[Editor’s Note: Ms. Artley says Southern California Aquatics holds organized, coached workouts for swimmers of all levels. In November, it will host special sessions for those interested in marathon swimming next summer. They are open to all levels.] 

While Stephanie Hopson was swimming laps at the Santa Monica Swim Center, she used to watch the adult Masters swim team a few lanes over. At first, their skill in the water intimidated her.

“I had the idea that I wasn’t fast enough,” she said. “When I realized it was open to all levels, I decided to give it a try.”

Ms. Hopson has always loved the water, but she decided to join the Southern California Aquatics Masters team in preparation for her first official open water race in 2014.  She thought a coached workout would give her strong feedback for her upcoming one-mile race in Santa Monica.

From there, Ms. Hopson continued to make strides in the water. She competed in the Brooklyn Bridge swim, a race that spans the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan.  Closer to home, she took part in the two mile Pier-to-Pier swim from Hermosa to Manhattan Beach.

“Without a doubt, I know that being a part of a Masters program, and the wonderful coaches with SCAQ, has tremendously benefitted me and improved my swimming,” Ms. Hopson said.

In the months since she began attending SCAQ workouts, she has dropped more than 12 minutes on her three-mile pool time.  One of her most recent swims was her longest, the 17-mile Rose Pitonof Swim NYC.  On Oct. 10, she participated in the Swim the Suck event, a 10-mile swim in the Tennessee River Gorge.

In between her races, Ms. Hopson plans to keep training with SCAQ at Westwood, Culver City, Santa Monica, Van Nuys Sherman Oaks, and South Bay locations.

“Swimming is my happy place,” she said. “I love the sound of my stroke. I love the way it makes me feel. It not only takes physical abilities, but it is 90 percent mental.”

Swimmers can set fitness goals and accomplish them as Ms. Hopson has.

Southern California Aquatics encourages swimmers to get their laps in, maximize their time.

They are invited  to attend a free, coached workout to find out what it takes to get started, or to reach a higher level: SCAQ@SWIM.net.

For professional tips for long-distance races, see http://www.swim.net/swimarticles.cfm

Ms. Artley may be contacted at news@swim.net