HOW CAN I JOIN?
Joining Fresno Area Manatee Masters is easy! Simply complete the online registration and show up to your first practice. Being a few minutes early to practice will give you time to introduce yourself to the coach, understand how practices typically operate and ask any questions you may have. Please note that you must be a registered USMS member as well.
WHEN CAN I START?
Right away! Just complete the online registration, grab your suit and goggles, and head to the Fresno High School Aquatics Center. FAMM offers practices three days a week. The practices are organized to accommodate any skill level of the swimmer.
WHAT EQUIPMENT/GEAR WILL I NEED?
A comfortable fitness-type swimsuit, goggles, and a swim cap are all you really need to work out. Additional equipment like fins, kickboards, paddles and pull buoys, are optional, but they do help your performance and we recommend getting these training aids. For after your workout, a towel and your personal toiletries are necessary as we have showers and changing areas.
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE EQUIPMENT/GEAR?
You can purchase equipment/gear locally at Elsmore Swim located at 6650 N. Blackstone Ave # 107, Fresno, CA 93710 (northeast corner of Blackstone and Herndon) or online at Swimoutlet.com.
DO I HAVE TO BE AN “EXPERIENCED” SWIMMER?
If you can swim one length of the pool in the freestyle (front crawl) stroke, you are ready to get started. Many of our members have never been on a swim team or had any prior coaching before joining FAMM. All ability levels are welcome; your coach will match you up with the lane that most closely matches your skill level.
HOW ARE THE PRACTICES ORGANIZED?
FAMM has an awesome coaching staff, which all coaches are U.S. Masters certified. They are on deck at every practice to teach you the proper stroke mechanics and training techniques. No question is too big or too small to ask, so if you have any questions during the practice session, our coaches are there for you.
Practices last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Coaches assist in grouping swimmers by ability level, so you can swim in a lane with people of your own ability. Our practices offer a variety of training techniques and emphasize the improvement in stroke mechanics. Depending on skill level and training goals, practice distances range from 800 to 5000 yards.
WHAT IF I CAN’T DO THE OTHER STROKES, BUT I CAN SWIM FREESTYLE?
FAMM is dedicated to helping its members choose to live healthier lifestyles through swimming. Our diverse workouts accommodate all goals and skill levels. However, there will be opportunities to swim all of the strokes throughout the week and we encourage you to try to learn all four competitive strokes. Our experience that learning and practicing all four strokes will improve your overall conditioning. We recognize there are always exceptions to fit an individual’s needs, so if there is a particular practice that you would like to modify, please talk to the coach on deck.
I NEVER SWAM WITH A GROUP, WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
There are a few “rules” that are used in a typical practice. From circle swimming (always keep to your right) to send-offs (allow at least 5 seconds between swimmers), a few simple rules keep lane mates working well and the practice running smoothly. Check out the USMS article on Pool Etiquette and, when in doubt, ask your on-deck coach.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
FAMM practices at the Fresno High School Aquatics Center located at 1839 N Echo Ave, Fresno, CA 93704. The aquatics entrance is located on Weldon Avenue next to the tennis courts. You can park right in front of the entrance.