Wave House Athletic Club at the Plunge551

Located in Belmont Park on Mission Beach, the 175-foot-long pool known as The Plunge, was built in 1925. The building and pool underwent renovations in 2006, with the grand re-opening on May 1st, 2006. It is the largest indoor pool in Southern California, and a great place for a dunk any day. Wave House Athletic Club, a full-service fitness club offering classes ranging from gentle stretching to cardio kickboxing, boasts a complete aquatics program and wave riding area. Whether you enjoy normal aquatic exercise or your tastes run more towards the extreme, there is an aquatic workout for you. Surf-lovers can work out on the FlowRider or get airs and stand up barrels on the B-Max. Swim lessons are offered for all ages, from infants to adults. Wave House offers experienced instructors and a swim class to meet a wide range of needs, including private, semi-private, and group lessons. Enrollment is limited to ensure individual instruction and low teacher to student ratios. All instructors are American Red Cross certified. The objective of the swim school is to teach people to swim and to be safe in and around the water. Lifeguard training and drop-in water polo classes are also available. Birthday parties can be a simple swimming event in the pool, or a larger party that includes the pool and the wave. Party prices vary, beginning at $12.99 per child for a package that includes unlimited open swim in the historic Plunge, use of the Palm Tree bounce house, and use of a decorated party area. Poolside tables are reserved for two hours, allowing food and cake to be served. Summer camps are offered for children ages nine to 13. Both beginning and advance camps are offered, but prerequisites include deep water comfort and the ability to swim 40 yards. Campers are trained through the American Red Cross Guard Start program, and the advanced camp gives campers a chance to shadow lifeguards and work as junior lifeguards. Extended hours are available for members; call for more information.