Frequently Used Abbreviations in Practices:

FR = Free

BK = Backstroke

BR = Breaststroke

DR = Drill

DPS = Distance Per Stroke

UW = Underwater

KOB = Kick on Back

OTB = Off the Blocks / From a start off the starting blocks

IMO = IM Order (Fly, Back, Breast, FR)

RIMO = Reverse IM Order (Free, Breast, Back, Fly)

Desc. = Descend, each repeat gets faster

BPA = Best Possible Average, hold the fastest time you can on that interval

S.A. = Single Arm; Free & Back- the non-working arm is by your side, Fly & BR- the non working arm is out in front of your shoulder.

<:(__) r > = Take the prescribed number of seconds rest

AFAP = As Fast As Possible

AFAFAP = As Far As Fast As Possible

b/e = Breathe every

B/B/P = Band, Buoy, Paddles

B/P = Buoy, Paddles

Variable Sprint, or V.S. = #1- 1/2 Fast, 1/2 EZ; #2- 1/2 EZ, 1/2 Fast; #3- Underwater AFarAP ==> EZ; #4- All fast

1. Why swim with IFLY?
Swimming is a great exercise. Our programs and pools are available year-round. We offer fun, organized, and professionally coached practices with stroke instruction.

2. I can’t swim all the strokes/ I'm not a very fast swimmer / I am not sure I can finish the workout. How good do I have to be?
IFLY welcomes swimmers of all abilities from nationally ranked to novice. If you can swim several lengths, our coaching staff will help you improve your skills and endurance. You don’t have to know all four strokes.; our workouts are adjusted to take your ability level into account.

3. What if I’m to slow for the others in a lane?
We let the swimmers pick the lane they wish to train in. The lanes are generally organized by ability, goals, and training speeds.

4. What is the membership of IFLY like?
It ranges in age from 20 to 60+ year olds. Some swim for fitness, others train to compete at Masters meets, open water events, and/or triathlons.

5. What are the workouts like?
Don’t worry if you can’t stay the whole time or initially can’t finish the workout. The coach gives the sets, which vary by distance/interval per lane. The more advanced lanes generally swim up to 5,000 yards or may be as short as about 2,500 yards. We work on drills to improve your strokes and give individual stroke instruction during the practice. The workouts are fun and social, but at same time- challenging.

5. Can I try a few swims before I sign up?
We offer a one week trial before we ask that you sign up as a registered USMS swimmer and pay monthly team dues.

6. Do I have to compete?
No, but we will begin to offer the opportunity to compete and teammates compete at open water swims.

Masters Swimming Articles

Drills That Will Help You Build Your Lung Strength and Improve Your Freestyle Breathing Pattern

How to Prepare for an Open Water Race

Why Triathletes Should Try Different Strokes

Can I Swim with Contact Lenses?

How To Avoid Common DQs at Meets

How to Train for Long Open Water Races

Does Cross-Training Help with Swimming?

Freestyle Differences: Pool vs. Open Water

IFLY Masters after Big Shoulders 2023

IFLY Masters after the Point to La Pointe Open Water Swim on August 3.

It was a 2.1 mile swim in Lake Superior from Bayfield, Wisconsin to Madeline Island.

2025 US Masters Swimming 1-Hour Challenge, Jan. 2025