CEO/Head Coach Message

It's that time of year...the Pacific Masters Short Course Championship Meet in Marin (April 10–12) is coming up, and the registration deadline is this Wednesday, April 1.

This is a great opportunity to challenge yourself, cheer on your teammates, and have some fun racing in a beautiful pool.

Whether it’s your first meet or you’ve done thousands, we’d love to see a DAM Strong group there.

Click HERE to get signed up today before the deadline

Thrive Event at Civic

Spring is the perfect time to hit reset before summer training ramps up.

This Saturday, April 4, Thrive will be on deck offering 1-on-1 Functional Movement Screens for swimmers. If you’re dealing with tightness, soreness, or want to prevent injury, this is a great opportunity.

You’ll get personalized feedback to:

• Build strength
• Reduce stress on your body
• Stay healthy and keep swimming

Options:

$149 – Screen Package
Assessment + feedback + exercise plan + video library

$249 – Screen + Training
Everything above + 2 classes/week for 4 weeks

Saturday starting at 8:00 AM
Very limited spots — don’t wait

Questions? thrivechooseyou@gmail.com

Big Day of Giving - Let's Build the DAM

We’re gearing up for Big Day of Giving (May 1) with a full week of events and ways to support the club. This year’s theme: Build the DAM | Every Brick Makes Us Stronger.

Schedule:

• 4/27: Fundraiser at Dos Coyotes Border Cafe (4:00 PM–close)
• 4/27–5/01: Donation drop-offs + online giving
• 5/01: Big Day of Giving celebration at Brady Building (snacks, music, fun)

New this year:

• Fund for a future pool facility
• Instant Joy Fund (make the coaches dance, change music/workouts, and more)
• First 14 sponsors in each category receive a special prize

Back again:

• Raffle (now you can target the prizes you want)
• Coach “costume upgrades” as donation goals are hit
• All Star Alley—watch the DAM grow with every donation

We also need volunteers on May 1 (2 per hour 6–8 AM, 3 per hour 8–12 PM).

Questions or sponsorships: fundraising@damfast.org

Let’s build something big, together!

Dos Coyotes Fundraiser

Join us for a fun (and easy) way to support DAM! On Monday, April 27, head to Dos Coyotes Border Cafe (South Davis) anytime from 4:00 PM to close.

Bring the event flyer (we’ll have them on deck and send one out via email), and DAM will receive 20% of your bill.

It’s a great chance to grab dinner, connect with teammates, and support the club as we head into Big Day of Giving week.

Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim

The sun is back, and open water season is right around the corner.

DAM is proud to host one of the longest-running open water swims in the country, our annual Lake Berryessa Swim, returning to Steele Canyon Resort on June 6, 2026. With high water levels and great conditions expected, it’s shaping up to be an awesome day in a beautiful setting.

There are a few ways to get involved:

1. Swim it - Take advantage of early registration and sign up today. Click HERE to get signed up!
2. Volunteer - We’re looking for area coordinators and volunteers to help make the event run smoothly. More info coming soon, or reach out directly.
3. Sponsor - Promote your business, support the event, and help us create a great experience for 500+ participants. Contact Kevin Waterson at berryessa@damfast.org.

Merchandise is now available!
Grab your Berryessa gear and represent DAM in style.

Whether you’re swimming, volunteering, or supporting, this is one of the highlights of our year—don’t miss it!

Adult Learn to Swim

Our Adult Learn-to-Swim (ALTS) program is returning this summer, and we are once again looking for volunteer instructors to help adults in our community learn this life-saving skill.

Program Dates: June 16 – July 9
Classes: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:15–7:00 PM
Location: Civic Pool

Instructor Training:
June 9, 6:30–8:00 PM
Brady Building

If you’re interested in volunteering, please check your calendar to confirm you can attend both the training and the class sessions.

Questions? Contact:
Rose Cholewinski — rose@swimamericadavis.com
Pat Quinn — prose.quinn@gmail.com
Diane Barrett — dianebarrett3@gmail.com

Pool Gates

Quick reminder that all pool gates must remain closed at all times. We will make sure gates are unlocked for access, but they should not be left open.

This is a Yolo County Health Department requirement we need to follow. Thanks for helping us stay in compliance and keep things running smoothly.

Grand Prix Opportunities

Here are some opportunities for Grand Prix points in the month of April:

• PMS Short Course Championships on 4/10-4/12 in Novato, CA
• 2026 USMS Spring National Championship on 4/30-5/3 in Greensboro, North Carolina

Competitions

Pacific Masters Short Course Yards Championship
Date: April 10th - 12th
Location: Novato
Click HERE to register and for more information

USMS Spring National Championship
Date: April 30th - May 3rd
Location: Greensboro, NC
Click HERE to register and for more information

2026 Distance Non-Free Virtual Challenge
Date: May 1st - June 30th, 2026
Location: any SCY pool!
Click HERE for more information

2026 Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim
Date: June 6th, 2026
Location: Steele Canyon Campground
Click HERE to register and for more information

Workout Rotation

Week of 3/30/26
Monday - Distance
Tuesday - Kick/Pull
Wednesday - IM
Thursday - Sprint
Friday - Distance
Saturday - Coach Choice

Week of 4/5/26
Monday - Kick/Pull
Tuesday - IM
Wednesday - Sprint
Thursday - Distance
Friday - Kick/Pull
Saturday - Coach Choice

DAM Board Meeting

Our next board meeting will be held on 4/8 at 6:30 pm in the Brady Building.

CEO/Head Coach Message

Since I was out at the beginning of the week, you’re getting a rare Thursday Message this week. Just because it’s coming a little late doesn’t make it any less important - there’s a lot of great stuff happening right now.

From a Thrive opportunity right here at Civic, to the Big Day of Giving getting rolling, and of course the opening of registration for the Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim - there’s a lot to be excited about.

It’s a great time to be a DAM swimmer.

Thrive Event at Civic

Spring is a great time to hit reset. Whether you're looking to build strength, protect your joints, or return to training after an injury, Thrive is offering a Spring Reset Functional Movement Screen designed specifically for swimmers.

You’ll receive a 1-on-1 Functional Movement Screen with personalized feedback from Thrive’s professional trainers to help improve strength, reduce stress on your body, and lower your risk of injury.

Choose the option that works best for you:

$149 – Spring Reset Screen Package
1-on-1 Functional Movement Screen, personalized feedback, take-home exercise plan, and access to Thrive’s virtual exercise library.

$249 – Spring Reset + Training Package
Everything in the Screen Package plus 2 Thrive strength classes per week for 4 weeks.

Saturday, April 4 beginning at 8:00 AM
Space is limited.

Click HERE to reserve your time (spaces are limited!)
Click HERE to view Thrive’s class schedule

Questions? Email thrivechooseyou@gmail.com

Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim

It’s been a long winter, but the sun is back and open water swim season is right around the corner! Did you know that DAM hosts one of the longest-running open water events in America? It’s a marquis event for the club, gets us out into a beautiful fresh water lake environment and lets us put all those distance workouts to good use.

The annual Lake Berryessa Swim will again be hosted at Steele Canyon Resort on June 6, 2026. The water levels are relatively high, and conditions are shaping up to be very good. Take this moment to save the date, and please consider helping us out in any (or all) of three ways:

1. Register for the event! Better yet, take advantage of early registration pricing! Sign up HERE
2. Donate your time and energy by being a Berryessa volunteer. We are in need of a few area coordinators and each coordinator will be looking for a crew. There will be information coming soon in this weekly email, announcements on deck, or you can contact me directly.
3. Donate money by being an event sponsor. If you have a business to promote, know someone with a business to promote, want to see your name on our swag, or just want to quietly support, please contact Kevin Waterson at berryessa@damfast.org. Your support goes a long way towards making this event memorable for over 500 participants a year, and helps support our club throughout the entire year.

Big Day of Giving and Berryessa Sponsorships

Preparations are underway for both the Big Day of Giving and the Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim, and we are currently seeking local business support.

You can help support Davis Aquatic Masters if you:

• own a business
• know someone who owns a business
• frequent local businesses that may be interested in supporting DAM

We are looking for event sponsors for the Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim and raffle prize donations for Big Day of Giving.

If you have a connection or would like to help reach out to businesses, please contact Patti Bryant at plynnbryant@gmail.com to learn more.

Adult Learn to Swim

Our Adult Learn-to-Swim (ALTS) program is returning this summer, and we are once again looking for volunteer instructors to help adults in our community learn this life-saving skill.

Program Dates: June 16 – July 9
Classes: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:15–7:00 PM
Location: Civic Pool

Instructor Training:
June 9, 6:30–8:00 PM
Brady Building

If you’re interested in volunteering, please check your calendar to confirm you can attend both the training and the class sessions.

Questions? Contact:
Rose Cholewinski — rose@swimamericadavis.com
Pat Quinn — prose.quinn@gmail.com
Diane Barrett — dianebarrett3@gmail.com

Competitions

Short and Sweet Meet
Date: March 29th
Location: Natomas
Click HERE to register and for more information

Pacific Masters Short Course Yards Championships
Date: April 10th - 12th
Location: Novato
Click HERE to register and for more information

2026 Distance Non-Free Virtual Challenge
Date: May 1st - June 30th, 2026
Location: any SCY pool!
Click HERE for more information

2026 Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim
Date: June 6th, 2026
Location: Steele Canyon Campground
Click HERE to register and for more information

Workout Rotation

Week of 3/23/26
Monday - Sprint
Tuesday - Distance
Wednesday - Kick/Pull
Thursday - IM
Friday - Sprint
Saturday - Coach Choice

Week of 3/30/26
Monday - Distance
Tuesday - Kick/Pull
Wednesday - IM
Thursday - Sprint
Friday - Distance
Saturday - Coach Choice

DAM Board Meeting

Our next board meeting will be held on 4/8 at 6:30 pm in the Brady Building.

CEO/Head Coach Message

As we head into spring, there’s a lot of momentum building across the club — and some great opportunities to get involved.

First up, the Pacific Masters Short Course Championship Meet (April 10–12 in Marin) is right around the corner. This is a fantastic chance to challenge yourself, race in a beautiful facility, and connect with swimmers from across the region. Whether it’s your first meet or your hundredth, I encourage you to consider jumping in.

We’re also gearing up for our Big Day of Giving, our largest fundraising event of the year. The support we receive through this campaign directly fuels everything we do — from high-quality coaching and programming to the events that make DAM such a special community. More details below on how you can participate.

And speaking of events, mark your calendars for the Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim on June 6. This is one of our signature events and always a highlight of the year. We’ll be sharing more information soon — get excited.

Lots of great things ahead as we move toward summer. Thanks, as always, for being part of what makes this community so strong!

Thrive Event at Civic

Spring is a great time to hit reset. Whether you're looking to build strength, protect your joints, or return to training after an injury, Thrive is offering a Spring Reset Functional Movement Screen designed specifically for swimmers.

You’ll receive a 1-on-1 Functional Movement Screen with personalized feedback from Thrive’s professional trainers to help improve strength, reduce stress on your body, and lower your risk of injury.

Choose the option that works best for you:

• $149 – Spring Reset Screen Package
  1-on-1 Functional Movement Screen, personalized feedback, take-home exercise plan, and access to Thrive’s virtual exercise library.

• $249 – Spring Reset + Training Package
  Everything in the Screen Package plus 2 Thrive strength classes per week for 4 weeks.

Date: Saturday, April 4 beginning at 8:00 AM
Space is limited.

Click HERE to reserve your time (spaces are limited!)
Click HERE to view Thrive’s class schedule

Questions? Email: thrivechooseyou@gmail.com

Adult Learn to Swim

Our Adult Learn-to-Swim (ALTS) program is returning this summer, and we are once again looking for volunteer instructors to help adults in our community learn this life-saving skill.

Program Dates: June 16 – July 9
Classes: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:15–7:00 PM
Location: Civic Pool

Instructor Training:
June 9, 6:30–8:00 PM
Brady Building

If you’re interested in volunteering, please check your calendar to confirm you can attend both the training and the class sessions.

Questions? Contact:
Rose Cholewinski — rose@swimamericadavis.com
Pat Quinn — prose.quinn@gmail.com
Diane Barrett — dianebarrett3@gmail.com

Big Day of Giving and Berryessa Sponsorships

Preparations are underway for both the Big Day of Giving and the Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim, and we are currently seeking local business support.

You can help support Davis Aquatic Masters if you:

• own a business

• know someone who owns a business

• frequent local businesses that may be interested in supporting DAM

We are looking for event sponsors for the Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim and raffle prize donations for Big Day of Giving.

If you have a connection or would like to help reach out to businesses, please contact Patti Bryant at plynnbryant@gmail.com to learn more.

Support for the Veress Family

The DAM community was saddened to learn that Julie Veress passed away on Monday, March 2. The Veress family has long been part of the Davis swimming community. Don Veress served as an early coach for Davis Aquatic Masters, Julie swam regularly at Get Fit Davis and worked at Sutter Davis, and their son Ian Veress currently works with both Davis Aquatic Masters and the Aquadarts.

DAM has shared our condolences with the family, and many members have asked how they can also help during this difficult time. The following options are available for those who would like to offer support:

• Meals for Don and Ian: members who would like to bring a meal can coordinate with Lynda Yancher
  Text: (530) 304-3982
  Email: yancher@aol.com
  Note: They currently have lots of food, so please plan to bring meals starting in April.

• Cards or letters can be placed in the labeled box outside the coaches’ office inside the Brady Building.

• Donations or gift cards can be placed in the grey drop box in the Brady Building.

• Please place any contributions in an envelope labeled for the Veress family.

• Checks should be made payable directly to Don Veress.

• Please do not give items directly to the coaches or leave them on the pool deck.

Contributions may also be mailed to:

Davis Aquatic Masters
PO Box 921
Davis, CA 95617

Thank you to everyone who has reached out and shown support for the Veress family during this difficult time.

Competitions

Bay Area Senior Games
Date: March 22nd, 2026
Location: Palo Alto
Click HERE to register and for more information

Short and Sweet Meet
Date: March 29th
Location: Natomas
Click HERE to register and for more information

Pacific Masters Short Course Yards Championships
Date: April 10th – 12th
Location: Novato
Click HERE to register and for more information

2026 Distance Non-Free Virtual Challenge
Date: May 1st – June 30th, 2026
Location: any SCY pool
Click HERE for more information

Workout Rotation

Week of 3/16/26

• Monday – IM

• Tuesday – Sprint

• Wednesday – Distance

• Thursday – Kick/Pull

• Friday – IM

• Saturday – Coach Choice

Week of 3/23/26

• Monday – Sprint

• Tuesday – Distance

• Wednesday – Kick/Pull

• Thursday – IM

• Friday – Sprint

• Saturday – Coach Choice

DAM Board Meeting

Our next board meeting will be held on 4/8 at 6:30 pm in the Brady Building.

CEO/Head Coach Message

One of the highlights of the spring season is coming up soon — the Pacific Masters Short Course Yards Championship, taking place April 10–12 at a beautiful pool in Marin.

This is a super fun meet and a great opportunity to challenge yourself, try a new event, or simply experience the energy of a championship meet. Swimmers can enter up to six events, so pick your favorites and jump in!

Registration deadline: 4/1/26

If you’ve been thinking about competing, this is a great meet to try. Click HERE to get signed up today!

Support for the Veress Family

The DAM community was saddened to learn that Julie Veress passed away on Monday, March 2. The Veress family has long been part of the Davis swimming community. Don Veress served as an early coach for Davis Aquatic Masters, Julie swam regularly at Get Fit Davis and worked at Sutter Davis, and their son Ian Veress currently works with both Davis Aquatic Masters and the Aquadarts.

DAM has shared our condolences with the family, and many members have asked how they can also help during this difficult time. The following options are available for those who would like to offer support:

• Meals for Don and Ian: members who would like to bring a meal can coordinate with Lynda Yancher
  Text: (530) 304-3982
  Email: yancher@aol.com
• Cards or letters can be placed in the labeled box outside the coaches’ office inside the Brady Building.
• Donations or gift cards can be placed in the grey drop box in the Brady Building.
• Please place any contributions in an envelope labeled for the Veress family.
• Checks should be made payable directly to Don Veress.
• Please do not give items directly to the coaches or leave them on the pool deck.

Contributions may also be mailed to:

Davis Aquatic Masters
PO Box 921
Davis, CA 95617

Thank you to everyone who has reached out and shown support for the Veress family during this difficult time. Don has mentioned how much he has appreciated visits from DAM members, and those visits are welcome to continue.

Pool Update

Manor Pool is back up and running, so we have resumed our 6am workouts at Manor. Thank you for your patience while the repairs were being completed.

We also received an update from the City of Davis regarding Arroyo Pool. The city is now targeting mid-April for reopening. They are currently working through the permitting process, which takes time, and we will continue to share updates as we receive them.

Big Day of Giving and Berryessa Sponsorships

Preparations are underway for both the Big Day of Giving and the Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim, and we are currently seeking local business support.

You can help support Davis Aquatic Masters if you:

• own a business
• know someone who owns a business
• frequent local businesses that may be interested in supporting DAM

We are looking for event sponsors for the Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim and raffle prize donations for Big Day of Giving.

If you have a connection or would like to help reach out to businesses, please contact Patti Bryant at plynnbryant@gmail.com to learn more.

Big Day of Giving – Tax Receipt Reminder

If you made a donation during the 2025 Big Day of Giving, thank you again for your support!

DAM sent an email receipt in May 2025 that serves as your official tax donation acknowledgment for your records.

If you’re unable to locate that email or have any questions, please contact admin@damfast.org and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Thank you for supporting Davis Aquatic Masters — your generosity makes a real difference.

DAM Grand Prix Opportunities

Looking to earn Grand Prix points and represent DAM this spring? Here’s what’s coming up:

Upcoming Meets:

• TVM Spring Classic – Pleasanton
• Pacific Masters Relay Meet – Palo Alto
• Bay Area Senior Games – Palo Alto
• Short & Sweet Meet – Sacramento
• PMS Short Course Yards Championship – Marin

DAM Event:

• March 30 for 30 – Swim all 30 days in March
  (Since we’re getting this out a little late, you can start now and finish into early April!)

Whether you race once or dive into several events, these are great opportunities to challenge yourself, score points for DAM, and have some fun with teammates.

Competitions

Pacific Masters Relay Meet
Date: March 14th, 2026
Location: Palo Alto High School

Bay Area Senior Games
Date: March 22nd, 2026
Location: Palo Alto
Click HERE to register and for more information

Short and Sweet Meet
Date: March 29th
Location: Natomas
Click HERE to register and for more information

Pacific Masters Short Course Yards Championships
Date: April 10th–12th
Location: Novato
Click HERE to register and for more information

2026 Distance Non-Free Virtual Challenge
Date: May 1st – June 30th, 2026
Location: any SCY pool
Click HERE for more information

Workout Rotation

Week of 3/9/26

• Monday – Kick/Pull
• Tuesday – IM
• Wednesday – Sprint
• Thursday – Distance
• Friday – Kick/Pull
• Saturday – Coach Choice

Week of 3/16/26

• Monday – IM
• Tuesday – Sprint
• Wednesday – Distance
• Thursday – Kick/Pull
• Friday – IM
• Saturday – Coach Choice

DAM Board Meeting

Our next board meeting will be held on 3/11 at 6:30 pm in the Brady Building.

CEO / Head Coach Message

Spring is here — and it’s a great time to be DAM Strong!

We have several competition opportunities coming up, including the PMS Short Course Yards Championship in Marin. Registration is open now, so if you’re planning to swim (especially distance events), be sure to sign up soon.

Looking for a different kind of challenge? Join our March 30 for 30 and commit to swimming every day in March. It’s a simple way to build consistency and momentum heading into the spring season.

And don’t forget — Big Day of Giving is right around the corner. We’re planning a fun week of activities, including another evening restaurant fundraiser to bring our community together.

Let’s make it a strong spring at DAM.

Pool Update

Good news — Manor Pool is back up and running! We will continue holding our 6:00 AM workouts (Monday–Friday) at Manor until Arroyo reopens.

We are currently operating on our regular schedule at Civic Pool.

There is no new update on Arroyo just yet, but we do expect it to reopen soon. We’ll share more details as soon as we have them.

Thank you for your flexibility and patience!

Save the Date: Big Day of Giving — Friday, May 1

Mark your calendars! Big Day of Giving is Friday, May 1, and we’ll have a fun day (and week!) planned to celebrate our community.

As a nonprofit organization, DAM relies on the generosity of our members and local businesses to operate and grow. Big Day of Giving is one of our most important fundraisers of the year.

Your support helps us continue providing a high-quality program with a full schedule of workouts and exceptional coaching.

More details are coming soon — but for now, save the date and get ready to join us!

Are You Getting Your DAM Discount?

Did you know we offer special membership rates for:

• Seniors (65+)

• Super Seniors (80+)

• Students (must provide a valid student ID and be currently enrolled in high school or college)

If you qualify, simply email admin@damfast.org and we’ll get you set up.

Big Day of Giving – Tax Receipt Reminder

If you made a donation during the 2025 Big Day of Giving, thank you again for your support.

DAM sent an email receipt in May 2025 that serves as your official tax donation acknowledgment for your records.

If you’re unable to locate that email or have any questions, please contact admin@damfast.org and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Thank you for supporting Davis Aquatic Masters — your generosity makes a real difference.

DAM Grand Prix Opportunities

Looking to earn Grand Prix points and represent DAM this spring? Here’s what’s coming up:

Upcoming Meets

• TVM Spring Classic — Pleasanton

• Pacific Masters Relay Meet — Palo Alto

• Bay Area Senior Games — Palo Alto

• Short & Sweet Meet — Sacramento

• PMS Short Course Yards Championship — Marin

DAM Event

March 30 for 30 — Swim all 30 days in March
(Since we’re getting this out a little late, you can start now and finish into early April!)

Whether you race once or dive into several events, these are great opportunities to challenge yourself, score points for DAM, and have some fun with teammates.

In Memory of Diane Lardelli

For those who have asked about honoring Diane’s memory, her family has shared that donations can be made to the Tahoe Fund’s East Shore Trail Project. This fund supports the goal of building a walking path between two of Diane’s favorite places in Tahoe: Sand Harbor and Spooner Lake.

If you would like to contribute, you can do so here: Tahoe Fund

Thank you for continuing to support one another and our extended DAM family.

Competitions

TVM Spring Classic

• Date: March 8, 2026

• Location: Pleasanton

• Click HERE to register and for more information

Pacific Masters Relay Meet

• Date: March 14, 2026

• Location: Palo Alto High School

Bay Area Senior Games

• Date: March 22, 2026

• Location: Palo Alto

• Click HERE to register and for more information

Short and Sweet Meet

• Date: March 29

• Location: Natomas

• Click HERE to register and for more information

Pacific Masters Short Course Yards Championships

• Date: April 10–12

• Location: Novato

• Click HERE to register and for more information

2026 Distance Non-Free Virtual Challenge

• Date: May 1 – June 30, 2026

• Location: Any SCY pool

• Click HERE for more information

Workout Rotation

Week of 3/2/26

• Monday — Distance

• Tuesday — Kick/Pull

• Wednesday — IM

• Thursday — Sprint

• Friday — Distance

• Saturday — Coach Choice

Week of 3/9/26

• Monday — Kick/Pull

• Tuesday — IM

• Wednesday — Sprint

• Thursday — Distance

• Friday — Kick/Pull

• Saturday — Coach Choice

DAM Board Meeting

Our next DAM Board Meeting will be held on:

March 11 at 6:30 PM
Location: Brady Building

CEO / Head Coach Message

I just want to take a moment to say thank you.

Thank you for your flexibility with the recent facility adjustments. Thank you for showing up consistently. Thank you for being part of what makes DAM such a strong and special community.

It’s easy to focus only on the day-to-day workouts, but what makes this club exceptional is the people — the consistency, the encouragement on deck, the volunteers who step up, and the shared commitment to improvement.

Behind the scenes, we are continuing to put systems in place to make DAM more sustainable, more organized, and stronger for the long term. That means planning events that bring our community together, developing programs that help adults learn to swim and feel confident in the water, planning ahead financially, and thinking strategically about facilities and programming.

Our goal is simple: to build a club that thrives not just this season, but for years to come.

I’m proud of the direction we’re heading, and I’m grateful to be building it with all of you. Thank you!

Are You Getting Your DAM Discount?

Did you know that DAM offers several discounted membership options?

Our current monthly rates are:

• Regular Membership: $75

• Senior Membership (65+): $70

• Super Senior Membership (80+): $30

• Student Membership: $50

If you qualify for one of these discounted memberships, simply email admin@damfast.org and we’ll get you set up.

Students only need to provide a valid student ID.

With the number of coached workouts we offer each week and the strength of our community, DAM continues to provide outstanding value. If you’re eligible for a discount, make sure you’re taking advantage of it!

Pool Update

Work has begun at Arroyo, and they’re getting close to being done. The City is currently waiting on final permitting, which we’re hopeful will be completed soon.

In the meantime, we’ll continue operating on our adjusted schedule. This week, we do not have access to Arroyo or Manor.

Starting next week, we plan to return to our almost normal schedule:

• All regular workouts at Civic

• 6:00 AM workouts Monday–Friday at Manor

Thank you all for your flexibility and patience as we navigate this transition. We appreciate you rolling with the changes!

Big Day of Giving – Tax Receipt Reminder

If you made a donation during the 2025 Big Day of Giving, thank you again for your support.

DAM sent an email receipt in May 2025 that serves as your official tax donation acknowledgment for your records.

If you’re unable to locate that email or have any questions, please contact admin@damfast.org and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Thank you for supporting Davis Aquatic Masters — your generosity makes a real difference.

In Memory of Diane Lardelli

For those who have asked about honoring Diane’s memory, her family has shared that donations can be made to the Tahoe Fund’s East Shore Trail project. This fund supports the goal of building a walking path between two of Diane’s favorite places in Tahoe: Sand Harbor and Spooner Lake.

If you would like to contribute, you can do so here: Tahoe Fund

Thank you for continuing to support one another and our extended DAM family.

Competitions

2026 Splash and Dash Pentathlon

• Date: February 21

• Location: Albany, CA

• Click HERE to register and for more information

The City Mile

• Date: February 22

• Location: San Francisco

• Click HERE to register and for more information

Silver State Masters SCY Meet

• Date: March 1, 2026

• Location: Reno, NV

• Click HERE to register and for more information

TVM Spring Classic

• Date: March 8, 2026

• Location: Pleasanton

• Click HERE to register and for more information

Pacific Masters Relay Meet

• Date: March 14, 2026

• Location: Palo Alto High School

Bay Area Senior Games

• Date: March 8, 2026

• Location: Palo Alto

• Click HERE to register and for more information

Short and Sweet Meet

• Date: March 29

• Location: Natomas

• Click HERE to register and for more information

Pacific Masters Short Course Yards Championships

• Date: April 10–12

• Location: Novato

2026 Distance Non-Free Virtual Challenge

• Date: May 1 – June 30, 2026

• Location: Any SCY pool

• Click HERE for more information

Workout Rotation

Week of 2/23/26

• Monday — Sprint

• Tuesday — Distance

• Wednesday — Kick/Pull

• Thursday — IM

• Friday — Sprint

• Saturday — Coach Choice

Week of 3/2/26

• Monday — Distance

• Tuesday — Kick/Pull

• Wednesday — IM

• Thursday — Sprint

• Friday — Distance

• Saturday — Coach Choice

DAM Board Meeting

Our next board meeting will be held on March 11 at 6:30 PM in the Brady Building.

Head Coach Message

We’re less than a month away from the Pacific Masters Short Course Meters Championships—and we already have 10 swimmers on the roster! Let’s grow that crew!

The meet is close by in Walnut Creek, making it perfect for a quick day trip—or turn it into a fun weekend. Since it’s short course meters (SCM), it’s a fresh slate: no comparing your times to your old high school yards swims .

Come race, have fun, and soak up the meet energy.
Jump in—and bring a DAM friend!

Board Position Opportunities

Have you ever thought about joining the DAM Board? Now’s your chance!

We have three open positions on the Board of Directors for a 2-year term (Dec 2025 – Dec 2027).

Board members:

• Help set the club’s direction

• Complete special projects

• Keep us aligned with long-term goals

• Ensure DAM remains financially sound and sustainable

If you're passionate about DAM’s future, please fill out this form

Questions? Contact Matt or Stacey Brezing at staceybrezing@gmail.com

Practice Schedule Update

⚠️ Civic Pool Update:
The pump at Civic is still down, and we don’t have a confirmed return date yet. We’re hopeful it’ll be fixed in the next couple of weeks. Here’s the current schedule:

Monday / Wednesday / Friday

• 6:00 AM – Manor

• 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM (hourly) – Arroyo

• 6:15 PM – Schaal

Tuesday / Thursday

• 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM (hourly) – Arroyo

Saturday (Manor)

• 7:00 AM & 8:00 AM – Coached workouts

• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM – Lap swim

Sunday (Manor)

• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM – Lap swim

We’ll share updates on Civic as soon as we have them. Thanks for rolling with the changes!

DAM Fall Picnic

Mark your calendars!
Join us for a relaxed DAM Fall Picnic & Potluck:

Saturday, October 18
Early evening
Arroyo Park

Bring your family, a dish to share, and your favorite picnic games (cornhole, anyone?). It’s a great chance to meet new teammates, catch up with old friends, and enjoy a fall evening together.

More details coming soon!

Competitions

‍Swim Across America

• Date: September 21

• Location: San Francisco, CA

• Click HERE

Pacific Masters SCM Championships

• Date: October 3–5

• Location: Walnut Creek, CA

• Click HERE

17th Annual Ross Yancher Brute Squad

• Date: November 1–30

• Location: Any 25-yard pool!

• More details soon

Workout Rotation

Week of 9/15

• Mon: Kick/Pull

• Tue: IM

• Wed: Sprint

• Thu: Distance

• Fri: Kick/Pull

• Sat: Coach's Choice

Week of 9/22

• Mon: IM

• Tue: Sprint

• Wed: Distance

• Thu: Kick/Pull

• Fri: IM

• Sat: Coach's Choice

Next DAM Board Meeting

October 8
6:30 PM
Brady Building

Head Coach Message We’ve got some exciting opportunities coming up for DAM swimmers! starting with the Pacific Masters stroke clinics being held on Saturday September 7th in Novato—free for members and a great chance to sharpen your skills.  Then in early October, the Pacific Masters Short Course Meters Championships take place in Walnut Creek, and I’d love to see us bring a big DAM squad to race hard, score points, and have fun as a team.  And finally in November, it’s time once again for our legendary Brute Squad challenge—your chance to take on some of the hardest events in swimming and earn your Brute status while supporting the team.  I encourage everyone to get involved—more details below!

Pacific Masters Clinic Pacific Masters is hosting its 1st Annual Swim Clinic on Sunday, Sept. 7 (8–10 AM) at the Miwok Aquatic Center in Novato—free for all Pacific Masters members. Choose 2 sessions: Free/Back Breast/Fly Starts/Turns/Finishes Open Water (limited spots!) Top Pacific Masters coaches Light refreshments after Limited to 150 swimmers—first come, first served This is a fantastic chance to sharpen your skills and learn from some of the best coaches in our region. Click HERE to register.

Practice Schedule On Monday 9/1 (Labor Day)  we will hold workouts at the following times: 6 am, 7 am, 8 am, 9 am, and 10 am (all at Civic) Monday (9/1) will be an IM Sprint day. Get ready to swim all four strokes FAST!

Competitions 400 Pull for Sebastopol Date: August 1 - August 31 Location: any 25 yard pool! Click HERE to register and for more information  Keller Cove Swim For Kids Sake Date: September 14th Location: Richmond, CA Click HERE to register and for more information Swim Across America Date: September 21st Location: San Francisco, CA Click HERE to register and for more information Pacific Masters Short Course Meters Championships Date: October 3rd - 5th Location: Walnut Creek, CA Click HERE to register and for more information 17th Annual Ross Yancher Brute Squad Date: November 1st - 30th Location: Any 25 yard pool!

Workout Rotation Week of 8/25 Monday - Kick/Pull Tuesday - IM Wednesday - Sprint  Thursday - Distance Friday - Kick/Pull Saturday - Coach Choice Week of 9/1 Monday - Labor Day - IM/Sprint Tuesday - Distance Wednesday - Kick/Pull Thursday - IM Friday - Sprint Saturday - Coach Choice

Calling All Coaches Do you enjoy working with adults and being part of the best USMS team in the country? Do you want to help DAM maintain its 48 workouts per week? If so, we’d love to have you on our substitute coaching staff! We’re looking for people with flexible schedules who can step in to lead workouts when our core coaching team is out—whether that’s for vacations, illness, or USMS meets and events. If you (or someone you know) are interested, reach out to Coach Matt at mzachan@damfast.org.

DAM Board Meeting Our next board meeting will be held on Wednesday 9/3 at 6:30 pm in the Brady Building.

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.

Head Coach Message

This is it! Your last chance to sign up for the Pacific Masters Short Course Championship is here! The deadline is this Wednesday at 11:59 PM, and there will be NO late entries—so don’t miss out!

This is your chance to score points and help DAM defend our title for the second year in a row! All it takes is participation. If you swim, you're pretty much guaranteed to score—it's that simple!

Click HERE to sign up. Swim whatever events you want—it’s completely up to you! If you have any questions or need guidance, reach out to Coach Sean or me.

Let’s make this happen! 

Coach Matt

Message From the Lake Berryessa Race Director

It’s officially BERRYESSA TIME! The annual Lake Berryessa Swim will be held at Steele Canyon on June 7, 2025. Registration is now open HERE. 

This event is a huge undertaking for DAM, but also a source of great pride. We cannot do it without participation and support from our members. Please consider helping us out in one (or more!) of three ways:

Click that link above and register to swim. All signs point to great conditions this year.

Donate your time and energy by being a Berryessa volunteer. We are in need of a few area coordinators and each coordinator will be looking for a crew. There will be information coming soon in this Monday email, announcements on deck, and sign-up sheets at Civic.

Donate money by being an event sponsor. If you have a business to promote, want your name on our merchandise, or just want to support the event, please contact Kevin Waterson at berryessa@damfast.org. We can offer you specific opportunities or get creative.

Save the Date - Big Day of Giving is May 16th

Mark your calendars—Friday, May 16th is DAM’s Big Day of Giving. Join us all day in the Brady Building for an exciting event filled with great opportunities to give back, support our upcoming events and contribute to upgrades for the team. We have some amazing things planned, so stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. Get ready to make a difference—we can’t wait to see you there!

Come See Olympians Compete in Sacramento!

DART Swimming is hosting the TYR Pro-Series at Natomas Aquatic Center onApril 2-5.  This meet will include US Olympians, USA National team members, and the French National Team. Get your Tickets at SACRAMENTO PRO SERIES. Please purchase tickets prior to arrival.

There will be autograph signings after finals on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday! Don't miss this unique opportunity for our athletes to see elite swimming in person! 

Autograph Schedule: 

• Thursday: Rhyan White
  
• Friday: Katharine Berkoff, Michael Andrew and Trenton Julian
  
• Saturday: AJ Pouch and Luca Urlando
  

Competitions

2025 Pacific Masters Short Course Yards Championship Meet

• Date: 4/11/25 - 4/13/25
  
• Location: Natomas!
  
• Click HERE to register and for more info

USMS Spring Nationals

• Date: 4/24 - 4/27
  
• Location: San Antonio, TX
  
• Click HERE to register and for more info
  

Workout Rotation

Week of 3/31

• Monday - Kick/Pull
  
• Tuesday - IM
  
• Wednesday - Spring
  
• Thursday - Distance
  
• Friday - Kick/Pull
  
• Saturday - Coach Choice
  

Week of 4/7

• Monday - IM
  
• Tuesday - Sprint
  
• Wednesday - Distance
  
• Thursday - Kick/Pull
  
• Friday - IM
  
• Saturday - Coach Choice

DAM Board Meeting

The next DAM Board meeting will be on Wednesday, April 9th, at 6:30PM, in the Brady Building.