|
What
is Synchro?
|
|
|
Synchro is an Olympic sport, which developed from water ballet. The best way to describe it is probably dancing in the water. Most figures (moves) are completed upside down. It looks like perhaps the most effortless event in the Olympic Games, but there is more to synchronised swimming than what appears on the surface. Besides demanding strength, endurance, flexibility, grace and artistry, it requires exceptional breath control. Sessions are devoted to working on 'figures' - the set body positions and transition movements, which form the basis of synchro. In addition, hours are spent working on routines. Swimmers work with partners for duet or trio routines or in teams of between 4 and 10 swimmers, perfecting movements, developing the choreography of the routines etc. Landwork sessions are an integral part of the training and include working on flexibility, strength and weight training, also creating, walking through and learning routines, listening to music and so on. |
|
| How is Synchro Marked? | |
| Synchro
is marked in two sections: 1. Technical Merit - which is how the swimmer(s) rate in correctness of figures and synchronisation (in time); 2. Artistic Expression - which is to do with choreography and music. It is marked on a
scale of 1-10 with 10 being a perfect score as achieved by very few at
Olympic standard. |
|
|
10 Perfect
9.5 - 9.9 Near Perfect 9.0 - 9.4 Excellent 8.0 - 8.9 Very Good 7.0 - 7.9 Good 6.0 - 6.9 Competent 5.0 - 5.9 Satisfactory 4.0 - 4.9 Deficient 3.0 - 3.9 Weak 2.0 - 2.9 Very Weak 1.0 - 1.9 Hardly Recognizable 0 Completely Failed |
 |
For most grades the pass mark is about 5 so if you are scoring above that at competitions it means you may be ready to take your next grade exam! |
|
| What Equipment is Used? | |
| Unusual,
but vital, equipment helps the swimmers maintain the illusion of effortlessness,
no simple task considering they perform strenuous movements upside down
and underwater while holding their breath.
The most well known piece of equipment used is the nose clip, which prevents water from entering the swimmer's nose. Most importantly, an underwater speaker lets the swimmers hear the music clearly while underwater, helping them achieve the split-second timing critical to synchronised swimming. For performances, gelatine keeps the hair in place, bright costumes dazzle the crowd & make-up brings out the swimmers' features. |
|
| The Following are Desirable Traits of Good Synchro Swimmers | |
|
Don't
worry if you can't answer 'yes' to all of the following because once you
start training you will develop these skills. Sound like you? Refer to the 'Contact Us' section to find out about getting involved in synchro! |
|
|
|
|
