Synchronised Swimming

Synchronised Swimming is a hybrid of swimming, gymnastics and dance, consisting of swimmers performing a synchronised routine of elaborate and dramatic moves in the water, accompanied by music. It demands first rate water skills and requires strength, endurance, flexibility, grace, precise timing and breath control!
Developed in the early 1900s in Canada, it is a sport almost exclusively performed by women, although there is some participation by men. It was first demonstrated at the Olympics in 1952 and has been an official event since 1984. Olympic and World championship competition is not open to men, but other International and national competitions allow male competitors. During competitions swimmers will perform two routines for the judges, one technical and one free.

Equipment:
For synchronised swimming all that is required is a swimsuit. When performing routines swimmers will wear a nose clip. This is done to prevent water from entering the nose during the routine. Hair is worn in a bun on the head and goggles are not worn because they are considered distracting and take away from the artistic beauty of the routine. Competitors also wear custom swimsuits and headpieces.
Club information:
We have two synchronised swimming clubs in Cornwall
St Austell, which has both an adult and junior section. They train at the Polkyth leisure centre in St Austell on a Sunday from 5.00pm – 6.00pm
Carn Brea has a junior section and train at Carn Brea Leisure Centre on Fridays 5:00pm – 6:15pm
Competitions:
There are no county synchronised swimming competitions at present, but the St Austell club does travel out of the county to compete and has been very successful.
Quirky fact:
Synchronised swimming burns approximately 560 calories per hour based on a person of average bodyweight.

For more information about Synchronised swimming in Cornwall please contact Steve Hillman, Cornwall Swimming Development Officer on ; shillman@cornwall.gov.uk Tel: 07837 311 539