Everything you need to know...
We're glad you're interested in swimming with us!
You should find everything you need to get started here; however, if you still have questions after reading through this information, please don't hesitate to reach out and contact us.
You should find everything you need to get started here; however, if you still have questions after reading through this information, please don't hesitate to reach out and contact us.
Where?
The University of California, Santa Cruz Swimming Pool
You must pay to park at the UCSC pool lot unless you have a UCSC parking permit. When you arrive at the pool, park in one of the numbered spaces and use the Parkmobile app to pay. For all UCSC parking rules, click this link.
There are places to lock up bicycles outside of the pool, and there are bike lockers that can be rented for $.05/hour using a "BikeLink" parking card. You can purchase a card online here.
Harbor High School Swimming Pool
Harbor High School is off of Soquel Drive in the Live Oak neighborhood of Santa Cruz. Drive into the main entrance, through the main parking area, then around the left hand side of the buildings. You will end up needing to turn right to drive behind the complex, where you will dead end in a small parking lot. The pool is on your right as you pull in. Parking is free. |
When?
COVID threw a wrench into our practice schedules, so they have varied quite a bit over the last six months.
We're currently working hard to establish regular schedules at UCSC and Harbor High. In the meantime, please go to the POOL page of this website where you can download a monthly calendar that accurately reflects our changing schedule. |
Typically the first 10-15 minutes of practice are for individual warm-up time. After about 15 minutes, the coach on deck will gather everyone together to make announcements and introduce the workout.
When you first show up, it can be challenging to figure out which lane to swim in. Ask the coach on deck for advice and he or she should be able to steer you to the right starting point.
How Much?
Dues are $100/month, or $10 per swim to drop-in. Preferably, pay electronically using Zelle. If your bank doesn't support Zelle, try the Zelle app. There should be no transaction fees.
Send Zelle payments to paysantacruzmasters@gmail.com. You should be asked to confirm you want to pay SANTA CRUZ MASTERS AQUATICS. Specify $100 for monthly dues, or $10 (or multiples of $10) for drop-in(s).
PLEASE look for a place to add a memo that says what you are paying for, for example:
"October dues" or "10-7 and 10-8 drop-in".
Alternately bring cash or checks made payable to "Santa Cruz Masters Aquatics" to the coach on deck.
USMS Fees
All swimmers must be registered United States Masters Swimming (USMS) members to participate in Santa Cruz Masters practices and events. USMS Membership costs $60/year and can be taken care of here.
You can try out the program before registering with USMS.
There is an additional $10 team fee that must be paid to the Coach at the pool; you can take care of this on deck when you come to swim. Please include this annual fee with your first payment.
Send Zelle payments to paysantacruzmasters@gmail.com. You should be asked to confirm you want to pay SANTA CRUZ MASTERS AQUATICS. Specify $100 for monthly dues, or $10 (or multiples of $10) for drop-in(s).
PLEASE look for a place to add a memo that says what you are paying for, for example:
"October dues" or "10-7 and 10-8 drop-in".
Alternately bring cash or checks made payable to "Santa Cruz Masters Aquatics" to the coach on deck.
USMS Fees
All swimmers must be registered United States Masters Swimming (USMS) members to participate in Santa Cruz Masters practices and events. USMS Membership costs $60/year and can be taken care of here.
You can try out the program before registering with USMS.
There is an additional $10 team fee that must be paid to the Coach at the pool; you can take care of this on deck when you come to swim. Please include this annual fee with your first payment.
Why?
That's up to you!
We've got swimmers who have just begun to swim regularly as a way to get or stay fit, swimmers who compete in national-level meets, swimmers who mostly swim really long distances in cold ocean water, and swimmers who are primarily triathletes. All are welcome. Most of our swimmers find that the regularity of our practices and the supportive spirit of our swimming community give them a little extra boost - both in and out of the water. Check it out and see what you think... |