FAQ’s

How many swim practices do I need to attend? It is up to you! We would love for you to swim regularly, but you can attend as many or as few practices as you like.

Do I have to compete in swim meets? No, there is no requirement to compete, but we hope that you do! There are many amazing meets to meet other swimmers, especially the IGLA Championships and Gay Games. You do not need a competitive swimming background to compete, nor are there time standards to participate.

I’m a beginner swimmer/former high school swimmer/triathlete/etc…Is Minnesota Ice the right team for me? Absolutely! You do not need to know all the competitive strokes. However, we do ask that you are able to, at minimum, swim freestyle (front crawl) for 200 yards (8 lengths) without stopping, utilizing side-breathing with face-in-water.

Do you have “learn-to-swim” program, or teach swimming lessons? No, at this time MN Ice does not have a swim lesson program for adults that do not know how to swim.

What can I expect from a typical practice? We typically try to have three workouts written per practice, based on our roster's current speed/ability. Our less experienced swimmers typically will get in ~2,000 yards per practice, while our most advanced swimmers get in 3,000+. Lane assignments are not permanent, and swimmers are asked to move up/down lanes depending on speed, so that all lanes are roughly equal in speed.

Each workout will typically consist of a warm-up, pre-set, main set, and cool down. There's a mixture of freestyle and stroke, kick/pull, and drills. Intervals (either static or rest) are suggestions based on what each coach believes the lanes can accomplish/handle. Lanemates can decide as a group if the interval needs to be adjusted - just make sure you are all on the same page about it before the set begins. If there are questions on the set, please ask the coach and they can explain more in-depth the goal of the set/how it should be swum.

I’m an ally? Can I still join? YES! We love our allies. Minnesota Ice is all-inclusive and welcomes all.

Do I need to be a member of USMS to participate? Yes - we require membership with USMS, as it provides liability insurance to us to ensure the health and safety of YOU!

Does a membership give access to the pool during non-scheduled practices? No - membership gives access to the pool during scheduled practices only. Any other visits are subject to the daily rate set by our rental facilities. You will not have to pay the PAC entrance fee when coming to a MN Ice practice, as your membership covers entrance and for MN Ice to have exclusive use of the pool for our own programming.

Why is there a “BIPOC/Trans/Non-Binary” Membership? MN Ice recognizes that various cultural oppressions have systemically prevented or excluded individuals from equitable access to aquatics. While this has affected members of the queer community, there is a disproportionate impact experienced by black people, indigenous people, people of color, trans and non-binary people. This membership option is available for members identifying as BIPOC, trans, or non-binary - if you feel it is helpful or supportive. MN Ice is committed to using the privileges we carry to create equitable access to swimming for those that choose our club as their home.