Week of May 13, 2024

Hi Christine,

Seven Moms-To-Be at USF

Truly honoring Mother's Day

The Update Editors are thrilled to acknowledge seven (!) USF Masters swimmers who are all expecting at the same time. Pictured here from left to right, are Karen, Julia, Laura, Sossi, Christine, Mel, and Adriana, standing with Coach Chris Wagner at the Koret Recreational Center. As we know, swimming is one of the best forms of exercise and can be enjoyed all throughout pregnancy. This is awesome and inspiring as we anticipate the arrival of these future Masters swimmers.

However, this does make us wonder if there is something in the water! Way to go, Moms!

Open Water Challenge Achievement Patches

Will be available at Open Water events

Did you know that since 2021, whenever you swim Pacific Masters Open Water events, you’re racking up Pacific Masters Open Water Challenge points? You will be able to pick up any patches you've earned at Open Water events, beginning June 1, 2024, at Lake Berryessa. Look for Open Water Committee Members who will hand out the patches at the registration tables and after swims.

Designed by Bay Area artist Zina Deretsky, there’s one patch for each tier level: Trout (5-9 swims), Manatee (10-24 swims), Salmon (25-49 swims), Shark (50-99 swims), and Whale 100+ swims). To date, more than 150 swimmers have earned patches!

Not sure which patches you’ve earned, or want to learn more about the Challenge? Check the Open Water Challenge website pages. Teammates and coaches may pick up patches for swimmers not in attendance.

Wish to refuse all earned patches? Or perhaps you’d prefer electronic versions instead? Please send your requests to owchallenge@pacificmasters.org. 

Pacific Masters Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, May 15, Doors open at 6:45, Meeting begins at 7:00 PM

Join us Wednesday, May 15, for our monthly meeting via the Zoom platform. If this is your first time Zooming, we suggest you sign on a little early to ask questions and address technical issues. Even if you are familiar with Zoom, sign on early to say "hi" to your fellow swimmers.

Our monthly meeting reminder email will provide the Zoom link. If you are not on that list and would like to attend, please send an email to administrator@pacificmasters.org for details. All members are encouraged to participate.

Upcoming Events for our Coaches

Coaching at Nationals and/or attending the Coaches Clinic

Be an on-deck coach at Spring nationals, June 20-24 (Indianapolis). The swimmers are very grateful for your help, while giving you "front row" seating to catch all the action. Sign up here.

USMS is offering The Nationals Coaches Clinic, October 18-20 (Houston). Receive guidance from some of the most knowledgeable and experienced mentors in our field. This is a fantastic learning event for coaches with speakers, networking, and pool time. Information and Registration

Research Study - Survey

Understanding Masters Swimmers

Masters Swimmers, Dr. Eddie Tiozzo - exercise physiologist, and Cynthia Henley - physical therapist, are interested in better understanding cardiovascular health, injury prevention and training habits of Masters Swimmers. 

Representing the University of Miami and partnering with USMS, they have created a research survey to promote the benefits of swimming, recently included in Streamlines magazine. The survey closes May 15, and we encourage all interested members to participate here.

USMS Spring Nationals

Indiana University Natatorium, June 20 - 24

Registration is now open. U.S. Masters Swimming is excited to invite you to Spring Nationals, to be held at the IU Natatorium.

This year offers extra excitement as the meet will take place during the final weekend of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Swimming, June 15–23 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

USMS members will have an exclusive opportunity to meet Olympians and swim in the Trials competition pool with a donation to the USA Swimming Foundation, which provides grants to USMS Adult Learn-to-Swim programs.

May 1-June 30

Distance Non-Free Virtual Challenge

Registration now open

May 17-19

Pacific Masters SCY Championships, North Natomas Aquatic Center, Sacramento, CA. See you there!

June 1

Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim, Lake Berryessa, CA

Registration now open

June 8-9

Del Valle Open Water Festival, Lake Del Valle, Livermore, CA

Registration now open

June 20-24

USMS Spring Nationals, IU Natatorium, Indianapolis, IN

Registration now open

July 7

Silver State LCM Meet, Carson City, NV

Registration now open

August 1 -31

400 Fastest Pull for Sebastopol

August 2 - 4

Pacific Masters Long Course Championships, hosted by MAQ, Miwok Aquatic Center, Novato

August 10

Donner Lake Open Water Swim

Registration to open June 5

August 17 - 18

Santa Cruz Open Water Weekend

Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz, CA

August 21 - 25

USMS Summer Nationals, Marguerite Aquatic Complex, Mission Viejo, CA

Distance Non-Free Virtual Challenge, May 1 - June 30

Registration opens May 1 and closes July 15

The Distance Non-Free Virtual Challenge allows you to swim a timed 500, 1000, or 1650 fly, back, or breaststroke in your own pool. There are 9 options in all where you can compare your times to others throughout our LMSC and the USMS! All results will be displayed on our virtual “wall of fame” for the event, to be updated to reflect this year’s expansion of the event from fly-only to fly, back, and breast. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each age/gender group and category receive a special event ribbon; all finishers of the 1650 non-free receive a special stroke-specific patch to proudly display on their swim parka, and all participants receive a special “distance non-free survivor” button. Information and Registration

Pacific Masters SCY Championships, May 17-19

This weekend!

North Natomas Aquatic Center, Sacramento, CA. Registration is now closed. Information

Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim, June 1

Registration now open

The 40th annual meet hosted by DAM is sure to be exciting as it is the National Open Water Middle-Distance Championship. Come and swim the 1-mile, 2-mile, or both courses! Information and Registration

Del Valle Open Water Festival, June 8-9

Registration now open

Hosted by Tri Valley Masters, this is a two-day event with the 5k/10k on Saturday and the 1.5k/2.5k swims on Sunday. The Lake Del Valle event on Saturday is the 10k USMS National Championship. Information and Registration

USMS Spring Nationals, IU Natatorium, Indianapolis, IN, June 20-24

Registration now open

The Spring Nationals is back at the IU Natatorium. The meet will take place during the final weekend of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Swimming, which are scheduled for June 15–23 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Information and Registration

Silver State LCM Meet, Carson Aquatic Facility, Carson City, Nevada, July 7

Participation is limited to 125 entrants

The Carson Aquatic Facility is located in Mills Park in the center of Nevada’s capital featuring four pools: an eight-lane Olympic size pool, six-lane 25-yard pool, therapy pool, and a kid’s pool. With only a 30-minute drive from Reno or 20 minutes from Lake Tahoe, this event is perfectly situated to bring the family for a fun-filled weekend, culminating with a Sunday meet. Information and Registration

Donner Lake Open Water Swim, Truckee, Ca, August 10

Participation is limited to 450 entrants

Registration will open on June 5, 2024.

USMS Summer Nationals, August 17-18

Marguerite Aquatic Complex, Mission Viejo, CA.

Entries will open next month, so stay tuned. Information