·Frequently Asked Questions

• I'm not a very fast swimmer, can't swim all the strokes, and I am not sure I can finish an hour workout. How good/fast do I need to swim in order to join?
  CM welcomes swimmers of all abilities. ­ We have team members with college and high school swim team experience to novice swimmers new to the sport. If you can swim freestyle with sideways breathing for 4 lengths of the pool, we can help you improve your skills and endurance. You don't need to be able to swim all the strokes to join! Don't be afraid to ask for help. Workouts are adjusted to take into account each swimmer's ability level.
• What is a typical workout? How many yards per workout?
  Each workout runs for an hour from 6-7am. After a 10 minute self-warm-up, the workout is explained and written on a whiteboard for reference. Workouts are about 2000-2500 yards, with options to add and subtract sets as needed. The lanes are organized to have similar ability level swimmers in each lane.
• What are the rules for swimming in a lane with other swimmers?
  There's actually quite a bit you will need to learn about becoming a good lane mate. Many of the ways we do things is just common sense, for instance, we swim on the right side of the lane and leave the wall on sets every 5 seconds to maintain space between swimmers. But there are a number of things you will need to learn, some of which you can pick up, others that your lane mates will teach you, and some tips from this excellent page on the Davis Master’s website: Lane Awareness and Pool Etiquette
• What's the water temperature?
  The water temperature is between 80-82 degrees throughout the year.
• Are locker rooms, restrooms and hot showers available?
  Yes, restrooms with a changing area and showers are available outdoors adjacent to the pool and there are locker rooms with showers available indoors.
• Do I have to wear a racing swimsuit?
  Any swimsuit will do, however, a suit designed for swimming workouts (speedo type) is highly recommended. Teammates can suggest both online and local options for a new swimsuit purchase if needed.You will need to purchase a pair of goggles. Pull buoys and kickboards are provided.
• Are there competitions?
  Out of town swim meets, open water, and virtual competitions are offered almost every month. We try to compete in as many events as possible and enough swimmers to form relays. However, competition is optional, but you are encouraged to join in in other ways and show your team spirit. 

Webpage links to more information

Thanks to Walnut Creek Masters for providing a webpage that has additional links about swim team and more. Use this link to go to the Walnut Creek Masters links: Swimming Web Links

Resources:

US Masters Swimming and Pacific Masters web pages

Davis Masters and Walnut Creek Masters web pages

Chico Master Swimmers