Dive In: How DAM’s Swim Program Makes Fitness Fun for Everyone

Welcome to a New Wave of Fitness

Ever felt like pool workouts were just for kids or Olympic hopefuls? Think again! Davis Aquatic Masters (DAM) is flipping the script, welcoming swimmers of every level, age, and ambition. If you’re tired of gym monotony or just want your fitness routine to be a splash more fun, DAM’s inclusive, flexible swimming programs have you covered.

A Club That Swims Together, Thrives Together

DAM isn’t your average swim club. Based in Davis, California, we're proud to be one of the largest U.S. Masters Swimming affiliates in the country. With more than 500 members—ranging in age from 18 to over 90—there’s literally a lane for everyone. From absolute beginners to seasoned swimmers training for national competitions, our community is a vibrant mix of personalities and goals.

This dynamic blend means every workout comes with a built-in support squad and a few friendly faces in the lane next to yours. Here, fitness is rarely a solo endeavor.

Flexibility: The Secret Sauce

Life is busy. Jobs, families, and social calendars can eat up your time, but at DAM, we work around your schedule—not the other way around. Our club offers a jaw-dropping 48 coached workouts every week. Let that sink in for a second: that’s more than six chances per day to tie up your suit and hit the water.

Morning person? Join us at 6:00 AM for a sunrise swim before work. Or come at 7:00, 8:00 or 9:00 am if that's more your jam. 

Midday mood? Take advantage of our 11:00, noon or other lunchtime workouts.

More of a night owl? Evening workouts run through 6:15 PM.

We have workout options at Civic Pool and Arroyo Pool, so you can mix up your routine and choose the pool closest to you. No excuses—just options.

For the weekend warriors, DAM offers two coached workout on Saturdays (7:00 am and 8:00 am) followed by three hours of exclusive lap swim for DAM members only. On Sunday we've got another three hours of exclusive lap swim so you can do what you want when you want. 

Fitness Made Fun

Here’s the thing about swimming with DAM: it genuinely doesn’t feel like a chore. Why? Because our coaches are some of the friendliest, most engaged folks you’ll ever meet. They know how to strike that perfect balance between helping you improve and making sure you’re having fun.

• Variety is baked in. No two workouts are ever exactly alike. Yardage, sets, and skills change so you’re always learning something new and keeping your body guessing.
• Workouts for all levels. Whether you’re just getting your feet wet, returning after years on dry land, or chasing a new best time, our lane system groups swimmers by ability and fitness level, so you’ll always feel challenged (but never out of place).
• Low-impact, high reward. Swimming is gentle on the joints but delivers a ton of benefits—from core strength and lung health to stress relief. That’s a win-win.

Age Is Just a Number

One of the coolest things about DAM is its age diversity. The youngest swimmers are 18, our oldest are over 90—and everyone’s in it together. Don’t believe us? Check out the pool deck on any given morning and you’ll see a splashy mix of folks spurring each other on. Many DAM members have incredible stories of transformation: overcoming health hurdles, conquering swim fears, or simply proving that fun never goes out of style.

Our coaching staff has oodles of experience helping everyone, from “I’ve never swam a lap” to former collegiate athletes. Our goal is to make every swimmer look forward to coming back.

Share Laps, Build Community

Let’s face it, sticking to a fitness routine can get lonely. With DAM, every set brings connection. Chat in the locker room, share a laugh at a post-workout coffee, or join club events to meet your swim buddies outside the pool.

Plus, if you like a little friendly competition, DAM hosts and participates in local, regional, and even national Masters events. But there’s zero pressure. Some members join just to cheer from the sidelines and soak up the Cheers-like atmosphere.

Curious about competing? Check out our upcoming events and races at damfast.org/Competitions.

Educational — And Never Boring

DAM isn’t only about swimming laps. We love to sprinkle in workshops and clinics on everything from improving your freestyle to learning about nutrition and injury prevention. Our coaches are always up for sharing swim hacks and challenging you to try something new.

• Coach Hour: Each week brings a new focus—like open-water skills, pacing strategies, or underwater video analysis.
• Pop-up clinics: Fine-tune your stroke, learn flip turns, or pick up swim-specific dryland workouts to boost power and mobility.
• Special events: Pool parties and charity swims are all part of the DAM experience.

Something for Every Swimmer

Whether you’re setting out on your first lap or gunning for a Masters medal, DAM has a path for you:

• Newbies can start slow, discover the basics, and work up confidence in a supportive environment.
• Returning swimmers can pick up where they left off and gradually build endurance.
• Seasoned athletes get structured, high-intensity sessions and pro tips to shave off those seconds.

We even have dedicated workouts focused on technique, pacing, and open water. Mix and match to build your ideal swim week.

Ready To Dive In?

Getting started with DAM couldn't be easier—just bring your swimsuit, goggles, a positive attitude, and your best splash! Come check out a practice; your first visit is always chill, no pressure at all. The best part? You get a 30-day free trial to dive in and see what the DAM community is all about before making any commitment. Whether you've got questions or just want a quick pool deck tour, our coaches and longtime members are stoked to help.

Ready to jump in? Join DAM today!

Start Swimming, Stay Smiling

Fitness doesn’t have to be intimidating or lonely. At DAM, swimming is about celebrating your personal journey, meeting new people, and having fun along the way. Ready to make some waves this summer? We’re already saving you a spot in the pool.

Questions? Want to take the plunge? Reach out to our Head Coach Matt Zachan at mzachan@damfast.org or swing by a session. We can’t wait to swim with you!

Learn more about DAM’s story and passion for community swimming at our About page.