Article | synchrosplash

Synchronized swimming is a combination of swimming, dance, and gymnastics. you can swim different kinds of routines. there are solos, duets, trios, teams, and combos.

To be a synchronized swimmer it requires strength, endurance, flexibility and expression. you also need good breath control when you are under the water for long amounts of time.

There are rules when you perform routines. it is against the rules to push off the bottom of the pool when you are swimming. if you stop swimming at a competition you must wait for the judge's whistle before swimming off or you could get a penalty or a disqualification.

In 2015 at the fina world aquatics competition there was an addition to the mixed pair duets it was open to men and women, however there are still no Olympic male synchronized swimmers in Canada or the USA.

Synchronized swimming can be individual or in a group. Figures are individual, they are a combination of skills and positions that are marked and judged and marked in scores out of 10. Team routines are a lot longer, and require a lot more multitasking and synchronization. Every routine is choreographed to music and usually have a theme.

There are three major national competitions in Canada year round. The Canadian Qualifier Championships, Espoir and the Canadian Open Synchronized Swimming Championships.

Espoir is for ages 11-12 and 13-15 there are 4 events at Espoir, teams, duets solos and figures. The Canadian Open Synchronized Swimming Championships is for ages 16-18 and 18+ they compete 5 different events, solos, duets, figures, teams, and combos. The Canadian Qualifier Championships is for all ages.

Over the year synchronized swimming has grown and become a well known sport world wide.

Although synchronized swimming is a difficult sport it is also meant to be elegant and graceful. It is all about team work and dedication. If one person is not synchronized with the rest of the team it could have an affect on the overall marks. It is a very energetic sport and exciting to watch.