Masters/Tri Swim Training

Swimming – For Lifelong fitness and wellness

Masters Swimming is a great excuse to get out of the house and do something good for yourself. The concept of Masters swimming began in the 1970s and has members in the dozens of countries from all corners of the globe. And don’t let the name fool you! Members of Masters swimming make up all levels of ability and speed. Whether you have just learned to swim or have been a lifelong participant, Masters swimming is for you!

Triathlons and Long Distance Swimming are increasingly popular as well. We have trained athletes to swim proficiently in their first triathlon, as well as several established Ironman competitors (including the 2014 silver medalist). In 2016, we helped train Ben Kanute toward a spot on the U.S. Olympic team in the triathlon and finished the swim portion in the top 15. In 2017, we qualified an athlete to qualification for the 2018 Ironman World Championship in the 65-69 age group! Several professional triathletes who have won medals at the Ironman world championship have also trained with us through the years.

Why is swimming becoming such a popular sport? As people get older, swimming is one of the few sports that can be continued throughout a person’s entire life.

The benefits of swimming are documented. One of the most important aspects is that it is a non-weight bearing sport. Other benefits include:

• Reduction of physical and mental stress
• Weight loss and control
• Strengthens the heart and improves circulation
• Improvement of overall quality of life by helping people stay in good physical condition year-round
• Eases stress on joints and is therefore an ideal exercise for people with physical disabilities

Masters and Long Distance Swimming is a sport for both non-competitive (fitness) swimmers and competitive swimmers. Many swimmers get into the sport because it offers organized workouts and can offer a strong social component. For those that choose to compete, swimmers compete in their own age group by five-year age divisions. Swimmers can begin Masters at age 18 in the United States (age 25 in other countries), and the oldest Masters are nearly 100 years old. Workouts are divided by speed and ability, and swimmers can be challenged to their own personal preference. Masters Swimming has grown from a handful of interested adult swimmers to thousands who compete at regional, national and international levels.

Dolphins of the Desert Masters placed second in the “large team” division at the 2024 Arizona Masters short course championships!
The team also competed at the 2023 U.S. Masters Swimming championships. Five athletes won medals with top-10 finishes, and our mixed medley relay finished fifth in the 35+ age group!
Dolphins of the Desert Masters is a U.S. Masters Swimming “Gold Club,” one of two such clubs in southern Arizona!