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 also have had some really nice experiences visiting other USMS clubs while traveling (Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Tuolumne County just in the last few years in CA), and some fun times meeting people who have visited our club.
I also had one really bad experience: I showed up and the coach said "we don't allow drop-ins." I was really surprised, and disappointed, because all the other teams I'd ever visited had been very welcoming. The experience stands out in my memory because it was so far out of the norm, but it did confirm for me that I should always call or email first to verify the workout time and to find out any special information (best-case, where to park and who to pay; worst-case, "no interlopers"). I don't name the coach or the team because he doesn't coach that team any more and I have no reason to think that the team with its current coach is anything other than totally hospitable to traveling USMS members.
I also have had some really nice experiences visiting other USMS clubs while traveling (Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Tuolumne County just in the last few years in CA), and some fun times meeting people who have visited our club.
I also had one really bad experience: I showed up and the coach said "we don't allow drop-ins." I was really surprised, and disappointed, because all the other teams I'd ever visited had been very welcoming. The experience stands out in my memory because it was so far out of the norm, but it did confirm for me that I should always call or email first to verify the workout time and to find out any special information (best-case, where to park and who to pay; worst-case, "no interlopers"). I don't name the coach or the team because he doesn't coach that team any more and I have no reason to think that the team with its current coach is anything other than totally hospitable to traveling USMS members.
