Question 1

What is Masters swimming?

Accepted Answer

United States Masters Swimming (USMS) is an organized program for adults. Anyone 18 or older may join. USMS is a lifetime sport enjoyed by many adults throughout the metropolitan Baltimore area. Swimmers range in age from 18 to 100+.

SPCC Masters Swim Team provides organized workouts in which swimmers are grouped into lanes according to their skill and fitness level. The coaches emphasize conditioning and stroke technique.

Whether you are a novice swimmer wanting to get in shape or an experienced swimmer wanting to sharpen your strokes, reach your goals under the guidance of qualified coaches with the support and encouragement of teammates.

Question 2

How well do I need to be able to swim to join Masters?

Accepted Answer

You should be able to comfortably swim 500 yards without stopping. You should have knowledge (doesn't need to be perfect!) of all 4 competitive strokes.

If you’re not quite there yet, SPCC aquatics ​offers Adult Swim Lessons​​. Individualized workouts are geared to optimize each person's skill level. Stroke technique, endurance swimming and goal setting are emphasized throughout the session.

Check out the Masters Swimming 101 series of articles on the USMS site if you are new to group swimming.

Question 3

How are the lanes/workouts organized?

Accepted Answer

Lanes are arranged by workout distance and base 100 yard freestyle interval. The “Black” workout averages 3600 yards with base intervals of 1:20 - 1:35. The “Red” and “Blue” workouts average 3000 yards with base intervals of 1:40 - 1:55. The “Green” workout averages 2600 yards with base intervals of 2:00 - 2:15. The coaches will help you find which lane is your best fit.

The workouts start with a warmup of 500-1000 yards. There are 2-4 sets, each with a different focus: drills, kicking, pulling, stroke/IM, freestyle, pace work, sprints or a combination. Practice ends with 100-200 yards cool down.

Question 4

Does everybody compete in swim meets?

Accepted Answer

Competitions are optional. Although people often join the Masters Swimming Program primarily for fitness, many members choose to compete. Competition is exciting and a great way to measure your progress.

The Maryland Local Masters Swim Committee (LMSC) hosts The Carol Chidester Memorial Swim Series which consists of 6 invitational meets hosted by masters teams in the local area. Meets are seeded by entry times, but are scored by age group (18-24, 25-29...). Swimmers also have the opportunity to participate in relays. The meets are low-key and fun. There are post event “socials” at some meets.

Some members of our team compete in regional and national competitions. Our team has won the National YMCA Masters championship ten times (and always finishes in the Top 5). Many of the members participate in triathlons as well as open water swimming events, with a key event being the one mile or 4.4 mile Chesapeake Bay swim.

Question 5

I’m interested in doing a trial workout. What do I do next?

Accepted Answer

Contact us at marylandmastersspcc@gmail.com to let us know which practice time you would like to try! Swimmers meet at the deep end of the pool about 10 minutes before the start of practice for stretching and socializing.

The first time you attend a practice, you will be asked to sign a USMS waiver. You can print it out and bring it with you or we have copies at the pool.

The coach will go over the workout 5 minutes before start time. The pool has pull buoys, kickboards, and fins you can use.

Frequently asked questions

What is Masters swimming?

How well do I need to be able to swim to join Masters?

How are the lanes/workouts organized?

Does everybody compete in swim meets?

I’m interested in doing a trial workout. What do I do next?