The State of Master Swimming.

So how did you all get into Masters swimming? For me, when I moved into a new area (UK), I went to the local pool to see what was on offer and on the notice boards was a lot of info about the age group club and a section for the Masters. So although I'd been out of the water for 8 or so years, and was the ripe old age of 25 thought, well I can give it a go. If I hate it I don't have to go back? Anyway I really enjoyed it, met a lot of friends, improved, took time off, had 2 babies then moved to the US. So I started looking again - online this time, found USMS, as I knew that Masters swimming "existed". I have officially joined up this year so that I can access the coached workouts, get the mag and compete locally. My local pool does offer a masters program at 5.30 every morning. There is a small notice by the pool and the "class" is buried in the activities brochure they publish quarterly. There is however no mention of USMS as an organisation. So firstly the masters swim can only be found if you know what you're looking for and secondly USMS is not mentioned alongside. If you really want to attract the lap swimmers, the ex-age groupers after a break and anyone else that swims recreationally you need to physically get information into those rec centers. (At the risk of stating the obvious!:bolt:) Also perhaps if anyone can think back as to how you started - can that avenue be improved?

So how did you all get into Masters swimming? For me, when I moved into a new area (UK), I went to the local pool to see what was on offer and on the notice boards was a lot of info about the age group club and a section for the Masters. So although I'd been out of the water for 8 or so years, and was the ripe old age of 25 thought, well I can give it a go. If I hate it I don't have to go back? Anyway I really enjoyed it, met a lot of friends, improved, took time off, had 2 babies then moved to the US. So I started looking again - online this time, found USMS, as I knew that Masters swimming "existed". I have officially joined up this year so that I can access the coached workouts, get the mag and compete locally. My local pool does offer a masters program at 5.30 every morning. There is a small notice by the pool and the "class" is buried in the activities brochure they publish quarterly. There is however no mention of USMS as an organisation. So firstly the masters swim can only be found if you know what you're looking for and secondly USMS is not mentioned alongside. If you really want to attract the lap swimmers, the ex-age groupers after a break and anyone else that swims recreationally you need to physically get information into those rec centers. (At the risk of stating the obvious!:bolt:) Also perhaps if anyone can think back as to how you started - can that avenue be improved?