David Mainprize

Athlete Focus Level: Intermediate-Advanced

Dave is an ex-varsity and Masters swimmer who has competed in local, provincial, national, and international Master’s swim meets. Dave has been coaching since 1999.

Dave, originally from Montreal, trained and competed with McGill University Varsity Swim Club and with McGill University Master’s Swim Club. Through over 10 years of Masters swimming, Dave has competed in numerous local, provincial, national, and international (Japan, 1986; Australia, 1988) swim meets. Dave has been Head Coach for a Special Olympics Swim team since 1999, and has been an Assistant Coach with Manitoba Masters Aquatic Swim Club since 2000. He is a certified NCCP Level 1 Swim Coach and is just finishing up his Level 2 certification.

Dave is a Professional Mechanical Engineer who has just started a Bachelor of Education at the University of Manitoba to be a High School Science and Math Teacher.

1. How often and for what duration should fitness swimmers/competitive swimmers train weekly?

   All swimmers should train a minimum of three times a week. Fitness swimmers should train for a minimum of 20 minutes and competitive swimmers a minimum of 60 minutes each session.

2. How should swimmers monitor improvement in fitness and stroke skill?

   Swimmers could monitor their own improvement in fitness level by monitoring their times during practice and during swim meets. The coaches will monitor improvement in stroke skill.

3. What should new swimmers/experienced swimmers consider when setting goals?

   Whether planning to swim competitively or not, swimmers should set both short and long term personal goals. Both the short and the long-term goals should be realistic and achievable by the swimmer.

4. Do you plan a swim program for the year?