HOW TO START
NEW TO MASTERS SWIMMING?
Try a practice first. No commitment.
- Fill out the USMS Trial Membership Form (insurance coverage for the day)
- Show up, meet the coach, and swim
Start Free Trial
VISITING OR ALREADY A USMS MEMBER?
Drop in for a workout.
- Drop-in fee: $12 per practice
- Current USMS membership required
Drop-In Details
READY TO JOIN THE CLUB?
Become a full Swim Melbourne Masters member.
- Step 1: Join USMS and select MELB (Swim Melbourne Masters)
- Step 2: Create your Swim MELB account (ClubAssistant)
Get Started
Questions? coach@swimmelbmasters.com
New to swimming or unsure about joining a Masters swim club?
You are not alone. Masters Swimming is designed for adults of all backgrounds, speeds, and experience levels.
Swim Melbourne Masters provides:
- Structured workouts
- Professional coaching on deck
- A welcoming, community driven environment
Whether your goal is fitness, stress relief, competition, or community, you belong here.
WHY JOIN A U.S. Masters Swimming CLUB?
It Is for Everyone
- Adults 18+
- All speeds and experience levels
- If you can swim one length of the pool and are willing to learn, you are ready
Fitness and Health
- Low impact, full-body workout
- Improves endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health
- Joint-friendly and sustainable long term
Supportive and Social
- Train with others who show up consistently
- Built-in motivation and accountability
- Strong sense of team and camaraderie
Structured Workouts
- Coach led practices
- Multiple ability levels in every session
- Clear intervals, rest, and purpose for each set
Mental Well-Being
- Stress reduction through movement and breathing
- A mental reset to start your day strong or recharge mid-day
- Most swimmers leave practice feeling better than when they arrived
COMMON CONCERNS AND REAL ANSWERS
“I am not fast enough.”
- Masters swimming is age-based and ability-inclusive
- Everyone trains at their own pace
“I only know freestyle.”
- That is completely normal
- Freestyle is the primary stroke for most swimmers
- Other strokes are optional and taught progressively
“Group workouts make me nervous.”
- Every swimmer here was new once
- Lanes are organized by ability
- Coaches and lanemates help you settle in quickly
WHAT TO EXPECT AT PRACTICE
- Warm-Up
Easy swimming to loosen up - Drills and Technique
Focus on efficiency, balance, and body position - Main Set
Structured intervals with options by level - Cool Down
Smooth, relaxed swimming - Rest
Take breaks as needed, especially early on
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED?
Essentials
- Swimsuit you are comfortable swimming in
- Goggles that fit and do not leak
- Swim cap if you have longer hair
- Water bottle or sports drink
Optional but Helpful
Coach B.J.’s priority order
- Fins
Best tool for beginners
Helps body position and kick strength - Hand paddles
Build strength and improve pull mechanics - Swim snorkel
Isolates technique without breathing disruption - Pull buoy
Supports legs while focusing on arms - Kickboard
Useful for kick sets and social kicking
GEAR HELP
WHERE TO BUY SWIM GEAR
Local
- Running Zone
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Walmart
- Academy Sports
- Target
Online
- SwimOutlet
- Amazon
- Kiefer
- The Lifeguard Store
- Finis
TIPS FOR NEW SWIMMERS
- Start slow:
2 swims per week maintains fitness, 3 days per week is where improvement begins - Consistency matters more than intensity
- Ask questions
Multiple certified coaches coach and swim within the club, both on deck and in the lanes - Expect noticeable improvement in 4 to 6 weeks
- Stretch and hydrate
- Stay patient and positive
We look forward to seeing you on deck.
