FAQ
Q: How often do you work out?
We have workouts from 7:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 10 a.m.-11:30a.m. on Saturdays.
Q: Where do you practice?
We practice at Wilson Recreation Center. For address and directions visit the Pools & Practice page.
Q: Do team members have to come to all the workouts?
No, swimmers come to practice as often as they want.
Q: How difficult are your workouts?
It varies by lane. Our workouts are usually about 3,000 to 4,000 yards and involve sets of freestyle and stroke. You don’t have to do the entire workout.
Q: Do you have a coach?
Yes, we have several members that coach on a rotating basis.
Q: Do you compete?
Some of our members compete in swim meets; others do not. Our team holds one meet each summer and encourages team members to participate. Many swimmers on our team compete in open water swims, such as the annual Reston Lake swim and the annual Chesapeake Bay race. Quite a few of our members are triathletes. Most swam for high school or college teams.
Q: How old are the members of your team?
Our members range from their 20s to their 70s.
Q: Do I have to be able to swim fast?
No, you don’t.
Q: Do I have to know how to do flip turns?
You don’t have to, but it helps, and most team members do flip turns.
Q: How much does it cost to join?
Fee for DC residents is $125. Non-resident fee is $150. In addition, all members must pay annual dues to USMS, the national masters swimming association, which provides insurance for our team. The dues are $37 a year. Both payments should be made online. Membership is valid for the calendar year (January to December). See Join DCRP page for details and links.
Q: Are there any other requirements for joining?
Yes, you must be volunteer for up to four hours at specified events including the Youth Black History Meet in February, the DCRP Masters Swim Meet in July or a DC Youth Swim Clinic on dates to be determined. Our fees remain low due to our partnership with the city which includes the volunteer obligation.
Q: What if I only swim once a week or part of the year? Do you prorate?
No, we do not prorate since our fees are so low. The annual membership with affordable fees allows our members the freedom to attend as many or as few practices as they choose.
Q: What do I do if I want to join?
Put your name on interest list. You will receive an email when we have space. At that point, if you decide to join, you must complete an application form and submit payment online on our Join DCRP page. You must be a member of USMS before you can join DCRP.
Q: Where do I get an application form?
Our application form is available on our Join DCRP page.