How do I join the SQUID team?

First: get a pink SQUID free trial membership card. That let's you join us for two free workouts at the Denver Parks & Recreation facilities where we practice.

Second: purchase a SQUID membership. This pays for administrative expenses, team activities, and your monthly newsletter.

Third: you must also buy a Denver Recreation Center Pass to use the practice facilities. It is a great deal since it allows you to use all 29 of the Denver Parks & Recreation facilities and swimming pools (indoor and outdoor).

Fourth: it is also highly recommended that you get an annual membership in COMSA (Colorado Masters Swimming Association), which is the local counterpart of USMS (United States Master's Swimming). This officially registers you with our team and allows you to participate in sanctioned competitions (most of the meets we attend require USMS membership.) You also get a bi-monthly subscription to the official USMS publication "SWIMMER" Magazine. Lastly, it also covers the team in terms of liability related to risks of participating in atheltic activity.

How much does it cost?

SQUID Team membership is $10.00 per year. You can print out a Membership Form and a Liability Waiver and bring both to practice with your $10 fee.

We have a variety of payment plans that will surely fit your budget. These plans (except for the single drop-in fee) allow you to attend an unlimited number of practices within the specified time frame. The longer duration of time you purchase, the more you save per practice!

*A pass becomes active on the date payment is received.

A Denver Parks & Recreation annual pass costs $190.00 for an adult. They have multiple plans for your convenience. Click here for all Denver Parks & Rec membership information.

USMS/COMSA Membership is $40.00 a year.

What about women swimmers?

The success of our team is directly related to the participation of women swimmers. Women swimmers increase the range of interests and activities, both social and athletic, our members bring to the group. We actively seek new women members and currently have a core group of women swimmers who practice together during workouts.

In 1997, when SQUID were the International Small Team Champions at the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA) meet in San Diego, the involvement of our women members was key to our victory. In 2009, at the COMSA SCY State Championships, of our 36 swimmers entered, 9 women played another key role in filling out relays and individual events helping to propel SQUID to a strong 5th place finish.

What equipment is required?

Swimming is actually a relatively low cost activity. Unlike some sports you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on equipment to participate. However, there are some things you should get before you start swimming regularly:

Goggles: These are essential, since you'll be in the pool for more than an hour, and you'll need to be able to see in the water. Get ones that are watertight and fit your eyes comfortably but snugly.

Swim Suit/Speedos: or other formfitting swim suit. Recommended because they're designed to allow you to move through the water with less resistance. Our team has suits available with our team logo.

Swim Cap: Especially if you have medium to long hair, you'll want to keep it contained and protect it from the pool chemicals. This is also helps keep the pool clean and thus a courtesy to other swimmers.

Towel: Don't forget!

Not required, but you may also want to bring ...

Gym Bag: The public facilities we use have minimal locker space, so it's best to keep your stuff in a bag near the pool deck.

Swimmer's Shampoo & Conditioner:. Pool chemicals are harsh, unless you want to be known for your striking green hair. There are also chlorine-removal soaps and body washes available.

Fins and paddles:. These can really help your technique and improve your speed, especially if you're a beginning swimmer. Kick boards and pool buoys are also useful, but the facilities we use generally provide those.

Where can I purchase these items?

Swim 'n' Things - Located at E. Evans and Holly, about 1/2 mile east of I-25 on Evans, has just about everything a swimmer could need.

High Point Swim & Sport - Located at 1535 S Kipling Pkwy #I in Lakewood has a wide selection of swim equipment.