As a new person to masters swimming, I thought I would share some differences I have noticed between club/college programs that I have participated in and the masters environment. I was wondering if many of you have had similar experiences. First, masters swimmers are an incredibly friendly bunch. It's nice to see the friendships despite the competitive nature. Second, masters swimmers are more competitive than I thought; they will use fins, buoys, and any other equipment to get by (excluding things like syringes filled with HGH). Third, there are a lot of fat dudes in masters swimming :). You'd think everybody would be ripped, but they're not. Fourth, workouts are geared more for the sprinter--there's just not enough time to do long sets. Fifth, stroke work is marginal at best, most everyone focuses on freestyle. Sixth, it's a much more relaxed atmosphere than a club or college team.
I guess if I were to stereotype, the typical masters swimmer is male; very friendly; has a considerable gut; has weird training suits; loves to use a pull buoy, fins, and paddles (all at the same time even); while taunting the swimmer next to him in a jovial manner. What do you guys think?
