Routines

© Vincent Curutchet/DPPI and Adidas

Synchronised swimming routines are like dance routines in water. They combine arm and leg movements, upside down movements (holding your breath), figures on the surface of the water and, if you're in a team, supporting other swimmers. 

Synchronised swimmers try and look as alike as possible by wearing the same costumes, make-up and hairstyles (as well as timing their routines with each other perfectly, of course!) 

Competitive synchro has three parts: solo, duets and team competitions (in teams of eight). Technical routines comprise set movements in a particular order and are shorter than free routines, which last between two and five minutes. 

Ameteur synchro can be done in threes, fours, dozens and even more. However, the more swimmers in a team, the harder it is for them to synchronise their routines.

The secrets to a good routine? Speed, energy, perfect timing, co-ordination and lots of enthusiasm!