Considering joining us for a practice? Regardless of your prior swimming experience, we welcome everyone. We are a US Masters Swimming team open to ALL and committed to fostering national and international competition for amateur athletes. We can help you learn the four strokes (freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and breaststroke) or refine your existing stroke technique.
Dates and Times
Practices are usually 3 days a week–Tuesday and Thursday evening as well as Sunday morning. Times and location are available on our calendar below.
Cost and Registration
Each practice is $7 and discounts available if you pay by the month or by the quarter. Dues must be paid online here.
We also require that all members join US Masters Swimming which has its own annual membership fee. This is primarily for insurance purposes.
(Financial assistance is available. Please ask an Ohio Splash board member.)
Visitors
Ohio Splash welcomes registered USMS swimmers from other cities. Just show up at any workout and introduce yourself to the coach. Visitors must show their USMS card. Send us a message ahead of time so we know to expect you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be able to swim?
It’s recommended that you be able to swim at least one stroke for the length of the pool (25 yards). Our coaches can help you improve all four strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly) but cannot always provide intensive instruction needed to learn each stroke. For learning to swim, you can check out adult learn-to-swim programs at Columbus Recreation and Parks or by searching for adult swim lessons.
What should I bring?
A great part about swimming is that the equipment investment is very low– you probably already have everything you need! Bring goggles, a swimsuit, a towel, and don’t forget water to stay hydrated. During outdoor season, sunblock is highly recommended.
What about goggles?
Goggles come in all shapes and sizes. You should pick a pair that fits comfortably; youâll be wearing them for long periods. You can find these at local sporting goods stores or online.
Some people prefer to wear clear lens goggles indoors. In the outdoor season, you may want goggles with tinted lenses that offer UV protection.
What equipment is provided?
Most of our pools have kickboards and pull buoys for use, but it is possible there may not be enough for everyone in some locations. Check Practice Locations for more information on availability. You will use kickboards when practicing kicking only, as they provide buoyancy. Pull buoys work similarly, only these allow you to focus on your upper body and the âpullâ portion of the stroke. You can also bring your own if you have them.
Our workouts never require paddles, fins, or snorkels. They are also not provided so if you wish to use them, you will need to bring your own.
What can I expect at a practice?
There will be a coach on deck who has written a workout for swimmers to follow. If you have questions during the workout, feel free to ask them.
The pool is divided into multiple lap-lanes. The lanes are divided by experience level–from beginner lanes to advanced lanes.
Experienced swimmers can expect a workout around 3000 yards in an hour. Beginner lanes will swim around 1000 yards. However, anyone is welcome to take an extended break between (or during) sets if you need.
Swimmers stay to the right-side of the lane and swim 5 to 10 seconds apart from one another. This is known as âcircle swimmingâ.
There are coaches?
Yes! Each practice someone will be coaching. Coaches are our teammates who volunteer to write workouts.
When you come to your first practice, they may find you first but be sure to introduce yourself to them. They’ll probably be the only one not wearing a swimsuit. They’ll stay on deck during practice and may offer you tips or observations, especially if you let them know what you’re working on.