Limited budget, one swim program only.... which one?

Masters 

Would there be much coaching in masters swimming?  I was under the impression the masters swimming around me was just a bunch of "ok, everyone do this", which I don't think would necessarily be as useful.

TI is kind of controversial in tri groups.  I really like it because it helped me become a much less crappy swimmer, and it immediately addressed issues that I had.  I'll gladly concede that you're probably not going to ever be 1st out of the water with it.  However, if it takes you 1 hour to do 1600 meters, that's pretty classic poor form.  I only say that because I also have a laundry list of swimming issues.

Whatever one includes the most coaching, you don't need repetition, you need guidance. 

i would meet with the master's swim coach before making the decision. see what his/her interest/availability is on offering basic swim coaching during the workouts.

i was a very weak swimmer this winter and joined a master's group in my area. most of the swimmers were 'elite'. the coach had me in my own lane and worked with me quite a bit during the first couple months while the regulars were doing their assigned workout. i swam w/ the group religiously 3x per week plus some OWS's with our local tri group.

now 5 or so months later, i am just one of the regulars and i'm not even the slowest anymore (second slowest...but gaining!).

our group has regular workouts that we do and drills and such but my coach still stops me on occasion and points out something for me to work on (i.e. "make sure you FINISH your stroke").

my biggest reservation with the TI program is that it would be a one and done form of coaching. i would think that it would be hard to develop a strong stroke in just one weekend. it's going to take a lot of practice to set that muscle memory.

First off, I would recommend playing in the waves as much as you can since comfort in the environment seems to be your key obstacle. Newport and Huntington are awesome and Balboa is okay as well - just stay away from The Wedge at the Balboa jetty.

You can start by sitting on the beach and observing the wave sets. In your area they usually come in sets of 9. The beginning of the set has the larger waves, the end of the set has the smaller ones and between sets it is relatively calm. Learn which waves to duck under and which ones to go over. Watch what the surfers, boogie boarders and body surfers do. In time you will realize that it is 100% effortless when you're comfortable enough. If you can't get to the point where you can make headway through the surf, you will at least have learned to endure the waves until the calm between the wave sets arrives - and that's when you make your move.

Learning to work with the environment is way better than trying to power through it. You will get it once you're comfortable. Here on the Gulf Coast of Florida we rarely have any real waves. I do miss the west coast.

I'd lean towards masters.  I think what will help with open water swims under not so calm conditions is doing sets of 100's or 200's in lane filled pools on tough intervals.  Just swimming long sets (500's, 1000's etc.) may not help you with race day conditions as much as heart pounding intervals you get with masters.

If someone in the masters group is a skilled coach that's a big plus.  Ask them to look at your stroke (from above, walking the length of the pool as you swim as well as looking underwater).

Repetitive observations over a few months may be more helpful in correcting your form etc.

Depending on where you live Masters could be much less expensive. Many Masters are free if you belong to the Y, or minimal fee.

I took private TI lessons over the winter of 2004 and 2005 figuring I could spend same as clinic but have someone checking on my progress over a longer time period.

If you join a masters program you can get pushed out of your comfort zone which will benefit you in races.  Most masters programs have lanes with different abilities (slow lane, medium lane, fast lane etc.).  I have seen many swimmers go from slow lane > medium lane > fast lane which results in better swim performance in races.

You tend to push yourself harder when someone's at your toes or, like me, you get thrown in the fast lane and the fear of getting lapped causes you to push a little harder

Just something to think about.

x2

I'd pay to have a coach break down your stroke and build it back up.  Maybe would take 4 to 6 30 min to one hour sessions.  Swim workouts you can get online or from anywhere.  If the Masters class doesn't have an active coach or coaches, my experience is that you're just buying pool time and its a wast of money (yes, I know I'm the only person alive that isn't pro masters swim).  

You may be able to get this benefit from the TI weekend, but may not.  To answer your original question, I'd go with the TI weekend if the two options you listed are your absolute only options.

I did the above and it took me 4 lessons of about 30-45 minutes a pop.  Worth every penny and now I'd say swimming is my favorite of the three disciplines.  Its certainly my strongest.

Not sure about your budget or your situation.

Also not sur ehow slow you are as there are not logs uploaded.

But some thought:

100,- will get you a waterproff video camera, a friend/spouse can film you and you can see what you are doing wrong compared to the TI book and/or post the video on the forum to get feedback

75,- is what I pay for a one on one lesson with a pro. I believe that one lesson a month makes a big different. I then take the drills and thigns though and practice multiple times a week (3 times a week).

150,- will get you the new Garmin Swim watch. This will get you more data about your swim, which then might help you as well..

I was thinking of maybe this TI workshop

http://www.totalimmersion.net/workshops/details/901-freestyle-workshop-combined-groupindividual-workshop-effortless-endurance-swimming-los-angeles

At nearly 500 dollars is is very pricy indeed.  I would get a lot more time out of masters swimming at that dollar amount, but what I don't want to happen is to sign up for either program and not get the feedback and help I need to at least start improving.  Especially with the TI workshop since it's two days and then I'm left to my own devices again.  Masters swimming I'm afraid it is just glorified lap swimming time, and I would only be able to make it twice a week (they have five to six sessions per week) so I'm not sure if that will not be enough time.  I will take the advice about talking to the coaches about it. 

The masters swimming program I was looking at doesn't require that I already be swimming well.  It seems the only requirement is that you know how to move forwards in the water.  They said people join their program for fitness swimming, triathlons, and an opportunity to compete if interested. 

I had not thought about a couple of private lessons instead of either of the choices.  I will look into it.  At least I can spread it out and the instructor can see if I'm improving over the course of several weeks.

I haven't had a chance to upload training logs here, but I do have a garmin so I keep track of training data there.  Here is my last OWS data at Corona Del Mar

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/199186061

I do have to try to play in the surf more at HB.  Corona Del Mar waters are so calm.  Last time I went to HB I did try to practice some dives, but was wary of going out to far since I was not sure of my skills AND the lifeguard said to everyone over the bullhorn to swim closer to shore.  I didn't want to make her job harder since I was only 75% confident at not needing a rescue if I kept going out XD

i don't swim w/ a garmin so i'm not used to seeing the metrics like this but an average 22:58 min/mi equals roughly 1:40 per 100 yards, yes? for 1.28 miles? correct me if i'm wrong.

if that's the case you aren't struggling in the water nearly as much as some of us assumed and i'd vote for master's swimming 100%. at this point i'd suggest your improvements will come from refinements of your technique and time to build your muscle strength / endurance.

i'm jealous of your open water option! the lake i usually swim is just shy of a mile in circumference and has some really mean geese who will chase you down (to peck at your head) in the water.

My watch assures me I swim 2:55-3:30 minutes per 100 yards average (2:55 on this last one).  22:58 is probably the best pace, so the waves was probably coming in/going out with me at that very moment that pace registered. XD  Pacing is also wonky since it stops thinking you are moving when your watch is under water.

Thanks for going into more detail about the workshop!   I will definitely keep this in mind when I decide which way to go!