Is masters swim only for "masters"?

"Masters" is code for "old"  And for Masters swim classes, I think "old" starts after high school or college.

Well, I fit the "old" part, so that's good to know.

Yep, Masters means old, and old means post-school basically.

My community aquatics center has two different Masters practices each week:  Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced.  You would be perfect for the B/I practice.

my masters group usually has about 4-5 lanes per practice and the swim abilities are widely different.  im in the fast lane, but i have had shoulder problems one day and did an only kicking workout in the slow lane and kept up with them. 

however, it may be different in other areas, so id stop by a practice and talk to the coach - they are usually nice people and will give you a good idea of what they do.

Nope, anyone can join. Don't be intimidated, yes there will be ex-compeitive swimmers that are blazing, but there are also adults that have just learned how to swim as well. Everyone is there to improve on their swim and get a great work-out. I love my master's group. I like having a coach on deck critiquing my stroke and other swimmers to chase down. Contact the coach and just ask them any questions that you may have. Join them for a few workouts to see if it's something that you would enjoy. Good Luck!

I'm pretty sure you have to be 18 or older to join USMS. 

Brian

This user's post has been ignored.

It depends on the group.

masters at my pool is all ex college swimmers (d1) ... they do things like: 10 x 200 on 3:15 . I couldn't keep up (I avg about 2:00/ 100M).

I would recommend checking it out, though, and see if it's a good fit for you .

There are lanes for all levels of swimmers on most masters swim teams.  I just started swimming this year and joined a masters team this summer. 

Yep, for just about anyone if they have space.  I am a slow swimmer but in a Masters class.  Coach has everyone doing the same routine but usually different distances (e.g. 150 meters on 3:00 for group d, 200 meters for group c, etc).

Can "only" swim 500 yrds. your a perfect fit for masters swimming! That 500 yrds will increase once you start. Dont worry!