Updated August 29, 2014.
If your child loves the water, but also enjoys dance or gymnastics on dry land, synchronized swimming could be the team sport that helps her make a splash. Is she ready to synchro swim?
The basics: Once called "water ballet," synchronized swimming is a sport that combines technical skill and strength with artistic expression. Swimmers perform technical routines (made up of specific positions, or figures, done in a specified order) and also "free" routines, set to music.
Synchronized swimming routines are performed in deep water (at least 9 feet) and athletes are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool. They are scored on both their technical and artistic performance.
Age kids can start: 6 or 7. They need to be able to swim and tread water, and be comfortable in deep water.
Skills needed/used: Aerobic capacity, strength, coordination and teamwork. Synchronized swimmers must have strong swimming skills as well as talent in artistic expression and the ability to work as a team.
Best for kids who are: Athletic and who enjoy teamwork. Although most synchronized swimmers are girls, boys are welcome to participate in the sport.
Season/when played: Year-round (often with a summer break).
Team or individual? Competitions can include solo, duet, trio and team events. Currently, duet and team events are included in the Summer Olympic Games.
Levels: At USA Synchro sanctioned events, teams are grouped by skill and age group. There are national squads for ages 12 and under, 13-15, junior (15-18), and senior (18 and up).
There are also collegiate teams. Synchronized swimming became an Olympic sport in 1984.
Appropriate for kids with special needs: Unfortunately,synchronized swimming is not a Special Olympic or Paralympic sport in the United States. However it is a Paralympic sport in Canada. Some clubs and teams will welcome kids with special needs; ask the team in your area if it is willing to work with your child's needs.
Fitness factor: High; swimming is a full-body, cardiovascular exercise. Synchronized swimming requires strength because of the way poses are struck and held; but synchro swimmers also need to be able to control their breath and heart rate.
Equipment: Swimsuit, goggles, swim cap, and nose clips for practice. For competition, swimmers will need make-up, special swimsuits (called routine suits), and team gear, such as bags and warm-up suits. They also need the packets of gelatin powder they use to keep their hair in place!
Costs: Club/team memberships range from $100 to $200 a month for beginners to $300 or more for elite synchronized swimmers. Annual registration with USA Synchro costs $110 (this may be included in team fees). If your child travels to competitions, you will be expected to pay those costs.
Time commitment required: Beginners will put in 1-2 hours per week. More competitive synchro swimmers will need to practice (in the pool and on dry land) for 10 hours a week and sometimes many more.
Potential for injury: Low, since this is a low-impact sport; but acute or traumatic injuries can still occur (for example, in practicing or performing lifts). As in any sport, overuse injuries are also a risk.
How to find synchronized swimming clubs and teams:
Associations and governing bodies:
- USA Synchro
- Synchro Canada
- FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur)
If your child likes synchronized swimming, also try:Dance, cheerleading, gymnastics, synchronized skating; other water sports such as diving.