Though I frequently rave about my semi-national health club chain for its workout benefits when I travel, nothing comes close to what I consider the #1 benefit of USMS: dropping in for workouts in random cities around the US. In the last 3 years, I've swum with teams in over 20 different pools (forums.usms.org/blog.php, many times for free, always with a hearty welcome and a great workout. I've swum in some of the 'storied' pools of our nation, with some of USMS' legendary coaches and teams, and met some neat people across the land.
If you're not taking advantage of this benefit, do so on your next trip. You won't be disappointed. If you're part of a Masters team that hasn't recently updated your website or info on http://www.usms.org/placswim/, do so and enjoy some friendly visitors.
What's your favorite drop-in swim experience?
I've been a masters swimmer for only two years, but I've been going to Whidbey Island every summer for a week for the past 15 years. This year I decided to try swimming with the locals. I contacted South Whidbey Island Masters (S.W.I.M.) and was heartily welcomed to join them in the early morning hours (5:30 a.m.—my regular team practices at 5:30 p.m.). Had a great time swimming and meeting all the folks, some of whom I've seen since at a couple of open-water swims. I hope to join them again next summer for my annual visit, and I'll certainly be looking for other opportunities to swim outside my area when I travel in the future.
I've been a masters swimmer for only two years, but I've been going to Whidbey Island every summer for a week for the past 15 years. This year I decided to try swimming with the locals. I contacted South Whidbey Island Masters (S.W.I.M.) and was heartily welcomed to join them in the early morning hours (5:30 a.m.—my regular team practices at 5:30 p.m.). Had a great time swimming and meeting all the folks, some of whom I've seen since at a couple of open-water swims. I hope to join them again next summer for my annual visit, and I'll certainly be looking for other opportunities to swim outside my area when I travel in the future.
