FAQs
Grown-Up Swimming? What the heck is that?
A goofy league for folks 18 and over who want to have a laid-back atmosphere to race and be social. Kind of like slow-pitch softball, kickball, or summer league swimming for grownups.
What can I expect at a Grown-Up Swim Meet?
Bring the kids, bring the family! Most meets will start off with a “multi- generation” relay, so you can even swim with them! Kids also love to help as lane timers. You don’t need to start from a starting block (although many swimmers do)—pushing off the wall is fine. And there are no DQ’s (disqualifications) in Grown Up Swimming. The atmosphere is fun and silly. Glorious Phinney Gator Sharks like to enhance the silly vibe with cheers and sequins.
How long does each swim meet last?
Swim meets start with a 1-hour warm-up. Meets run about 2 hours. The pool is usually reserved for a bit longer, so after the meet is over there’s usually a short time for kids and spectators to get in the pool and goof around. Lifeguards supervise each meet.
I’m not based near the Phinney Ridge Neighborhood, can I still join the team?
Absolutely! We noticed most teams in our league name a geographic location so we decided to keep Phinney in our name. But we already have swimmers on the team from around the metro area including the Eastside.
I’m interested in open-water swimming, too. What equipment do I need?
- Water temperatures are usually warm enough by the end of June to go without a wetsuit and stay close to 70 degrees into mid September.
- Outside those months, we tend to add more and more neoprene gear—mittens, booties, neoprene caps—to keep warm as water temps gradually drop. Many of us transition to the pool by November when the water dips below 50 degrees, but year round swimming is certainly possible!
- Bring a swimmer's tow buoy for safety and so you are visible to other watercraft.
- Change out of your wet swim suit quickly to stay warm. A changing robe or a swim parka can help a lot with staying warm when you get out.
- Finally, bring a friend! It’s best not to swim open water by yourself.
