Is this Masters Swimming?
Yes-and-no-and-sort-of! Masters just means – ah – well – older. Most of us think it means you have to be a good swimmer. I've eliminated it from the title for now though Swim Velocity is a certified US Masters Swimming club and you are eligible to compete at swim meets as a member. The term Masters is a polite way to categorize those of us who no longer have a school or community swim team to rely upon. Though there are many accomplished swimmers in Swim Velocity, there is every level as well.
I am not a great swimmer, but would love to learn. Is this program right for me?
We welcome and encourage swimmers of all levels and offer large group coached swims, small group lessons and personal coaching. If you are new to swimming or coming back after a bit of an absence, we recommend you start with the lessons or personal coaching. Large group coached swims are appropriate for the swimmer who can do at least 1000 yards and can work within and interval based program. Session will include work on form and technique to improve efficiency in the water and endurance for longer swimming. We ask that you are “water-safe.” That means you can get across the pool using your own style several times, even if it isn’t pretty! If you are completely new to swimming, we recommend a private lesson to get you started successfully. Please see the prerequisites under each program to match your ability with the right coaching experience.
How will this swim program increase my fitness?
We use interval training to conduct the session, and all swimmers will approach the intervals at their own level. This Main Set of intervals will last about 40 minutes using shorter-to-moderate bursts of speed from 1 lap (25yds) to 20 laps (500yds). You will rest at the wall for a few seconds before doing your next interval. Swimming broken down into these manageable parts will challenge your aerobic capacity as well as increase your muscle strength. You will improve stamina and endurance with longer sets on occasion too. Only the most advanced swimmers will complete all the intervals in the first session. We expect the rest of the group to work up to those as you challenge yourself along the way. We will modify each session for various levels of swimmers.
Will I be the only one who can’t swim well?
Nope! We will put swimmers in lanes by ability. You will make friends with others at your level. As your swim ability increases, you get to move up in the lanes. That is always an exciting day! (maybe we’ll get a bell to ring for you……!)
I am a triathlete. Is this program right for me?
Yes. The coaches are triathletes and swimmers. In fact, Swim Velocity coached group swims cater to triathletes and we focus on freestyle and race preparation. We do regular time-trials with you to document your improvement and success.
What equipment will I need?
Essential: Bathing suit (any style that covers your private parts), goggles, swim cap, paddles, buoy and some water to drink during the session.
What about my beautiful hair?
If you color your hair or are otherwise concerned about dryness, there are a few things you can do to keep your hair looking great. Wet you hair with fresh water prior to swimming and/or use conditioner under a swim cap.
Can I just try the program first before I join?
Please contact us first to assess your level and availability in the programs. Many of our sessions fill and we do not allow drop-ins to full programs. If you qualify for a drop-in, you can pay $15/session to join the training. This is more than just open-swim. This is a coached session with encouragement from other swimmers to challenge you to the max!
