Masters Swimming
Richmond Plunge Masters (RPM) is a club member of United States Masters Swimming (USMS) and is one of over 100 Masters swimming clubs registered with Pacific Masters Swimming, the regional organization.
Masters swimming is an organized swimming program open to all adults, 18 and over. Through coached workouts, competitions, clinics, instruction and workshops, Masters swimming provides opportunities for adult swimmers of all abilities to gain and improve fitness through the sport of swimming. Members include fitness, triathlete, competitive and non-competitive swimmers, ranging from novice and recreational to veteran pool and open water swimmers. For frequently asked questions about Masters swimming see www.usms.org/faq.php.
Masters swimming is a great way to stay in shape and meet new friends, within a positive, supportive and fun environment.
Coached Workout Schedule
RPM coached pool workouts at the Plunge are ongoing. Workouts include weekday morning, noon and evening times, as well as a Saturday morning workout as listed below. The workout schedule will be adjusted around holiday times.
Tues & Thurs 6:00 am - 7:00 am
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Mon, Wed, Fri 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Open Water Bay Swimming
In addition to pool workouts, a handful of RPM members swim frequently in the bay at Keller Beach (5-minute walk from the Plunge), Marina Bay and other nearby locations along the Richmond shoreline. The swims are typically arranged informally and timed according to weather and tide conditions. These open water bay swims are typically not a club or USMS-sanctioned activity, although sanctioned events are planned for the future. RPM facilitates open water swimming opportunities by bringing together swimmers who share this interest. For more information about open water swimming click on this link to the Pacific Masters swimming open water page: http://www.openwaterpacific.org/
Masters Swimming Events
While the majority of Masters swimmers participate in training, fitness and social functions, and never enter a competition, dozens of pool and open water swim competitions are offered throughout the year in Northern California and elsewhere around the country. The Pacific Masters Swimming calendar of events can be found at www.pacificmasters.org/comp/schd.html.
Registration and Fees
Registration. Everyone is required to register with USMS/Pacific Masters Swimming and pay annual dues, which cover insurance, the Pacific Masters newsletter, and a bi-monthly subscription to Swim Magazine. Annual dues are currently $48. The Pacific Masters Swimming membership information can be found online at www.pacificmasters.org/admin/application.shtml. Please review the options and join whichever way makes you comfortable.
Swimming Fees. Swimming fees cover pool rental costs, coach’s salary, equipment and various overhead expenses for the RPM club. There are three payment options: (1) monthly/quarterly fee (paid in advance) which allows participation in any and all workouts; (2) 10-workout punch card; and (3) a drop-in fee for single workouts. The following fees have been established for 2013:
- $55 per month
- $150 for 3 month session (Jan-Mar, Apr-June, July- Sept, Oct-Dec)
- $ 65 for 10-workout punch card
- $ 6 drop-in fee (first visit is free!)
Fees should be paid by check made out to “Richmond Swims”, and sent to the attention of the Club Registrar at P.O. Box 70105, Richmond, CA 94807. Punch card and drop-in fees should be paid to the coach at the Plunge during a scheduled workout.
For More Information
If you are interested in learning more about Richmond Plunge Masters and/or would like to be included on an email list for updated information please contact any of the following:
- Coach, John Schonder at richmondswims@gmail.com or 510-356-8801
- RPM Club Coordinator, Norm Hantzsche at nhantzsche@questaec.com or 510- 236-6114, ext 214