Do I have to join US Masters to become a NYC Hydras Member?  Yes.  NYC Hydras are a US Masters Swimming (USMS) affiliated team.  Every USMS team is required to have each member register with USMS.

Where is the pool located? We swim at Baruch College's Athletic and Recreation Center (ARC). Located at 24th St and Lexington Avenue.

What subway should I take? Baruch College is near the 6,F,N or R subway lines that stop at 23rd St.

How big is the pool? The pool is 25 meters long and 6 lanes wide.

When do the quarters start/end?  Our year starts in Dec.  The Winter quarter runs from Dec 1st - Feb 28th.  Spring Quarter March 1st- May 31st. Summer quarter Quarter June 1st- Aug 31st. Fall Quarter Sept 1st-Nov 30th.

How much is an unlimited membership? $160 for per month.

Is there a a student discount? Yes.  Full times students get a discounted rate of $130 per month

I bought a 10 pack. When does it expire? The 10 pack must be used in the quarter purchased. Any unused practices cannot be rolled over to the next quarter

If I want to join during the quarter, does my membership get prorated?  Yes. We will charge you a prorated rate.  You will only be charged for the time left in the quarter.  This is applicable only for unlimited membership.  

I'm not a member, can I swim (drop-in) with the Hydras? If you live in the Tri State area, and are a USMS member, you can drop in for a price of $30 per practice. If you live in the U.S., but outside of the Tri State area it will cost $5 per drop in swim.  Please let us know (via email) if/when you are planning on swimming with the Hydras so we can best plan for your arrival.

I don't live in the U.S., how can I swim (drop-in)with the Hydras? If you are a member of your countries swimming federation, you can swim with the Hydras for up to 30 days, with the signing of an insurance waiver. If you want to swim for more than 30 days, you will have to become a USMS member.  This is a USMS rule, and holds true with all USMS affiliated teams.  The cost for a foreign swimmer is $5 per swim.  Please let us know when you will be joining us so we can have all appropriate form ready.  this will make it easier to get you into the pool.

What gear do I need? We have pull bouys, kickboards, and paddles at the pool.  There are some fins, but there aren't all sizes.  That is all the suggested gear. If you'd are particular about your gear/brand and want to use your own gear we have a locked bin available for you to store your own gear. If you want to store your gear at the pool (most people opt for this choice, you will also need a mesh bag to keep your gear together)

What should I bring to practice? You will need goggles, swim cap, towel, lock, and water bottle.  

Is there a place to change/shower before/after practice?  Yes. There is a locker room with showers at the pool.  

I'm new to swimming. What's the lowest level of beginner that can still join the team? You must be able to swim 4 consecutive lengths of the pool without stopping, at any speed, and any stroke.  This is done because space is limited and we need to ensure that all the swimmers have enough room to swim in order to meet their fitness requirements.  

Can I bring a friend?  If your friend can swim the required 4 lengths, then yes, bring a friend. Your friend would need to sign a USMS waiver (if they aren't already a USMS member), and pay the applicable drop-in fee. 

How far do you typically swim in a practice? A typical practice ranges from 1 hour (2,500 meters) to, 1 hour and 30 minutes (3,000) to 2 hours (4,000+ meters).  These are just approximations and distance can be greater or less depending of practice structure.

Can I get out early? Yes. Sometimes life/job gets in the way of practice and you have to leave early.  We understand.

Do I have to attend dryland if I don't want to? No.  But, dryland is a great tool in helping you become an overall better swimmer and we encourage all our swimmers to attend dryland sessions.