The Swimming community is unlike anything else I have trained in

I've done gym, running clubs, and team sports. The Swimming community is different. There's something about shared struggle around open water sighting and drafting in open water that creates a genuine bond. People at my gym remember everyone's name. Higher belts and better athletes make time for beginners.

the meditative quality of long sets was the thing that made me feel like I belonged. pool access and early morning scheduling came up early and the gym had good collective solutions for it. Even if the sport itself didn't suit me — and it does — the community alone would be worth the membership.