Gladstone Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts
*Please check the calendar linked above to confirm practice on a specific date!
| Mondays | Thursdays | Saturdays |
| 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM | 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM | 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM |
Gladstone U.S. Masters Swimming is a year-round training program for adults (18+ years old) interested in competitive swimming, triathlon training and fitness swimming - Gladstone U.S. Masters Swimming. The word Masters can be intimidating or misleading but in organized adult swimming, Masters simply means 18 and older. This strong group is comprised of swimmers of various backgrounds. From triathletes, to amateur swimmers, to ex-college athletes there is a spot for everyone on the team.
Gladstone Masters practice/train together, but the team also offers participants a chance to participate in swim meets as well as other events througout the year. Competitions are not required, but are offered for those adults who want to compete. Approximately 25% of nearly 60,000 USMS members enter pool or open water competitions.
Workouts are provided and a coach will be on deck for each practice session. We are lucky to have one of the best coaches in the region for the Gladstone Masters. Doug is both a great technician of the sport of swimming, but also your biggest supporter as you set and reach your goals!
Practice Fees
$35.00 GCC Member 10-punch pass
$49.00 Non-Member 10-punch pass
$5.00 one-time drop in available, come try our program without a commitment!
Stroke Development Clinic - Wednesday evenings during August, 7:00-8:00pm
This is an extension of our US Masters Swim program lead by Assistant Coach Lori. The clinic targets triathletes and swimmers who desire more stroke instruction than a normal practice offers. There will be no conditioning but you can expect to swim 400-800 yards through drills. This is an excellent way to improve efficiency in the water and make those hitting Coach Doug's intervals easier.
You may be saying "but I'm a triathlete and don't need to learn any stroke other than freestyle." It has been proven that developing every stroke will help your triathlon swim! Ask Coach Doug or Coach Lori sometime and they will explain why!
Each week is independent from the others and will include freestyle as well as a specific stroke of focus. Registration for each separate session will open 7-days prior. Limit 16 per week.
August 3rd - Backstroke
August 10th - Open Water Strategy
August 17th - Butterfly
August 24th - Breaststroke
August 31st - Starts and Turns
USMS Beyond Gladstone
National USMS
Looking for more information on the national USMS program? Use the links below!
USMS Homepage
USMS Calendar of Events
USMS Membership Info - Join or Renew
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start?
We're glad you asked! We make it easy to join or "test the waters" by offering either a 10-punch pass (good for any 10 practices) or, if it's your first time, we also offer a $5 one-time drop in for any regular practice. To get started, all you need to to is show up 10-15 minutes before the practice of your choosing (check our practice calendar linked at the top of the page) and stop by the front desk. You'll let them know if you'll be purchasing the drop in or a punch pass, and once you've made your purchase you'll be good to head back to the pool and enjoy your workout! Be sure to introduce yourself to Doug, our coach, he's typically on the lookout for new faces to be sure any of your questions are answered and you have a good enough time to come back and join us again!
Who can join Gladstone Masters Swimming?
Anyone who is 18 years or older and has an interest in swimming!
Do I need to be a good swimmer to join the team?
Nope! Our workout group includes a wide variety of skill from beginner swimmers to collegiate athletes to seasoned triathletes. All are welcome!
Are the workouts difficult?
Coach Doug's mantra for the group is "Do as much or as little as you'd like" with the idea of promoting swimming across all skill levels. If you're looking to be pushed, Doug and the more elite swimmers in the group would be happy to push you. If you're simply looking to improve your lap swim technique or get a little exercise, but aren't comfortable making your own workouts, Doug encourages modification of his workouts to suit your goals and is a great swimming mentor to swim for!
Do I need to bring any equipment for practice?
Swim suit and goggles are the only items required. Pull buoys and kickboards are available at the pool for practice. Additional equipment such as fins and paddles may be used if you have them but are not required and not supplied by the GCC.
Do I have to come to all practices?
No, you can come as often or as little as you'd like. Just keep in mind that your punch pass has a 6 month expiration!
The Gladstone Masters Swimming program sounds like it could be what I am looking for, am I able to come and watch a practice before I commit?
Yes, please feel free to come and visit with Coach Doug at any of the scheduled practices. There is also a one-time $5 drop in rate for you to give the program a try!
For more information about Gladstone Masters Swimming call (816) 423-4200 or click here to contact us.