Frequently Asked Questions...

What does the team do besides practice? answer > 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’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!

How long has the team been around? answer > 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.

How much does it cost to participate? see dues >

Must I be Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender to join the Sunfish? answer > No! We welcome our supportive straight friends and invite them to join the team too!

Do I have to attend every practice? answer > No. Attendance is not required, come when your schedule allows.

How do I join? answer >

I haven't swum since high school. Will I have to "try-out" or get in shape first? answer > No. 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.

Do you all compete in swim meets? answer > Many swimmers choose to attend practice only, but there is a growing number swimmers that are competing in local and out-of-town meets, both straight and gay sponsored .

Can you teach me to swim? answer > 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.

Are there any other swimmers on the team in my age bracket? answer > We have a broad range of ages in the pool evenly spread from 20 to 55+ years.

Are you a men-only team? answer > 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.

What are the practices like? answer > Lanes are organized by ability. The coach starts with a basic warm-up, breaks for announcements, then starts 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.

Do I have to wear a "Speedo" style suit? answer > No. You can wear the standard shorts-style swim trunks, although a vast majority of the swimmers wear a speedo-style for better training.

What should I bring to practice? answer > You should bring a lock for your locker, towel, goggles, and drinking water. Many swimmers also wear flip-flops or water sandals.