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
Any former Jersey Wahoos swimmers out there?
Back in the 80s, our coaches would always trek us up from Virginia to Philly/New Jersey for better competition. The Jersey Wahoos were exceptionally tough in those days, but we always marveled at how high their elbows would go on their butterfly (as they kicked our asses). It wasn't until we did an exchange meet with them -- where we discovered their (to my mind) 3' width cramped lanes -- that I understood the reason for it.
My daughter swam for them and I joined Wahoos to swim at lunch and other off practice hours. The pools is a basic tank with narrow lanes and no gutters, but they've produced great swimmers for many years. Despite the pool form, it feels like a fast pool. They've tried to build a new 50m pool over the years, but haven't been able to do it. Practices really get it rocking. The wahoos masters team is a really dedicated very serious group, starting at 5 am with a OW (distance) focus, I think.
Any former Jersey Wahoos swimmers out there?
Back in the 80s, our coaches would always trek us up from Virginia to Philly/New Jersey for better competition. The Jersey Wahoos were exceptionally tough in those days, but we always marveled at how high their elbows would go on their butterfly (as they kicked our asses). It wasn't until we did an exchange meet with them -- where we discovered their (to my mind) 3' width cramped lanes -- that I understood the reason for it.
My daughter swam for them and I joined Wahoos to swim at lunch and other off practice hours. The pools is a basic tank with narrow lanes and no gutters, but they've produced great swimmers for many years. Despite the pool form, it feels like a fast pool. They've tried to build a new 50m pool over the years, but haven't been able to do it. Practices really get it rocking. The wahoos masters team is a really dedicated very serious group, starting at 5 am with a OW (distance) focus, I think.
