The Davis Aquatic Masters, an adult swim team of more than 500 members, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. DAM welcomes swimmers of all levels.
By: Stacey Brezing & Brian Bolz, Davis Aquatic Masters Board Members, for The Dirt
Can you swim four laps? Can you do so without tears? If you’re over the age of 18 and can manage that, you’re perfect for the Davis Aquatic Masters team.
If four laps feel like a marathon, no worries. We’d love to teach you the basics. We’re not scared of the water, and we’ll make sure you aren’t either with our Adult Learn to Swim program. You might even join our crew of daily swimmers and make new best friends. That could be you.
Yes, there is an adult team of 500-plus swimmers in Davis, CA. And of course, it happens to be one of the largest in the country. It is Davis, after all.
More serious than a beer league softball team and way more relaxed than any sport you grew up doing, Masters swimmers are a national community of adults welcoming all levels. We share a love for endorphins, wet towels in our cars, and workouts both early in the morning and in the evening. And mid-day swims too. There are 48 workouts held throughout the week. Usually, we can make one of them fit into a busy day.
Why did we join the Masters?
Many of us have been swimmers for years, and here are our top reasons.
1. So many things to do.
We don’t just work out all the time, though we do that too. We also swim in lakes and compete at swim meets. Never done a swim meet? You’d have a lot of company. Were you a competitive swimmer? We’ll still make you earn it. These events are not just about competition; they’re about community and camaraderie. You can participate in challenging swim races, join your lane mates for a workout, or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of social gatherings, all while connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion for swimming. You might even meet your future spouse on the team and get married in the pool with the coach officiating. This has actually happened.
2. So many times you can swim.
DAM fits any schedule. Do you want to swim every day at 6a? Some of us do, too. Are you horrified at the early start? Do you find the 1p swim more suitable to give yourself time for a morning coffee, a relaxed start, and reading The Dirt? Then join us for the sun. We have weekend lap swims from 10a—1p for the most flexible do-it-yourself swims. We’ve ended up with a regular crew we look forward to seeing, and while many of us usually come at the same times, we’ve also taken advantage of the seven to eight workouts offered throughout the day or on weekends when needed. That flexibility is so valuable for us.
3. Swim coaches from Heaven.
Let’s talk coaches. The coaching staff at DAM is exceptional. They’ve got the experience, the knowledge, and the ability to make you swim faster just by being on the pool deck. They are coaches because they love the sport, and we feel their dedication through the personal feedback and encouragement they provide us. Whether you want to refine your stroke, increase your speed, or simply swim for fitness, the coaches are there to guide you every step of the way. They are certified in coaching standards to prepare them for you, and we can certify we adore them.
4. Health and wellness benefits.
Swimming is one of the best full-body workouts, offering cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility benefits. We joined DAM not only because it helps us stay in shape but also boosts our mental well-being. The rhythmic nature of swimming can be meditative, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Plus, the sense of accomplishment you get from completing a challenging workout or mastering a new skill can significantly boost your confidence and mood. Yes, we swim back and forth while looking at a black line on the bottom of the pool, and we finish a workout exactly where we started. But we are swimming off the stress and getting as close to the fountain of youth as you can get.
5. Social connections.
Being part of DAM is more than just being part of a swim team; it’s being part of a community. We’ve made lifelong friendships. Many on the team have been members for decades. Coming to workouts can be like seeing friends, giving you one more reason to show up. We have an annual party that many of us make a point of attending, and we have seasonal social events that bring us together outside of the pool, too.
Joining Davis Aquatic Masters is more than just improving your swimming skills; it’s about becoming part of a lively, supportive community. Whether you’re looking for fitness, friendship, or just a good excuse to get out of the house, DAM has something for everyone. So why not take the plunge and see what all the splash is about? We can’t wait to welcome you to our team.
