About Masters Swimming

How to become a Masters Swimmer
USMS - the national Masters swimming organization
How to contact us
USMS Insurance

What is Masters Swimming?

Masters Swimming is a successful blend of fitness and competitive swimming for adults 18 years of age and over. The regular structured workouts use techniques of interval training in an atmosphere of fun, fitness, friendship, and participation! Individuals who find it difficult to stick with a self-imposed, keep-fit routine will find it easier to maintain as a member of a Masters Swimming program. There are over 130 clubs in Pacific Masters Swimming that offer a variety of organized workouts, competitions, clinics, and workshops for all kinds of swimmers - fitness, triathlete, competitive, non-competitive. Most of our swimmers belong to one of these clubs. Take a look at the Places to Swim page that lists many of the places to swim in the Pacific Masters region of Northern California and Northern Nevada.

Who can join Pacific Masters?

Anyone 18 years of age or over who has basic swimming ability and can comfortably swim a few lengths of the pool can join. It is NOT necessary to have previous experience in competitive swimming.

Does everyone compete?

No! Most Masters swim for fitness, gaining stroke improvement and motivation from the instruction a coach provides. Members join for their own reasons, participating in various club activities only if they wish to participate. Progress can be a measure of increased distance swum, fewer rest periods needed to finish a distance, or a general feeling of well-being after a workout. Pool and open water races provide opportunities to compete and measure individual progress at the local, state, national, and international levels, but only for those who want to compete. USMS programs also offer stroke and technique clinics, workshops, and some social functions.

Other activities?

Yes! There are local meets, three Pacific Masters Championships every year (Short Course Yards held in the spring, Long Course Meters in the summer, Short Course Meters in the fall), National championships in spring and summer, and numerous international championships. There are open water swims and fitness clinics. In a typical year Pacific Masters will sanction about 17 pool competitions, 11 open waters swims, and several fitness clinics. To see what we are going to be doing this year see our page of scheduled events.

Other benefits?

You are covered by a group insurance policy. The insurance includes supplemental accident and liability coverage during all sanctioned events and organized workouts that are supervised by a USMS member or USAS coach.

As a member of Pacific Masters Swimming you are a member of US Masters Swimming and will receive Swimmer magazine. Pacific Masters also sends out periodic emails (the PacMasters Update) that will help keep you informed of the activites, programs, policies, and issues that are of interest to all swimmers.

How do I find out more about Masters swimming?

If you have found a place to swim or club that you might be interested in, you can find a link to the club's website (if available) and a contact email in our club list.

Do I have to be a member of US Masters Swimming to compete in events?

Yes, all competitors at sanctioned pool meets and open water events must be members of US Masters Swimming.

How do I join?

For information about how to join, go to the "How to become a Pacific Masters Swimmer" page.

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Pacific Masters Swimming (PacMasters) is a Local Masters Swimming Committee (LMSC) governed by US Masters Swimming. Pacific Masters covers the geographical area of Central and Northern California and the northwestern part of Nevada.