Articles and Videos
Masters Swimming 101: Lingo You're Likely to Hear at Practice
Here are a few more terms you'll likely hear at swim practice. Some of them seem confusing at first, but once your coach shows you by having you swim a certain way, it will all make sense.
Masters Swimming 101: How Do I Learn the Four Strokes? Why Do I Want To?
Some swimmers and many triathletes only want to swim freestyle, the fastest stroke. But for anyone inspired by Michael Phelps and other true masters of the pool, there are four techniques to conquer on the road to becoming an all-around swimmer. And it really is all about technique. There are huge advantages to everyone—triathletes included—in learning all four swimming strokes.
Masters Swimming 101: How Do I Use the Pace Clock?
A related question would be: Why are swimmers so obsessed with time? You'll find out, my friend, in due time. So, what is your time for a 100? Answer that question, and you are halfway to speaking Swimmerese.
Masters Swimming 101: What Is a Typical Workout?
Like a good play, a good workout develops in three main acts: the warm-up, the main action, and the cool-down. A sufficient warm-up is essential for mature athletes, and a relaxing cool-down will help to fight fatigue and sore muscles.
Masters Swimming 101: Yards and Meters
Coaches will give instructions mainly in terms of distance (or yardage) and time. Most American pools are 25 yards in length and are known as short course yards pools or SCY. To understand the sets, you'll need to add in multiples of 25.
Masters Swimming 101: What Are the Basics of Pool Etiquette?
Safety always comes first, and swimming's first rule is never to swim alone. Because you will always be swimming with other people, offer them the type of respect you wish to receive. Swim friendly. Also, always follow the directions of lifeguards and pool staff, as they can see and anticipate things that you cannot.
Masters Swimming 101: What Equipment Do I Need?
Not much! The beauty of swimming is that the water provides all the resistance you need to work every part of your body. No machine can match it.
Masters Swimming 101: How to Start Swim Practice as an Adult
Swimming is great exercise, but practicing with a group can seem mysterious to the uninitiated. Can I just show up? Are other swimmers going to laugh at me? If your questions are even more basic than that, you may first want to review our Let's Get Started page.
What Swimmers Need to Know About Hydration in Warm Temps
With global temperatures on the rise (in late July 2023, a NOAA buoy off the Gulf Coast of Florida measured water temps above 101), open water swimming poses more risks than ever for heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Open Water 101: An Introduction to Marathon Swimming
The standard rules of marathon swimming state that any swim longer than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) can be considered a marathon swim. The rules also state that marathon swims are accomplished without a wetsuit or any other external aids like flippers and floats, and can take a swimmer across a body of water, around an island, or from one point to another in any body of water. Marathon swimmers can be supported by a kayaker or a motorized guide boat, but the swimmer may not touch the boat or another person. Marathon swimmers may take in nutrition and fluids during the course of their swims, which in some cases can last upwards of two days or more, so long as they don’t lean on the boat or accept any assistance outside the rules of the organizing body sanctioning the swim.
Open Water 101: No Lanes, No Lines, No Limits in the Wild Blue Yonder
See that out there? That wide-open expanse of blue loveliness? That’s open water. No walls. No lane lines. And best of all, no black line here. If you’re new to open water swimming, there are some things you should know before you take your first plunge into that inviting blue yonder. This series of articles aims to provide would-be and new open water swimmers with the most basic information they need to feel confident joining in this beautiful sport that has growing international appeal.
Open Water 101: Training for Your Swim
Just like in the pool, training for an open water race or event works best when you set goals and train consistently. Although swimming a lot in open water would seem logical, most open water swimmers don’t train there exclusively. Rather, they use the pool strategically to maintain some speed. The pool can also be a good, safe place to work on your nutrition and get comfortable with the concept of eating and drinking while treading water.
Open Water 101: Where to Swim?
Now that you’ve got the right gear, let’s go swimming. But wait! Where are you headed? There are lots of places to swim, but swimming alone is dangerous and not advisable, so you should gather some swimming buddies together to go with you or connect with a group that’s already formed. There are resources out there to help you achieve this.
Open Water 101: How to Pick the Right Open Water Event
It stands to reason, if you’re new to open water swimming and want to train for an event, starting smaller will likely result in a more successful outcome. There are lots of events out there, with more cropping up every season, in the 1- to 2-mile range that would make a great target for your first open water race. In addition, local triathlons can also be a good place for budding open water swimmers to start.
Open Water 101: Managing Feelings of Anxiety and Panic in Open Water
Although open water swimming can be one of the most calming, cathartic, and tranquil sports you can take part in, not everyone feels comfortable in the open water. Even experienced pool swimmers sometimes find they experience panic while swimming in open water. Not being able to see the bottom and the feeling of being far from the safety of land can contribute to the anxiety some swimmers feel when swimming in open water.
Newbies 101: My First Travel Meet
I am a self-declared fitness swimmer. I swim one to two times per week. If I actually resist hitting the snooze button at 5 a.m., I will swim with my local Masters program. If my fingertip is drawn to the snooze button with magnetic force (as it usually is), I swim at 8 p.m. after the age-group team has finished its program. I swim when I want, as far as I want and as I want. Fins, kickboards, freestyle, doggie-paddle or whatever other method strikes my fancy. I am a fitness swimmer, but I attended the U.S. Masters Swimming Short Course National Championship in Clovis, Calif., last week. Did I compete? Heck yeah, I competed ... and I loved every minute of it. This is what I learned competing in my first national championship...
