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Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2010 1:56 am
by coolbriefs
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Re: Joining a swim team/swim club
Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2010 10:20 am
by Buster Crabbe
http://www.igla.org is the web page for International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics and their members are LGBT swim teams worldwide. There are a fair number in the US but the ranks are growing.
Some teams whether straight, gay or gay-friendly are gung-ho competition, but most are a healthy mix of competitors and fitness swimmers. Teams welsome all levels and ages.
Do some homework in your area. There may be an IGLA-worthy team nearby. I am a coach on a large LGBT team in New York.
Oh, and the scenery can be breathtaking at times.
The Gay Games are next week (July 31-August 7, 2010) in Cologne. About 1000 swimmers are expected.
Re: Joining a swim team/swim club
Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2010 1:02 pm
by wisenyoung
I am essentially of the same opinion as the above post by Buster. IGLA is indeed a good resource if you're looking for something gay friendly, and even if you're not gay, most of them are exceedingly accepting; our water polo team for example has about a quarter to a third of str8 players and we love them just as much as our gay players, just not the same way.. lol
Anyhow - it's also super easy to find out if a team/club is seriously competitive as well either by their website, or just call and find out. Even at that, most have a competition contingent, while still welcoming recreational/fitness swimmers.
Best way to figure it out is to jump in the pool for a practice and try it out. Most, if not all, will let you give it a try for a practice or two without signing your life away.
So give it a GO !