It’s been awhile since I last swam. Should I join?
WAM welcomes swimmers of all levels, so we would love to have you! We only ask that you be able to swim 50 yards. We will work with you on fitness, endurance, stroke technique, or whatever else you would like. You are not required to attend all practices, it is totally up to you and your schedule.
Where and when does WAM practice?
We practice out of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) pool (Sports and Recreation Center, 153 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA).
Free parking is available in the adjacent parking garage.
Please arrive at the track entrance near the parking garage 10 minutes prior to the start of practice
Per our contract with WPI, only the WAM coach is allowed to admit WAM swimmers.
This is done 10 minutes before the start of practice. For mornings this is 5:20am, for evenings this is 7:05pm.
For all practices, we meet at the entrance by the track.
Practices at the WPI site are:
Monday/Wednesday/Friday— 5:30 – 6:30 AM (Entry with coach at 5:20am)
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday—7:15 – 8:15 PM (Entry with coach at 7:05pm).
Summer schedule through the month of June and July.
The coaches will keep you updated on the plan for August.
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday— 6:30-7:30 PM (Entry with coach at 6:20pm).
How much does it cost?
The monthly fee for WAM is $65 for unlimited practices a week or $53 for 2 practices a week. WPI community members (students, faculty, staff, or others with full membership to the Sports and Recreation Center) pay a reduced fee of $30. Our drop-in rate is $10/practice. Dues are to be paid on the 1st of each month and checks can be made payable to ‘WAM’ or ‘Worcester Area Masters’. For more information click here.
How do I sign up?
First, come to practice to try us out at no cost. Make sure you bring your WPI waiver. If you decide to join, complete the registration form, and bring the monthly dues to your next practice. Don’t forget to join USMS. Find out more here.
Are there lockers and showers available?
There are locker rooms and showers available at the pool.
Are the workouts coached?
Yes! Every workout is coached. All of our coaches have collegiate and/or masters swimming experience.
What should I bring to practice?
All you need is your own suit and goggles. A swim cap is required for hair at or past the shoulders, and we have some available. Kickboards, pull buoys, and fins are available on deck, but some swimmers choose to bring their own. A water bottle is also strongly recommended!
What are the workouts like?
Usually, we swim between 2500 – 3000 yards in an hour. Set intervals and yardage can and will be adjusted based on your needs and abilities. You are not required to complete the entire workout as it takes time to build up endurance. Two weeks before one of our focus meets we will taper down to about 1500 yards.
Does the team participate in competitions? Do I have to?
We welcome competitive swimmers, fitness swimmers, and triathletes alike. The team does focus on four meets per year, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to! Alternatively, if you have never competed but would like to start, we are happy to help you with that, too. If you have a triathlon or other event you are working towards, please let the coaches know and we will work with you to reach your goals. If you prefer to practice purely for fitness purposes, that is great, too! Check out past results and our next meet!
Can I connect with the team outside of the pool?
Once you join the team, you will be added to our email alias. We also have an active Facebook group. Additionally, team members often schedule social events such as dinner, movies, and open water swims when the weather is nice. We have a social event on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, currently at Wooberry Frozen Yogurt or Boomers Sub and Deli… open to suggestions!
Where’d you get that cool logo?!
Our WAM Ram logo was designed by Marvin Nuñez of Nuñez Graphic Design.
Wait, I have more questions!
Do not worry! Fill out our contact form to email the coaches, or connect with us on Facebook.
Worcester Area Masters 