About Masters Swimming

What is Masters Swimming?

Masters Swimming is a successful blend of fitness and competitive swimming for adults (19 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 a Masters Swimming program. There are over 100 clubs in Pacific Masters Swimming. 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 Northern California and Northern Nevada

Who can join Pacific Masters?

Anyone 19 years of age or over who has basic swimming ability and can comfortably swim a few lengths of the pool. 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. 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.

Other activities?

Yes! There are local meets, three Pacific Masters championships a year (Short Course yards held in the Spring, Long Course Meters, held in the summer and Short Course meters held in the fall, national championships and numerous international championships). There are open water swims and fitness clinics. This year Pacific Masters will sanction about 17 pool competitions, 11 open waters swims and fitness clinics. The United States Masters Swimming 1996 Short Course Nationals was held in Cupertino and the 1999 United States Masters Short Course Championships was held at the Santa Clara International Swim Center. The 2001 United States Masters Short Course Championships will be held in Santa Clara. For 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 accident and liability coverage during all sanctioned events and organized workouts that are supervised by a USMS member or USS coach.

As a member of Pacific Masters Swimming you are a member of United States Masters Swimming and will receive Swim Magazine. Pacific Masters has a newsletter insert in it 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

There are over 100 Masters teams in Northern California and Nevada. Many of them are listed on the Places to Swim page. Contact the coach of the team to find out more about that team.

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

Yes, all competitors at sanctioned pool and long distance meets must be members of US Masters Swimming.

How do I join

Fill out the application (that you can get from any team or can download) and sent it along with the annual dues to the registrar, Nancy Ridout (address is on the application).

If you have any questions about the Pacific Masters Swimming please contact the Nancy Ridout at the

Pacific Masters Swimming Office
(phone and fax (415) 892.0771)
Monday-Friday 10:30am 4:30 pm Pacific Time or Email nancyridout@mindspring.com

For information about United States Masters Swimming in other parts of the United States you can call:

United States Masters Swimming

Traci Grilli

261 High Range Road

Londonderry NH 03053

Email United States Masters Swimming Executive office usms@usms.org

(603) 537 0203

FAX (603) 537 0204

Pacific Masters Swimming (PMS) is a Local Masters Swimming Committee (LMSC) governed by United States Masters Swimming. Pacific Masters covers the geographical area of northern and central California and the northwestern part of Nevada.