(My) Rules for Swimming

By Tom Fornoff

One of the great joys of Austin is swimming in a non-chlorinated 70-degree lap pool 12 months of the year. For those not fully indoctrinated, I offer the following tips for getting the most out of Deep Eddy that I’ve learned across two decades of patronage.

Swimming doesn’t need a schedule.

I love that I can swim at Eddy Eddy nearly any time I want. I have plenty of structure in my life and I don’t want to conform to a Masters’ swimming schedule. In fact, it’s lovely that Deep Eddy doesn’t block times for swim teams or water aerobics. I have found that the ideal time is mid-morning (10 am) or mid-afternoon, when I almost never have to wait for a lane.

Veterans Drive is better for busy day parking.

The dedicated free parking lot is wonderful but demand can exceed supply during the summer. Veterans Drive, the side street between Austin High and Lake Austin Boulevard has paid meter parking that only costs a couple bucks. Just watch out for bumper-to-bumper traffic when the high school lets out!

Socializing is optional.

I might come across as anti-social, but the only reason I go to Deep Eddy is to swim laps. I’m happy for the people for whom it’is a hangout with friends. That’s just not me…please don’t be offended.

Butterfly is only OK in a solo lane.

When I’m feeling spry and my rotator cuff isn't acting up I like to get in a few sprints of butterfly to get my heart rate up and feel like I haven’t lost my touch. But all that splish splash and wide arm extensions are a no-no when sharing a lane.

Waiting  > Circling > Not Swimming.

When I swim at busier times there can be a line. That’s OK, as any day with swimming is a good day. It's a judgment call whether to join a circle lane…it’s the faster route into the pool. But if it looks like a half-lane might open up for non-circle swimming, I’ll wait. I worry that I’ll come across as rude if I’m constantly passing people in a circle.