Diving into the world of synchronized swimming? You’ll need the right gear to get started. From athletic cut practice suits that are made for hours of treading water, to goggles that shield your eyes from chlorine and enhance your underwater vision, each piece of equipment plays a crucial role.
Essential Equipment for Synchronized Swimming
In order to ensure successful and smooth synchronized swimming, there are several essential pieces of equipment. We’ll be discussing Nose Clips, Waterproof Makeup, and a Swim Cap.
Nose Clips
Nose clips are an integral aspect of synchronized swimming. During routines that require upside-down swimming, having a nose clip allows you to keep water out. Designed to fit tightly yet comfortably across the nose, these clips also offer the flexibility to adjust the size. Whether tightening or loosening, they are made to endure numerous changes. The narrowest part of the clip should be on the high walls of your nose to effectively close your nostrils.
If you’re worried about losing it at the bottom of the pool, there are a couple of solutions. There are nose clips with built-in straps you can secure around your neck or swimsuit. Making a strap yourself to attach to the nose clip is also an option. If you’d prefer not to worry about the clip sinking, selecting a floating nose clip is your best bet. As its name indicates, it floats and is easily identifiable if you happen to lose it.
Waterproof Makeup
Makeup is a significant component in synchronized swimming. Enhancing performers’ natural emotions and expressions, and complementing the performance’s overall choreography. However, not just any makeup will do. Given that performers are in water, the makeup must be waterproof. Not only should it be pointing out the subtleties in the performers’ expressions, but it should also be able to withstand a decent amount of time in water.
Swim Cap
Swim caps are another fundamental piece of equipment for synchronized swimmers. This not only lessens drag, enabling swimmers to move through the water more efficiently, but it also assists with maintaining hair out of your face, removing one less concern whilst breathing. A good swim cap is designed to provide optimum comfort and efficacy. It’ll be your best friend when you’re powering through a rigorous training session or presenting an impressive synchronized swim performance.
Optional Equipment for Synchronized Swimming
In addition to the essential equipment such as nose clips, waterproof makeup, and swim caps, there are a few extra items that you might find useful in your synchronized swimming endeavors. Let’s deep dive into some of these optional pieces.
Swim Goggles
While not necessary, many synchronized swimmers choose to wear swim goggles during practice or training sessions. Goggles protect your eyes from chlorine, help you visually detect your team members underwater, and enable you to see where you’re heading at all times. Various types of goggles are available based on your personal preferences or specific needs, such as anti-fog, corrective, and polarized goggles.
Hair Accessories
Hair accessories, apart from the standard swim cap, can indeed play a key role in synchronized swimming. Now, you might think why? Here’s the reason: Wet hair can be quite bothersome and potentially obstruct your vision while you’re executing elaborate routines. Using hair accessories such as bun covers, hairpins, or swim cap-friendly ponytail holders can keep those loose strands secured and your focus on the performance.
Waterproof Earplugs
Much like nose clips, which have been established as essential equipment, waterproof earplugs too serve a valuable purpose. Apart from the obvious benefit of keeping water out of your ears, they can also ensure any outside noise doesn’t distract you from your performance. Remember, synchronized swimming relies heavily on being able to hear the music clearly underwater.
To take things a notch higher, consider investing in the portable synchro sound systems like those from Oceanears. Light enough to carry around, they weigh only five pounds and work on a wide range of voltages, making them useful for synchronized swimming teams around the world. They can also be synced with your standard iPod, iPad, MP3 player, or even a CD player, making your training sessions more effective.
Conclusion
You’re now equipped with knowledge about the gear you’ll need for synchronized swimming. Remember, beyond the essentials like nose clips, swim caps, and waterproof makeup, there are other items that can enhance your performance. Swim goggles are a great addition for improved underwater visibility. Hair accessories are your allies in keeping your vision clear during routines. Don’t forget about waterproof earplugs; they’re crucial for keeping water out and maintaining your focus. And for those serious about training, portable synchro sound systems from brands like Oceanears can significantly boost your sessions. Armed with this information, you’re ready to dive into the world of synchronized swimming with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What additional equipment is beneficial for synchronized swimmers?
Beyond essential items such as nose clips and swim caps, goggles can enhance eye protection and underwater visibility during practice sessions. Hair accessories aid in securing hair for unobstructed vision, while waterproof earplugs keep water out to maintain focus. Portable synchronized sound systems can enhance training practices.
Are goggles allowed during synchronized swimming competitions?
No, goggles are typically worn only during practice sessions, not in competitions. Synchronized swimmers always keep their eyes open underwater during their performances.
What is the length of a typical synchronized swimming workout?
Training sessions for top-level synchronized swimmers can often reach up to 8 hours per day. These include weight training, flexibility exercises, and extensive pool sessions.
Is music audible underwater for synchronized swimmers?
Yes, synchronized swimmers hear the music underwater through underwater speakers linked to the primary sound system above water.
Do synchronized swimmers touch the pool bottom during routines?
During competitions, synchronized swimmers never touch the bottom of the pool. Doing so would result in a two-point deduction. The water depth is kept at a minimum of nine feet for safety.
What do synchronized swimmers use to keep their hair in place?
Synchronized swimmers use a gelatin mixture to keep their hair in place during performances. This gooey blend is typically derived from unflavored gelatin known as Knox, mixed with water.