FAQ
Who is VSSI?
The Victorian Synchronised Swimming Inc. is the overall organisation for Synchronised Swimming in Victoria consisting of three main groups:
PLC College, Nunawading Swim Club and Vic Uni "Goldenfish". VSSI was established on the 14th May 2001 and currently consists of
roughly 101 members. Synchronised Swimming, otherwise known Synchro is an Olympic Sport, which combines elements of swimming,
dancingand gymnastics in the water. Synchro encourages creativity, fitness, flexibility, frendship and fun.
What is Synchro/Synchronised Swimming?
Synchronised Swimming, otherwise known Synchro is an Olympic Sport, which combines elements of swimming, dancing and gymnastics
in the water. Synchro encourages creativity, fitness, flexibility, frendship and fun.
What is the origin of Synchronised swimming?
Other information can be found on the FINA website
Back to TopIs Synchro part of FINA?
FINA is the international controlling body of all aquatic sports, therefore synchronised swimming is part of FINA.
Back to TopWho are FINA?
FINA is the international governing body of swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming and open water swimming. Go to their website for more information
Back to TopHow do you hear the music under water?
There are special underwater speakers.
Back to TopWhy do you wear nose clips?
To stop water going up your nose.
Back to TopHow do I become a Synchronised swimmer?
Once you can swim confidently in deep water you can join a club and start training.
Back to TopHow do I get to the Olympics?
You need to work really hard at training, do well at competitions and get the attention of selectors. Selectors look at your fitness, your commitment and your synchronised swimming ability.
Back to TopWho can be a coach?
Coaches need to complete a Level 1 Synchronised Swimming Training Course. To get full accreditation you also need a current first aid certificate. Some clubs prefer if you have vicswim teaching accreditation also.
Back to TopHow much does it cost to learn?
Some clubs charge a fee for each term. Others charge each time you go. Depending on your club, it might cost you around $1,200 per year. There are holiday training camps too which may cost extra. You also need to be registered with VSSI which costs around $80 per year (which covers your insurance). If you want to participate in competitions (and who wouldn’t?) it will cost around $150 per year also. Sometimes competitions are held interstate or overseas and this can be an optional extra expense but will be important if you want to make it to the top.
Back to TopDo I need special equipment to do Synchro?
The main items are bathers, nose clips and swim caps. For training mats are used for stretching but most clubs provide these. For routines in competitions special bathing costumes are used to complement the music and choreography.
Back to TopHow old do I have to be to do Synchro?
Age is no barrier however swimming ability is. Most young children are not very comfortable with spending a lot of time in deep water. Some people have learnt synchro as adults. Some clubs offer up to 4 sessions a week of training.
Back to TopHow often should I train?
Many of our swimmers currently train twice a week. Anything less than that it will be difficult to progress.
Back to TopWhat does training consist of?
The main items are bathers, nose clips and swim caps. For training mats are used for stretching but most clubs provide these. For routines in competitions special bathing costumes are used to complement the music and choreography.
Back to TopDo I need special equipment to do Synchro?
Training involves regular lap swimming for fitness, endurance and aerobic capacity. There is also a warm-up and stretching component. Then the coach will teach the swimmers figures (the synchronised swimming movements). Finally, they will choreograph and practice a routine comprising various figures to music.
Back to TopWho represented Australia in Synchro in the last Olympics?
Victoria's own Tarren Otte (coach at Golden Fish) captained the Olympic Team. Fellow Victorians Coral Bentley, Erika Leal-Ramirez and Bethany Walsh were all members of the Australian Team in Beijing 2008. The Duet event was competed by Erika Leal-Ramirez and Myriam Glez. Other team members were Eloise Amberger, Sarah Bombell, Tamika Domrow & Samantha Reid.
The Australian Head coach is Melbourne based Anna Nepotacheva.
More information about the team can be found on the Beijing2008 Olympic website.
Back to TopWhat other competitions & events are there for Synchro?
The Victorian Clubs meet approximately every six weeks for a competition. This culminates in the State Championship competition (held in the first quarter of the calendar year) and shortly after that are the National Championships. We sometimes get invited to other countries championships such as Pan-pacific and New Zealand.
The international competition is held by Fina every 2 years (in 2007 it was in Melbourne). Sometimes synchronised swimming is a Commonwealth Games Sport. It is an Olympic sport too. So every year there is something happening.
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