Cruisers members have the option of training for and participating in synchronized swimming competitions throughout the summer. Synchronized swimming is a combination of swimming, dance and gymnastics. Teams (groups of 3 to 10 individuals, or duets) perform synchronized routines of choreographed moves in the water, accompanied by music. Cruisers synchronized swimming teams are open to both male and female swimmers.

Synchronized swimming requires excellent water skills, as well as core strength, endurance, flexibility, artistry and precise timing. Participants develop exceptional underwater breath control. Since there is significant water skill land endurance required, Cruiser synchronized swimmers as asked to attend at least two speed swimming practices each week in addition to their sychro practices.

Participants train 3 or 4 times per week throughout the season, choreographing and perfecting routines, as well as working on the technical aspects of the sport called "figures". Synchronized swimmers are expected to attend every practice, as the choreography depends on the entire team knowing the routine and working together with the correct timing.

During July and August the synchro teams participate in watershows and figures meets that lead up to the provincial championships in August. Since Synchro is a team sport, swimmers unable to attend provincials in August must let the coach know as early as possible in the season so that the routines can be adapted accordingly.

Practices start in May, where participants work on the basics of synchro and on some conditioning. Teams are formed in late May according to age, and to a lesser extent, past experience. Swimmers with past competition experience may also choose to work with a partner and choreograph a duet.

To participate in synchro, swimmers must be at least 8 years old and should be able to swim 2 laps of the pool and be comfortable in deep water.

Cruisers also offers a novice synchro program for younger members who wish to try out the sport on a casual basis. The novice group practices once per week and does not participate at Provincials.

Figures Meets

This is the individual component of synchronized swimming. Depending on the age and ability of the swimmer, each swimmer performs 4 different figures in front of a panel of judges. Each figure is judged based on a scale from 0 to 10. In most cases, the average score for  summer swimmers will be anywhere between 3.0 and 6.0.  In addition, each figure has a difficulty level which is incorporated into the score given. We will be having a figures meet on July 12  at the UBC aquatic centre, where every swimmer will compete.

Provincials

This is our biggest meet of the season! Every swimmer will compete in both the team and figures events. Each team will compete in categories based on their age and ability (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced), and will be judged based on two sets of scores - Artistic Impression and Technical Execution. Artistic Impression includes the presentation of the routine (appearance, expression, etc.), choreography, and the movement used to interpret the music. Technical Execution includes things like synchronization, patterns, and how well the figures in the routine are performed. It is very important to know that every swimmer’s figure score will be incorporated into the overall team score. This is why it is mandatory that each swimmer competes in both the figures and team events.

For example: In a duet with swimmer A and swimmer B, their duet score is 56 points. Another duet in the same category got 54 points. However, since swimmer A’s and swimmer B’s figure scores are lower than that of the other duet, it could change their final placement - the difference between a 1 and a 2. Incorporating figure scores into team and duet scores make all the difference!

Both figure and team events have required components made by the BCSSA synchro division. Therefore, every beginner will be competing the same required 4 figures, as well as intermediate and advanced. There are also required beginner, intermediate, and advanced figures that must be put into each routine, and all teams and duets have time restrictions. For example, the Advanced routines can have a minimum time of 2:45 and a maximum time of 3:15, whereas, the Beginner routines can have a minimum time of 2:00 and a maximum time of 2:30.

Q: How are teams made and when will I know which team my child is on?

A: Teams are made based on the age and ability of the swimmer. Each swimmer will be placed on a team with similar ages and abilities. Each team will then be categorized as either Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced. Final teams will be announced at the end of May.

Q: How do I know which practice to come to?

A: Practice times will be divided by teams which will be posted on the schedule on the website.

Q: What is dryland?

A: Dryland for synchronized swimming mostly involves what we call “land-drilling.” All it is, is practising the routine on deck, just like we would in the water, but using just our arms. This is vital to creating a great routine, as it is a perfect way to learn the counts, patterns, and moves of the routine. Dryland times will be added to the schedule once the teams have been made up, so watch for them!

Q: How many times a week do we have to attend practice?

A: Every swimmer is expected to attend 3 team practices a week, as well as, a figures practice. This is very important because it is very difficult to choreograph a routine if half the team is consistently missing.

Q: Can anyone do a duet?

A: Yes, however, we do recommend having at least one year’s synchro experience. This includes having done synchro Cruisers before, Star Synchro, or the Winter Maintenance Synchro. Duets choreograph their own routines (with input from the coaches) and that is why we recommend having some experience.

Q: What do I need for practice, figures, and the team routine?

A: Practices:

• one piece bathing suit
• nose clips (at LEAST 2)
• cap

Figures - needed by the figures meet July 12:

• one piece BLACK bathing suit
• WHITE cap

Team Routine:

• Custom bathing suits will be ordered by June 1 - the average price is usually around $60 - $70
• Head piece

Q: When do duets practice?

A: There are separate duet practices which will be posted on the schedule on the website.

Q: As a parent, what can I do in terms of volunteering?

A: Parent volunteers will definitely be needed! At all meets, there are many jobs you can help out with such as serving food to the judges, collecting scores, or manning the music. Often the best way to see your child perform and compete is by being right in the middle of the action, volunteering on deck. In addition, there may be some costume/head piece add-ons to be sewn on to the costumes, in which parent volunteers would be much appreciated! Parents will also be needed for hair and makeup at Provincials, making sure everyone looks their best before performing!

Q: Is it okay to go on vacation during the summer?

A: If you plan on going away for any period of time, LET YOUR COACH KNOW by emailing us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , preferably at the beginning of the summer. As it is a team sport, depending on how long the swimmer is away for, it’ll be the coach’s decision whether or not they compete at Provincials.