Whether it is the smell of chlorine and the steady splash of swimmers kicking lap after lap, or the sound of ocean waves crashing onto the beach, swimming is a sport that, once it hooks you, will pull you to the water like the moon pulls the tides.
In a place where the average year-round temperature is a comfortable 63 degrees it seems fitting that swimming is a common pastime for Southern Californians. From lap swimming in indoor and outdoor pools to braving the Pacific Ocean, this sport has a following as strong as Olympian Natalie Coughlin's butterfly kick.
Despite the differences between the two, both open water and lap swimming have excellent health benefits, and faithful swimmers are able to participate in this sport for many decades. So suit up and dive in: Southern California has plenty of water to whet your thirst for swimming!
Lap Swimming:
The Los Angeles area is full of pools open to lap swimmers, including the Santa Monica College Swim Center, Culver City Plunge, Malibu Community Pool, and YMCA pools, as well as 59 city-run pools that are open to the public.
Awareness of lap swim etiquette is important for both swimmer safety and in order to maintain a pleasant swim experience. Do offer to split lanes with individuals who are waiting (splitting a lane means two swimmers divide the lane down the center and stay on their respective sides throughout the workout). Though some swimmers will decline to split, it is considerate to offer. If you are not confident in your ability to stay to one side of the lane, simply say so if asked to split – no one will take offense. Circle swimming is also an option; in this case swimmers go one direction, staying on one side of the lane, and come back swimming the opposing direction on the other side of the lane – like cars driving in an elongated circle, one long loop.
If you prefer a more leisurely workout, try to find a lane in the shallower pool rather than the deeper one (this applies of course only if there are two such pools to choose from). Aqua aerobic classes and new swimmers typically utilize the shallow pool and there is more leniency there when it comes to swim pace and time restraints on lanes. But always keep in mind that the most frustrating thing you can do when someone is waiting to use your lane is to loll about and appear aimless in your workout; swim with purpose.
Open Water Swimming:
Open water swimmers should note the weather and surf conditions typically listed on city beach websites before heading out, as the murkiness of the water and intensity of the waves can vary immensely beach to beach and vastly affect the difficulty of your swim. Brightly colored swim caps and well-fitted goggles are essential to open water swimmers, as well as wet suits if the water is especially chilly.
Though the appeal of swimming in the blue Pacific can often overwhelm one's prudent side, it must be noted that open water swimming presents different challenges than a pool swim and one should enlist the mentorship or supervision of a more experienced swimmer and also be sure a lifeguard is on duty before heading out into the waves.
Swimming Resources:
- Pools:
- • Santa Monica College Swim Center has two pools available to lap swimmers at varying hours Monday through Sunday: www01.smgov.net/aquatics
- • Culver City Plunge provides lap swim opportunities as well as aqua aerobic classes for drop-ins: www.culvercity.org
- • Malibu's Community Pool is located at Malibu High School on Morning View Drive and provides lanes for Masters swimmers as well as swim lessons and various conditioning and stroke clinics: www.ci.malibu.ca.us
- • Los Angeles YMCA has 25 locations throughout the Los Angeles area – to locate a YMCA with a pool facility near you visit this website: www.ymcala.org
- • The City of Los Angeles has more than two dozen pools that are open seasonally or year round for lap swimmers – see the following link for pool names, addresses and hours: www.laparks.org/dos/aquatic
- Swimming Clubs:
- • Los Angeles Tri Club: If you prefer to swim in a group, the Los Angeles Tri Club meets for open water swims at Manhattan Beach pier on Sundays at 8am – they swim anywhere from one to two miles, so you may choose an appropriate distance. Website: www.latriclub.com
- Los Angeles City Open Water Facilities:
- • The City of Los Angeles provides access to certain lakes and beaches for open-water swimming, either seasonally or year round. Also check out Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica Beach, Leo Carrillo State Beach, and Will Rogers Beach -- all allow open water swimming (there is no charge to do so besides a parking fee). Also be aware of water cleanliness levels, as they vary with weather, beach location, and season.
- • See the Los Angeles city website for information about year round and seasonal open water facilities, which include lakes and beaches: www.laparks.org/dos/aquatic/lakes
- Open Water Swimming Beaches:
- • Hermosa Beach: Farther south at Hermosa Beach one can mimic the route of the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim taking place this August: swim from the south side of Hermosa Beach Pier to the north side of Manhattan Pier and finish on Manhattan Beach, which totals two miles. Website: www.hermosabch.org
- • Manhattan Beach: The Los Angeles Tri Club meets at this beach regularly for open-water swims. See the website for location and parking information. Website: www.ci.manhattan-beach.ca.us
- • Santa Monica Beach: Popular beach for sand and water activities, access to showers and restrooms. Lifeguards are on duty. Website: www01.smgov.net/beach
- • Leo Carrillo State Beach: A smaller beach north of Santa Monica, popular for its adjacent campground and less crowded beach coves. Website: www.parks.ca.gov
- • Will Rogers State Beach: Located south of Santa Monica Beach at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Temescal Canyon Road. Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours, access to snack bar, showers, and restrooms. Website: www.beaches.co.la.ca.us
