Regular Season Schedule
To maximize particpiation, there are two workout groups:
Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday.
Both groups are welcome to swim at Friday, Saturday and Sunday workouts.
- Monday / Wednesday / Friday - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
- Tuesday / Thursday - 7:00pm to 8:00pm
- Saturday / Sunday - 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Monday, Wednesday and Friday Practices are held in the 25yard / 6 lane dive tank at the UBC pool.
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday practices are held in the 25meter / 8 lane section of the UBC pool.
Summer Schedule:
The groups are combined and all practices are held in the outdoor 50m pool.
- Tuesday / Thursday - 7:00pm to 8:00pm
- Saturday / Sunday - 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Preparation
While the UBC Aquatic center has some extra equipment, supply is limited.
Bringing your own means practice doesn't have to be adjusted, you always have one to use, and the team makes less of an imposition on the Aquatic Center.
Suit
There are a number of styles of suits. Wear one you will be comfortable swimming hard in for an hour.
Goggles
Most people find goggles through trial and error. You can narrow down the search by trying on a few different styles before buying.
Cap
Wear a cap to keep your hair from clogging up the pool filter, and to protect your hair from chlorine damage.
Some people find that putting conditioner in their cap before practice keeps water out, reducing damage, and also conditions while you swim.
Paddles
Paddles are used to develop wrist and forearm muscles.
Pull bouy
Pullbouys are used to elevate and immobilize the legs in sets to focus attention and strength development on the arms.
Fins
Fins are used to focus development on the leg muscles and to help with stroke technique sets.
Shorter fins tends to be more appropriate for practice as long ones are difficult to move up and down quickly.
Water Bottles
Even though you are in the water your body still sweats.
Keeping yourself hydrated before, during and after practice is critical to seeing improvement in any sport.
Lane Selection
Select an appropriate lane to swim in.
There are 8 lanes in the 25m indoor pool. The slowest lane is near the shallow end and they progressively get more advanced.
It is not uncommon to find former national swimmers in the fastest lanes. If you are unsure of which lane to select, ask a coach for assistance
If you are new to a lane, introduce yourself and swim near the end to get a feel for the speeds of the group. This order will vary greatly depending on the nature of the workout (eg: stroke vs freestyle).
If you need to change lanes for some reason, do so at the start of the next set. This should minimize confusion and prevent any disruption of the workout.
Follow the Workout
If you are late, do not start at the beginning of the warmup; start at the point where your lanemates are. If for some reason you cannot do the set as desribed (eg: due to injury) stay out of your lanemates' way.
Passing
No passing midlane.
Leave at least 5 seconds between swimmers at all times.
Do not follow too close (aka 'drafting') If you need to pass, indicate this by touching the foot of the swimmer ahead and they will allow you to pass them at the next turn.
You may need 10 seconds between swimmers for long sets.
Keep the ends clear
Keep the end of the lane clear for people to do their turns.
If you need to skip a set or lap, stay out of the way.
In the outdoor pool do not stand around in the shalow end.
Communicate with the Coaches
The coaches are there to help. Let them know if you want stroke correction or if want to be left alone one night.
Talk to them, and let them know what you like about the workouts.
Communciate with your lanemates
Be pleasant and courteous.
Get to know the people that you swim with. If you are having a bad day, do not take it out on your lanemates or coaches.
Remember a polite reminder of swim etiquette will go a long way to lane harmony.