1. Why swim with DSST?

2. What's the membership of DSST like?

3. I'm not a very fast swimmer. I can't swim all the strokes, and I'm not sure that I can finish an hour workout. How good of a swimmer do I need to be to join? Is there a test?

4. What if I am too slow for the others in my lane? Will I be grouped with others my own speed?

5. What are the workouts like? How many yards per workout?

6. When and where are workouts available?

7. What's the water temperature?

8. Are locker rooms and hot showers available?

9. I'm not in the best of shape right now, and don't look so great in a swimsuit. Do I have to wear a racing swim suit?

10. When I show up at practice, what's the procedure for getting in the pool? Do I need to talk to someone first?

11. Does DSST compete in meets / races?

12. Can I try a few trial swims before I sign up?

13. What does it cost?

14. What happens if I can only swim a few days in a particular month or I'm visiting from out of town?

15. Do I need to show a membership card?

16. What should I bring to practice?

17. What about the social aspects ... does the team socialize?

18. Where can I get more information?

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1. Why swim with DSST?
Swimming is great exercise; our heated pools are available year round; swimming with others of your ability is fun; and DSST offers five workouts a week. 

2. What's the membership of DSST like?
DSST normally has between 80 to 120 active adult swimmers, most of whom swim for fitness, for the friendly social atmosphere, to get in a quick workout or for rehab from injuries. We are made up of gay, straight, and bisexual swimmers who are students, professionals, as well as retirees. Everyone is welcome and the ages range from 18-80!

3. I'm not a very fast swimmer. I can't swim all the strokes, and I'm not sure I can finish an hour workout; how good a swimmer must I be to join? Is there a test?
There is no test.  DSST welcomes swimmers of all abilities.  We have all abilities - from competitive college swimmers to novice swimmers and everywhere in between. If you can swim 4 lengths of the pool, our coaching staff can help you improve your skills and endurance. You don't need to be able to swim all the strokes to join! Don't be afraid to ask for help. Workouts are adjusted to take into account each swimmer's ability level.

4. What if I am too slow for the others in my lane? Will I be grouped with others my own speed?
Each lane is grouped by ability. You will be assigned a lane compatible with your skills.

5. What are the workouts like? How many yards per workout?
Each workout runs for an hour (don't worry if you can't finish the whole hour initially). The coach creates a workout of swim "sets," which vary in distance per lane. The faster lanes generally cover slightly over 3,400 yards per workout, with slower lanes about a third of that distance. Space permitting, you may enter a workout late. We attempt to limit the lanes to a maximum of 5 swimmers of similar ability per lane to avoid overcrowding.

6. When and where are workouts available?
We have five workouts for you to choose from each week ... for updated information please verify our schedule by checking the DSST webpage Swim Info --> Practice Schedule.  Also check out our Calendar for any last minute schedule changes.

7. What's the water temperature?
It is usually a comfortable 80 degrees.

8. Are locker rooms and hot showers available?
Yes, there are locker rooms and showers available at all of the facilities that we currently use. The showers are located either inside the locker rooms or outside the locker rooms adjacent to the pool.

9. I'm not in the best of shape right now, and don't look so great in a swimsuit. Do I have to wear a racing swim suit?
Any swimsuit will do. And with over 30 swimmers in an average workout, all body types are represented! People aren't focused on your looks as much as you might be. Just hop in and get some exercise! If you put it off, you might never get going.

10. When I show up at practice, what's the procedure for getting in the pool? Do I need to talk to someone first?
DSST is a very welcoming team. When you arrive at the pool, walk up to a swimmer and ask to be directed to the coach. The coach will welcome you, ask you a few basic questions about your swimming skills and hand you a DSST and USMS membership form. After signing a team waiver, you will be shown which lane to swim in and be introduced to the team.

11. Does DSST compete in meets and/or races?
Optional races take place in pools and sometimes even in the ocean. Pool races are offered almost every month in our region. Competition is optional and fun to try.

12. Can I try a few trial swims before I sign up?
Sure, the first two weeks are free; just show up at the pool and tell the coach that you're there to check it out. Goggles are recommended. Caps are optional.

13. What does it cost?
If you are new to the swim team, your dues for the first two weeks are FREE after which regular dues apply.  You must also join US Masters Swimming for the current year. (DSST requires all of ours swimmers to have a master's card. We do this to stay in compliance with our liability insurance.)

14. What happens if I can swim only a few days in a particular month or I'm visiting from out of town?
DSST offers drop in visits for occasional swimmers and visitors. Please see the fees page for details.

15. Do I need to show a membership card?
Yes. In order to swim with DSST you must have your USMS registration card. This is an annual membership that gives both DSST and yourself insurance.

16. What should I bring to practice?
We recommend that you bring a bathing suit, goggles, a cap (if you have long hair), and a towel. On sunny days, we also recommend that you bring sunscreen to protect your skin.

17. What about the social aspects ... does the team socialize?
Yes ... inside and outside of the pool. Besides getting to know fellow swimmers in the pool, many swimmers socialize with each other outside of the pool area. Many swimmers get together for dinner at a local restaurant on Friday nights, and on Sunday mornings after practice, many people go out to breakfast.  As a team, DSST sponsors events and parties throughout the year. We often get together for New Years Eve, Valentines Day, San Diego Pride, Bart Hopple Memorial Swim, Halloween, the winter Holiday and we have an Annual Banquet.

18. Where can I get more information?
Look over our website, drop us an email at Contact Us or stop by the pool at one of our workouts.  Welcome!