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Young people interested in the water ballet of synchronized swimming can now do more than simply watch it on television. The Donat Brousseau Pool in Kapuskasing has begun offering lessons in the sport.
An initiative of Synchro Ontario, recognized synchro judge Chris Gauthier visited Kapuskasing this past weekend to recruit trainers for the newly offered service.
Five instructors spent a day with Gauthier learning the ins and outs, ups and downs of synchronized swimming.
"We're offering an initiative through Synchro Ontario to promote synchronized swimming where it is currently not available," Gauthier told The Northern Times.
"There aren't any synchro teams anywhere around here," said local swimming instructor Sam Lawrence, who was one of the five to train with Gauthier.
Interest in the sport waned in the 1980's and then vanished altogether in Kapuskasing after local synchro team, the Kap Polarettes, disbanded. And while that club had not been reborn, the introduction of lessons could see interest climb high enough that the Polarettes will pose again.
What makes a good synchro swimmer? Lawrence offered a number of tips.
"Flexibility, good swimming techniques, body awareness, and availability to hold your breath are all qualities that someone should possess, and the rest is just taught," said Ms. Lawrence.
Synchro lessons are available at the pool every Monday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. To register dial 337-4266. To participate, a person must be able to swim at a Level Five equivalency or be comfortable in the deep end.
