All amateur swimmers 18 and over should be required to swim at least one masters meet per year. This would help with the transition into adult life, and really show the younger generation the value of masters swimming. Adults who continue to love the sport, that's a great networking tool and a positive way to stay involved with people of similar interests.
It's much easier compared to racing heats and finals in the 50, 100, 200, 400 free, 100, 200 back, 100 fly, 200 IM and all the relays, 20+ times a year, (not to mention the training) just so the club I paid could score more points on the National charts. This was required, just to be on the team.
So many young swimmers quit, and they equate "swimming" with that kind of program, they lose interest quickly... Masters is better, but how would they know if they've never been part of this environment.
My 20 year old got so burned out, that he left the pool at 17, and has not shown interest in getting back to it yet. If I tried to push him, it would make it worse. Lately, he has been doing a lot of running and biking, and I noticed his swim equipment was taken to his room, so he is thinking about something. I may see if he wants to jump in and swim some 50's this winter at Nadine's meet, he might be ready by January. But, if I push him to do it, he would go the other way. He needs to find it by himself, not be forced.
My daughter is completely laid back and non-competive in nature. She is only 15, but I think she will love masters, and can be pushed to try it at 18.
I think people need to find these things on their own time, and it depends on their personality. If they were the intense type that pushed themselves hard, they just may need a break.
It's much easier compared to racing heats and finals in the 50, 100, 200, 400 free, 100, 200 back, 100 fly, 200 IM and all the relays, 20+ times a year, (not to mention the training) just so the club I paid could score more points on the National charts. This was required, just to be on the team.
So many young swimmers quit, and they equate "swimming" with that kind of program, they lose interest quickly... Masters is better, but how would they know if they've never been part of this environment.
My 20 year old got so burned out, that he left the pool at 17, and has not shown interest in getting back to it yet. If I tried to push him, it would make it worse. Lately, he has been doing a lot of running and biking, and I noticed his swim equipment was taken to his room, so he is thinking about something. I may see if he wants to jump in and swim some 50's this winter at Nadine's meet, he might be ready by January. But, if I push him to do it, he would go the other way. He needs to find it by himself, not be forced.
My daughter is completely laid back and non-competive in nature. She is only 15, but I think she will love masters, and can be pushed to try it at 18.
I think people need to find these things on their own time, and it depends on their personality. If they were the intense type that pushed themselves hard, they just may need a break.
