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Frequently Asked Questions        

Q: How large is the team and what is the average age?
A: Terrapin Masters has about 100 members - not all are active at any one time. Most of our members are in their 20s, 30s or 40s.
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Q: Do I have to compete in meets if I join Terrapin Masters?
A: We accommodate a range of abilities and goals from the occasional fitness swimmer to the varsity swimmer-in-training. Only about a third of the members compete in local meets, triathlons, and open water swims. However, we usually have about 20 entrants in the Chesapeake Bay Swim (under the bridge - 4.4 miles) and one or two Ironman Triathletes.
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Q: Do you have clinics and meets?
A: We have meets and stroke clinics. We normally have a 1000/1500 meet in the winter, an 800m/1500m meet in the summer, a New Year's swim (current year x 25, 50, 75 or 100 - your choice!!), and on occasion the Colonies Zone meet.
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Q: What do I have to do to sign up?
A: To join Terrapin Masters, go to the Member Services Desk at the Campus Rec Facility. Our members are also required to join the United States Masters Swimming Association (USMS) or USA Swimming (if under 18 years of age). The USMS annual dues are $32 and once you join, you receive SWIMMER magazine and insurance while working out, for no additional charge. The USMS Membership form can be found at: Potomac Valley Web Site. The USA Swimming Membership form can be found at: Potomac Valley USS Web Site.
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Q: What are your workouts like?
A: A typical workout will consist of a warmup (e.g. 600 yd easy), some drills (e.g. 10x50 drill/swim by 25s), a main set (e.g. 12x100 descend in sets of 3), a kicking set (e.g. 4x100 IM order), and a pulling set (e.g. 5x200 breathe every 3 strokes on even 25s and every 5 strokes on odd 25s). We use 8 lanes of the Campus Rec pool for our workouts. The slower lanes would do less and the faster lanes, more.
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Q: Who are your coaches?
A: All of our practices are coached, generally by varsity swim coach assistants or champion swimmers in the area.
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Q: Do you have social events?
A: Join us for bagels at Bagelplace on Rte 1 after every Saturday practice. We also have an annual banquet (pizza and fake "awards") and occasional get-togethers such as white-water rafting trips, Superbowl parties, etc.
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Q:Can I try it out before joining?
A:You may try us out by obtaining a complimentary card good for 3 sessions. Email Cheryl Wagner for more information.
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Q:How will Masters swimmers pay dues?
A:All Terrapin Masters members must purchase a punch-card for swim workouts. Punch-cards are good for one year from date-of-purchase.

Beginning September, 2004 renewable magnetic swipe cards will replace punch cards. Users will swipe them through a magnetic reader upon entering Campus Rec and 1 practice will be debited from card. When they are expired, additional swims can be purchased for the cards at Member Services. Swimmers can continue to use punch cards until all "punches" have been used. To purchase a punch-card or swipe-card, go to the Member Services Desk just inside the main (facing South) door of the Campus Recreation Facility.
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Q:What will the dues be for Masters?
A: Punch cards for Masters swimming workouts can be purchased at the following rates:

15 Swims:
UM student: $38.50
CRS-member: $41.25
Non-student & non-CRS-member: $60.50
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Q:Will there be six practices per week?
A:We will continue to have at least six practices per week (more if we expand!).


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Q:Where can I park when swimming?
A:


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Q:Can I take the subway to the pool?
A:There is a subway stop College Park Station (green line) about 1 mile from Campus. There is also a free UM Shuttle to and from Subway which regularly stops at the College Park metro station.
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