived in New Hyde Park). Lynn Burke a 1960 gold medal winner was from Flushing Y.
I swam for Huntington Y and swam in the Flushing Y pool in meets at that time (late 50s). Coming from the LI burbs into the City the pool was a real eye opener, the lesson "stop complaining". Talk about perseverance, you guys had it! Of course, as Frank sang, "if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere." Great to see you are still swimming.Thanks. I was 7-12 when I swam there (lived in New Hyde Park). Lynn Burke a 1960 gold medal winner was from Flushing Y.
