by Laura S. Jones, Staff Writer

Learning to swim as an adult is hard. Really hard. Most people don't do it. But Sharon Bloch is doing it and hopes her tale will inspire others. Bloch, 47 and a veteran of three running marathons, swims with the CSP Tideriders in St. Louis. Hap Gentry, 52, is their coach. Bloch originally approached him for private swim lessons after realizing that the only thing left to her in marathons was to try and get faster, and she didn't think she could. Read more...

 

Atlanta, Ga.

SwimFest '11 will be held in Atlanta at the Steve Lundquist Aquatic Center May 20-22. Join us for a weekend of interactive clinics and instruction in a friendly, non-competitive environment. Both Swimmers and Coaches of all levels and abilities are welcome. Read what one of last year's participants had to say here. Spots are limited, so register today! Interested coaches-- make sure you ask your LMSC about funding your trip to SwimFest!

San Francisco, Calif.

Foreboding clouds draped the edges of the San Francisco Bay and intermittent pelts of rain patterned the inky water. The wind had a biting chill, and after a quick finger test of the equally chilling water, I was jubilant I would be a part of open water discussions today and not doing actual open water swimming. Inside the Marriott adjacent to the San Francisco Airport, participants of the conference, coffees in hand, were greeted with a compelling address by legendary open water marathon swimmer, Shelly Taylor-Smith. Read more... 

Also, picture highlight video from the event, special thanks to Steven Munatones.

USMS/ASCA Certification Class A Huge Success

A coach is defined in The Oxford College Dictionary as "an athletic instructor or trainer." While technically accurate, that description does not come close to conveying what a good coach really does for a swimmer. In addition to instructing and training, a coach also motivates, corrects, inspires, and leads. He or she plans workouts, acts as traffic cop and cheerleader, assists in goal setting and organizes participation in meets. These extra duties are particularly important in Masters swimming. Coaching adults is simply different than coaching children and teenagers in ways that are both rewarding and challenging. Read more...

Maybe YOU will be next...

In 2009, we registered 50,000 members for the first time. We are on pace to come close to 60,000 members in 2011. Maybe you are a first time USMS member this year, maybe you have been registering with us for the past 20 years. Either way, we want to show our appreciation for ALL our members. Beginning today, March 18, each Friday through July 29, we will randomly select names from our membership database. All USMS members registered at least 24 hours prior to each weekly selection are automatically enrolled for a chance to win. Roughly $10,000 worth of merchandise from our sponsors will be given away during the program. Items will include embroidered logo swim bags, nutrition products, apparel and more. Read more... 

by Kyle Dobbs, All American Swim Supply

In late 2009 after a phenomenal meet in Rome in which 43 world records were shattered with all athletes in attendance wearing body suits, FINA the world governing body of swimming, decided to slow down the evolution of the sports. You know the story. Thus completely changing the suit guidelines and allowances and leaving everyone standing in the dark asking one question: "What can I wear?" Read more...

Exclusive to USMS members

Whether your associated with a team or swimming on your own, we have some great workouts from nationally recognized coaches for you to try. You must sign in to your "My USMS" account to access these workouts on our forums. Enjoy!

SWIMMER magazine tested and reviewed wetsuits for the March-April issue in "Swim Bag." Several manufacturers were reviewed, including TYR, Aquasphere, blueseventy, Orca, ProMotion, Xterra and 2XU. Check out the video.

MOVY Masters

This young foursome just broke two FINA World Records at a unique relay meet where all relays and courses are swum in the same meet. Last year, this relay team broke a 19-year old USMS record, but because one of the swimmers was only 24 years old, they were not recognized by FINA. This year, despite the record getting faster by an Australian team in 2010, they broke both the 400 LCM Free and 800 SCM Free mixed relay records. Congratulations to:

L-R: Joy Stover, Tony Stewart, Christine Fuchs, and Tony Diers