Synchro Swim NZ Organisation Profile

Synchronised Swimming (synchro) is a combination of strokes, sculling techniques and figures. It is often described as ballet in the water. Synchronised swimmers synchronise not only with each other but also with the music. A typical top level synchronised swimmer's schedule includes swim workouts, weight training, endurance, flexibility, landdrill (drilling the routine on land) and
dance/gymnastics.

A competitive junior synchronised swimmer swims both figures and routine. Figures are short pre-determined movements. A senior swimmers swims a technical routine and a free routine. Routines are swum to music where the competitors combine strokes and (hybrid) figures. Technical routines include pre-determined elements which must be swam in a specific order.Routines are judged on technical skills, music interpretation, synchronisation and performance.

In New Zealand a synchronised swimmer starts by sitting star awards. Star awards test the skills of a swimmer through the levels. Once a certain level is obtained the swimmer can move to the next level. There are 10 levels, after 3 levels are passed the swimmer may take part at the national championships. Synchronised swimmers who start the sport at a later age can enter into the Aquanauts section at the National Championships.