Entry requirements
Synchronised swimming requires flexibility and stamina. Current or previous experience in swimming, dance, diving or gymnastics is therefore helpful. All new swimmers must be able to swim continuously a distance of 100 metres in front crawl, back crawl and breast stroke without getting breathless.
The club also has a minimum age of 8.
At present we do not have a masters section (age 19 and above).
Training
The Club trains 4 times a week:
- 2 pool sessions and 1 land based session.
- Beginners can attend 1 or 2 pool sessions and 1 land based session.
- More experienced swimmers attend between 2 and 4 sessions. Different groups attend different sessions.
Pool Training Sessions
Wednesday: Portobello Swim Centre: 19:00 – 20:45
Sunday: The Royal Commonwealth Pool: 14:30 – 17:30
Swimmers must be on the poolside ready at these start times. Most groups require a poolside warm-up which should be done before the start time.
For pool sessions swimmers must be wearing a swimming costume and have a cap, a nose clip and goggles.
All swimmers must have a drink for hydration.
Land Training sessions
Land training sessions are currently on zoom.
For land training swimmers must be wearing a t-shirt, shorts or leggings, socks and trainers. All swimmers must have a drink for hydration.
The club also encourages swimmers to go to swimming training sessions at Grove Swimming Club. Swimmers in the higher groups are expected to do land and pool stamina sessions in their own time.
Joining Fee
The joining fee is £48 per swimmer. Swimmers who are already SASA members have a reduced joining fee of £22.
Subscriptions
- Non-Age Group swimmers – £40
- Age Group swimmers – £45
- Discount if Edinburgh Synchro membership is in addition to membership of another Scottish Amateur Swimming Association (SASA) affiliated club – £2 / month
- Discount for second or more Edinburgh Synchro swimmer in family – £5 / month
Subscriptions are payable by standing order on the first day of every month.
Progression in synchronised swimming
In synchronised swimming you are graded according to your standard and your age. When you start you are in the beginner’s section. There are six grade levels to achieve, starting at Grade One. Grade One can take anything from a few months to a year or more to achieve (dependent on the skills the swimmer already has, age, commitment etc). More information on grades is here.
The club has two pathways within the club – recreational and competitive. Which pathway a swimmer is on depends on many factors including age, grade level, ability to train intensively and commitment. Swimmers can move between the two pathways. The following diagram shows the current groups within the club.
Each group has a coach, who sets up the expectations for the swimmers. Those swimmers will work on grades and routines. Routines may be formed out of swimmers from a mixture of groups, depending on numbers and competition requirements.
Trophies
Any trophies awarded remain the property of the club. The winner of a trophy shall guarantee safe custody and return of the trophy when requested by the Committee.
Medical
You are expected to keep the club informed of any medical conditions you are suffering from and any medication you are taking.
If you use an inhaler you must bring it onto the poolside for each training session and competition, it must also be labelled with your name.
It is the swimmers responsibility to ensure that any medications they are taking (prescribed or self-administered) are not on the ‘banned substance’ list. See a coach for this list.
Photographs / videos
The Club may take photographs or videos of swimmers in training or in competitions. Club photos and videos may be used on the club’s website or social media unless the club has been notified otherwise.