DFrequently Asked Questions
Still have
questions? Ask
Coach Marty! |
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What does the team do besides practice?We participate
in several swim meets throughout the year. Some are local, and some
involve travel to other cities. Some meets are with GLBT teams in
other cities, some are just regular swim meets with other master's
teams. The Sunfish have attended competitions in California, Nevada,
Utah, Colorado, Florida, and Georgia, as well as various local meets
in and around Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. We anticipate sending
as many as 20 members to the Gay Games in Chicago,
We’re also a social bunch! We have social events every month or two, and we usually go out to dinner together after practice. The team also participates in fundraisers at various times during the year. The money we raise is used to offset travel costs for swim meets as well as cover other expenses. Our success at fundraising has allowed us to have dues which are among the lowest of any IGLA team! Back to Top |
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How long has the team been around?The Phoenix Sunfish was formed in December, 2003, by Phoenix residents who had participated in Gay and Lesbian swim teams in other cities in which they had lived. The team started as just a few swimmers practicing during open pool times at a local health club. Since that time, the team has been able to negotiate its own dedicated pool time and has grown to 50 members who practice on a regular basis. Back to Top |
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How much does it cost to participate?Practice is free to all new swimmers on their first swim with us! When you choose to join- the Sunfish offer a few options for membership- Yearly Option : $280 onetime payment, which covers January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008. 2.
Punch Cards- Click
here
to Download the USMS Membership form Back to Top |
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How do I join?At your first practice with us, you'll be given a New Member Welcome Packet that contains a Phoenix Sunfish registration form and a United States Masters Swimming (USMS) application. 1. Fill out the Phoenix Sunfish Membership Registration form also availbele by clicking here. You can fill out the form on the spot, or return the form to the address printed on the form, or bring it with you to the next practice. 2. Fill out the United States Masters Swimming (USMS) membership application also available by clicking here. Mail the form, along with a check for $38, to the address printed on the form. 3. After that, just remain current with your membership dues! We accept check (made payable to Phoenix Sunfish) or PayPal (click here) If you wish to mail a check, please request the mailing address by using the link below
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Must I be Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender to join the Sunfish?No! We welcome our supportive straight friends and invite them to join the team too! Back to Top |
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Do I have to swim at every practice? I have conflicts with some of the practice times.
Practices are "come when you're able". Most swimmers swim about twice/week, some more often, and some only once or twice a month. Back to Top |
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I haven't swum since high school. Will I have to "try-out" or get in shape first?
Many of our swimmers have some competitive swimming background, but not all. There is no need to "get in shape" before you come swim, that's what most members use the practices for in the first place. We have all abilities in the pool, from novice to former collegiate. Back to Top |
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Do you all compete in swim meets?
Many swimmers choose to attend practice only, but there is a growing number swimmers that are competing in local and out of town meets, straight sponsored and gay. Back to Top |
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No. We are not set-up to accommodate beginning swimming lessons. You must be able to swim basic freestyle (front crawl) upon joining. There are various local clubs or community colleges that offer adult swim lessons. Back to Top |
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I'm (insert age here). Are there any other swimmers on the team in my age bracket?
We have a broad range of ages in the pool evenly spread from 20 to 55 years. Back to Top |
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Absolutely not. We have a good group of women (albeit smaller in size) that are just as dedicated to training and the team. We always welcome more women on the team. Back to Top |
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Lanes are organized by ability. We start with a basic warm-up, break for announcements, then go through a practice that can incorporate distance training, sprint, kicking, strokes, stroke drills, or a wide variety of other training techniques. On rare occasion our pool may be closed and we'll organize an alternate practice of hiking, cycling, or stretching. Back to Top |
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Do I have to wear a "Speedo" style suit?
No. You can wear the standard shorts-style swim trunks, although a vast majority of the swimmers wear a speedo-style for better training. Back to Top |
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What should I bring to practice?
You should bring a lock for your locker, towel, goggles, and water. Many swimmers also choose to bring footwear (flip-flops or water sandals). Back to Top |
Still have questions? Email the coach at the link below.
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