What is Artistic Swimming

Artistic Swimming combines elements of swimming, dancing and gymnastics in the water. A proposed name change from Synchronised to "Artistic Swimming" was passed during the International Swimming Federation (World Aquatics) Congress in July 2017. The name change is part of a rebranding exercise designed to boost the popularity of the discipline and bring into line with similar events in other sports, such as gymnastics. Synchro was adopted by World Aquatics (Formerly known as FINA) in the early 60s as a sport with two competitive sections. Below are some positions defined by World Aquatics that you can find in the Artistic Swimming section of their website.

FIGURES

Progression between positions performed without music in plain costumes. These positions have some obvious names such as ‘ballet leg’ and some not graceful sounding such as ‘cyclone’. You can find up-to-date figures and technical requirements for competiton on the World Aquatics website. 

ROUTINES 

Choreographed to music with thematic costumes, swum in solo, duet and team events. There are different types of routines such as technical routines where required elements must be performed and free routines where there are no restrictions on music, content and choreography.

PERFORMING TO MUSIC

Artistic Swimming facilities have special speakers under the water so competitors can hear their routine music. All our clubs in Victoria have their own underwater music systems and during larger competitions Artistic Swimming Victoria will provide professional sound system. 

EQUIPMENT

Very little is needed to start artistic Swimming. Swimmers wear nose clips to prevent water from going up their noses as they do complex movements in the water. A swimming cap keeps the hair out of your eyes as you turn upside down. To start, you can grab your bathers and contact your nearest club to ask about a trial session. Most clubs are happy to give you a trial because they are confident that once you’re tried it, you’ll be keen to continue.

OLYMPICS

This is a sport that can take you to the Olympics. Work really hard at training, do well at competitions and you might get the attention of selectors. Selectors look at your fitness, your commitment and your synchronised swimming ability.