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Mississauga Synchronized Swimming
- September 1, 2008
Let your daughter learn to dance in the water! Mississauga Swimmers add music and grace to their strokes.
Are you looking for a great sport for your daughter? Why not introduce her to synchronized swimming? Synchronized swimming originated in Canada during the 1920s and became an official event at the Olympics in 1984. ‘Synchro’ is a team sport choreographed to music and is a hybrid of swimming, gymnastics and ballet. Through synchronized swimming, the swimmer develops strength, flexibility, grace and aerobic endurance.
What age and skill requirements are required before my daughter can begin synchronized swimming lessons?
Girls need to have completed their Swimmer 5 in swimming lessons and know how to do the whip kick before they can begin synchronized swimming. Generally girls are a minimum of 8 years of age.
What levels of synchronized swimming programs are available?
A younger child may want to begin with Learn to Synchro which teaches synchro skills in a swimming lesson format. Swimmers are developed through the Synchro Canada Star awards program. Recreational programs also teach synchro skills but, in addition, the team puts together a routine which is performed to music. Girls just beginning synchro generally start at the Learn to Synchro or Recreational levels. Once your daughter discovers that she loves synchronized swimming, she may want to move up to become part of a competitive team. Teams compete against other teams at the same level or tier. Tiers 1-5 compete provincially and Tiers 6 and 7 compete nationally.
What equipment is required for synchronized swimming?
Swimmers need a practice suit, goggles, a swimming cap and a nose clip for each practice. Competitive swimmers also require a black swimsuit, a white swim cap, a routine suit and a club track suit. The most important piece of equipment for synchronized swimmers is the nose clip as it prevents water from entering the nasal cavity during upside-down movements. During competitions, a synchro swimmer attaches an extra nose clip to her suit in case the one she is wearing gets knocked off during a routine.
Why do competitive swimmers gel their hair?
Gelling is a synchro tradition used at shows and competitions. The purpose of gelling is to hold the swimmer’s hair in place. The swimmer’s hair is put in a bun and then dissolved unflavoured gelatin is painted on the hair. The gelatin is easily washed out after the competition.
Synchronized swimming is a great way to have fun, be part of a team and stay fit!
Lauren Miller, VP Marketing
Mississauga Synchronized Swimming Association (MSSA)
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