A: ZOOM communicates with its members through the Kalamazoo Masters Facebook Group Page and the Group me app. Downloading the GroupMe app is highly recommended.

You can join the KalamaZOOMasters GroupMe chat here: https://groupme.com/join_group/14397422/vfxwgccb

A: Morning Practice: There is no street parking available until after the 5:00am practices at Kalamazoo College. We have permission to park in the lots indicated on the map on the Contact page. See you at the pool!

Noon and Evening Practices: Parking is available on the street and the lots shown on the map on the Contact page.

A: Please visit our Try ZOOM/Visitors page to register and see payment options.

Drop-ins are intended for individuals visiting from outside of Kalamazoo area OR Kalamazoo area swimmers interested in trial practices with zoom (first two free). If you are not one of these two groups, we encourage you to register for our one-day/week memberships. All memberships are prorated through each session. Please use the form on contact us page if you have further questions about this policy.

Suggested Out-of-Town Masters Drop-in Donation $10

Cash (to coach)
Venmo @ZOOMswim
PayPal swimming@kalamazoomasters.com

A: Yes! We encourage you to give it a try. Just fill out a free 30-day trial USMS membership stop by any practice. We require everyone who swims with us to be have a membership with USMS for insurance purposes.

Swim Suit
Men: jammers or briefs
Women: one-piece tank
You'll want to choose a suit that fits well enough to stay put while you move.

Swim Cap: Keeps long hair out of the way and protects hair from chlorine.

Goggles: Pick a pair that fit your face properly. Mirrored goggles can be helpful outside on sunny days.

Hydration: It’s important to stay hydrated while swimming.

Swim Equipment

Pull buoy, Paddles, Fins, and Kickboard – These are optional equipment but greatly enhance your workouts by concentrating on improving stroke technique are supplementing your speed. Some equipment is available for use at either facility.

Swimming with a group is completely different than having your own lane. There are unspoken rules of the pool that are sometimes learned the hard way. Fear not! We've all gone through our first few days of adjusting to group swimming. Here are a few tips to making friends in the pool quickly.

Lane designations: In most pools, lanes are designated as slow, medium, or fast. These are relative terms. Choose a lane compatible with your speed, then notify the others in the lane that you are joining them.

Swimming pattern: If there are two swimmers in a lane, you may opt to “split the lane” or keep to one side of the lane while the other swimmer will stay on the opposite side. Three or more swimmers in a lane must circle swim. In the United States, Canada, and most of the rest of the world, the custom is to stay to the right, that is to swim counterclockwise. (As you might expect, in Great Britain, Australia, and a few other Commonwealth outposts, swimmers circle clockwise.)

Joining a workout: If there is a workout set in progress, you may join only as part of the set. 

Speed: Slower swimmers must yield to faster swimmers. Try to join a lane that matches your pace.

Passing: Pass on the left. Gently tap the foot of the person in front of you before passing. If you are being overtaken at the turn, stop, and wait until the other swimmer has pushed off.

These are some common courtesy rules for group swimming:

• Do not stand in front of the pace clock.

• Entering: When you enter the water, never dive, jump, or push off into oncoming swimmers. Wait until they have made the turn and pushed off.

• Stopping: If you need to stop, squeeze into the corner to the right of oncoming swimmers, so they will have sufficient room to turn.

• Push off underwater: This will reduce the waves encountered by oncoming swimmers.

• Be aware: At all times be aware of what is going on within your lane. Also try not to kick or swing your arms into another lane.

• Good Hygiene: Keep your toenails and fingernails trimmed and follow the rules of the pool regarding showing before entering the pool. 

For further reading about lane etiquette in a lighthearted manner check out this article by USMS.