Bearcat Masters Swimming
Bearcat Masters is a premier Masters swimming program in New York City, setting a new standard in the Metropolitan Masters swimming community. Bearcat Masters was started in 2007 by a group of friends who share a passion for swimming, team work, competition and the spirit and camaraderie that comes with it all. Our coaches bring years of knowledge and competitive swimming experience to our program. Bearcat Masters welcomes swimmers of all abilities, including novices, Tri-athletes, open water swimmers, collegiate swimmers, and Olympians. We offer an enjoyable swimming atmosphere, where members get a chance to achieve individual as well as team goals. Swimoutlet Team Store Tweets by @BearcatsSwim
📢 TEAM OPERATIONS UPDATE
As you know, our regular team operations were paused in March 2025 due to pool renovations at our primary training facility, Baruch College. Practices at our main location Baruch College remain paused until further notice while the facility undergoes renovation. We're thrilled to announce that we're now resuming activities with these exciting open water swimming sessions! This represents a fantastic opportunity to continue our training and team spirit while we await the completion of the pool renovations.
🌊 OPEN WATER SWIM SESSIONS ANNOUNCED
We're thrilled to announce our new Open Water Swimming sessions taking place at the beautiful Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn, NY. This is an incredible opportunity to enhance your swimming skills, build endurance, and experience the unique challenges and rewards of open water swimming.
📅 SCHEDULE DETAILS
- Days: Saturday and Sunday
- 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Dryland Training
- 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Open Water Swimming
- Location: Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn NY
👨🏫 COACH INFORMATION
Coach: Igor Shoukhardin
Phone: 347-317-0284
Please don't hesitate to contact Coach Igor with any questions about the sessions, equipment needs, or registration.
🚇 DIRECTIONS FROM MANHATTAN
Getting to Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn by Subway:
Route Option 1 (Recommended):
- Take the Q train southbound toward Coney Island
- Get off at Sheepshead Bay station (approximately 45-60 minutes from Midtown Manhattan)
- Walk east on Sheepshead Bay Road toward the water (about 10-15 minutes)
- Turn right (south) on Oriental Boulevard to reach Manhattan Beach
Route Option 2:
- Take the B train southbound to Brighton Beach
- Transfer to the B1 bus or walk east (about 20 minutes) to Manhattan Beach
📍 Meeting Point: Manhattan Beach Park, near the boardwalk and beach entrance
⏰ Early Morning Travel Tips:
- Allow extra time for early morning subway schedules (trains run less frequently)
- Check MTA weekend service alerts before traveling
- Consider carpooling with teammates for 7 AM sessions
- Bring a MetroCard or use OMNY for subway fare
- Total travel time from Midtown Manhattan: 60-75 minutes
🏊♀️ WHY OPEN WATER SWIMMING?
Open water swimming offers numerous benefits that will enhance your overall swimming performance:
- Enhanced Navigation Skills: Learn to sight and navigate in natural water conditions
- Improved Mental Toughness: Build confidence and resilience in challenging environments
- Better Body Position: Develop superior balance and stroke efficiency
- Increased Endurance: Build cardiovascular strength and stamina
- Race Preparation: Perfect training for triathlons and open water competitions
- Team Camaraderie: Experience the unique bond of open water swimming with your teammates
Whether you're a seasoned open water swimmer or new to swimming beyond the pool walls, these sessions are designed to accommodate all skill levels. Coach Igor will ensure proper safety protocols and provide guidance to help every swimmer succeed and enjoy the experience.
Manhattan Beach offers excellent conditions for open water swimming, with its protected waters and beautiful setting. It's the perfect location to expand your swimming horizons while staying close to home.
Next Steps:
- Contact Coach Igor at 347-317-0284 to confirm your participation
- Prepare appropriate open water swimming gear (wetsuit recommended)
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for safety briefings
We're excited to see you embrace this new challenge and continue growing as swimmers and athletes. Open water swimming will add a new dimension to your training and provide experiences you'll treasure for years to come.
Swim strong, swim together!
The Bearcat Masters Coaching Team
Questions? Contact Coach Igor Shoukhardin: 347-317-0284
— Bearcat Masters Coaching Team
Practice Schedule:
| Day | Time | Location | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm (TBD) | Baruch College | Igor Shoukhardin |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am to 8:00 am (TBD) | Baruch College | Nicholas Burnham |
| Wednesday | 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm (TBD) | Baruch College | Igor Shoukhardin |
| Thursday | 6:30 am to 8:00 am (TBD) | Baruch College | Nicholas Burnham |
| Friday | 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm (TBD) | Baruch College | Igor Shoukhardin |
| Saturday | 7:00 am to 8:30 am (TBD) 8:00 am to 9:30 am |
Baruch College Manhattan Beach (Brooklyn) |
Igor Shoukhardin |
| Sunday | 8:00 am to 9:30 am | Manhattan Beach (Brooklyn) | Igor Shoukhardin |
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