A quick question for the knowledgeable readers out there. This NYT magazine called Play recently contacted me about writing a piece for a section they call "Master Class" -- they want me to go someplace warm and get some swimming instruction of some sort.
I know that USMS used to have some kind of program where masters swimmers could apply to go out to Colorado Springs for intensive coaching, stroke analysis in the ICAR flume, etc. Is this still going on, do any of you know, and would it be possible to just do a "lite" version of this (a day or two; bypass the application process; not actually need to be an elite swimmer; etc.)
The other possibilities would be one of Terry's TI camps (though, God help me, front quadrant swimming really hurts my shoulders, and I feel this dog is just too old to learn that particular new trick).
Or--and this might be my favorite of all--didn't Gary Hall, Jr. start some sort of Sprint Club training camp down in Key West or the Bahamas or some similar place that would prove the perfect antidote to Pittsburgh this time of the year, especially if I don't have to pay for it?
Please let me know the details of any such possibiities--the editor did specify he'd prefer me to go someplace "warm and outdoors-y." Which makes two of us.
You have a great job there, Jim. Real hardship duty.
I'm not a camp expert, although I seem to recall there was a recent thread on swim camps.
But I have heard from USS coaches that the camps at Stanford and Auburn are very good, but maybe just for USS swimmers?
Gary Hall's race club has lots of camps. They advertise as the "fantasy" camp where you "can have your cake and eat it too" with a double vaca and swim fest. Who could beat Islamorada and the Cheeca Lodge? www.theraceclub.net or (877) Swim-Race. Besides, if you're a sprint freestyler, that might be a good option for you. (Can you tell I just pulled out my Splash magazine?)
I have also heard that Josh Davis puts on some great camps, not sure if any are for masters swimmers. Terry may have the market cornered on masters camps. I think Josh Davis' camps are called "Ultimate Swimming" or something like that. Can't remember for sure.
Nike has a bunch of camps in many different locations with some of their stars. 1-800-NIKE-CAMP.
What about recent issue of USMS mag? That must list some camps. I'm so jealous. I really need a nice warm vacation ...
I'm sure the coaches on the forum can give you better tips. I'm still waiting to go to the Allen Stark breaststroke camp with FlyQueen.
You have a great job there, Jim. Real hardship duty.
I'm not a camp expert, although I seem to recall there was a recent thread on swim camps.
But I have heard from USS coaches that the camps at Stanford and Auburn are very good, but maybe just for USS swimmers?
Gary Hall's race club has lots of camps. They advertise as the "fantasy" camp where you "can have your cake and eat it too" with a double vaca and swim fest. Who could beat Islamorada and the Cheeca Lodge? www.theraceclub.net or (877) Swim-Race. Besides, if you're a sprint freestyler, that might be a good option for you. (Can you tell I just pulled out my Splash magazine?)
I have also heard that Josh Davis puts on some great camps, not sure if any are for masters swimmers. Terry may have the market cornered on masters camps. I think Josh Davis' camps are called "Ultimate Swimming" or something like that. Can't remember for sure.
Nike has a bunch of camps in many different locations with some of their stars. 1-800-NIKE-CAMP.
What about recent issue of USMS mag? That must list some camps. I'm so jealous. I really need a nice warm vacation ...
I'm sure the coaches on the forum can give you better tips. I'm still waiting to go to the Allen Stark breaststroke camp with FlyQueen.
