Adult club for competitive and rec swimmers
With Michael Phelps leading the USA team into Olympic history, a new spark of interest in swimming as a competitive sport has come about. The Turlock Masters Swim Club is one Valley club that has seen an increase in membership over the past year, adding to the excitement of area swim events.
“We have increased our membership substantially since the Summer Olympics in London,” said Lew Boyle, co-founder and board president of Turlock Masters Swim Club. “The sport of swimming has sparked interest among community members and we couldn’t be happier.”
The Turlock Masters Swim Club, which was founded only two years ago, offers coaching and camaraderie to adults who have an interest in swimming.
“This is not just for competitive swimmers. We’re open to all swimmers, ages 19 and up, who just want to get out there and swim,” said Boyle.
The club was founded by a group of swimmers who work out at the California State University, Stanislaus pool twice a day, Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 pm.
“Master Swim is all about fitness through swimming. There are a lot of people in this area who swim competitively, or are training for triathlons. There are also people who just like to swim,” he said.
Masters Swim programs are open to competitive and non-competitive swimmers. Members pay a $40 annual fee to be a part of the organization, and small monthly dues to use the pool.
TMSC offers three levels of workouts for its members. They range from a beginning workout for those looking to improve swim technique and physical fitness, a more intermediate workout, and an advanced workout for competitive swimmers. There is a suggested minimum ability for members.
“We want to make sure members feel comfortable while they swim with TMSC. We have prepared three levels depending on their experience and pair them up with other swimmers that have the same skills,” said Boyle.
Boyle welcomes community members who are interested in swimming to pick up their goggles and swimsuits and see if the program is the right fit for them.
“Come and check it out for yourself. We give the first two sessions for free so it’s a win-win situation. We’d be more than happy to have our coach analyze your strokes and fit your own personal needs through swimming,” Boyle said.
— NANCY ANGEL
209 reporter
