Synchronized Swimming comes to Cayman

There’s a new sport on island. Call it synchronized swimming or synchro, but just don’t call it
easy. Synchro is an Olympic sport that’s a blend of meticulously coordinated acrobatics, swimming and dance routines performed to music in the water.

Since September, The Caymanites, a group of talented young swimmers in Cayman, have been learning Synchro and training three times a week in various pools across the island, even heading out to East End on Saturdays, to use the deep pool at Ocean Frontiers.

Developing their skills over just eight months, the team is now ready to compete overseas and this weekend they will represent The Cayman Islands in Coral Springs, Florida in the Novice and Intermediate World Championships, in the Under 12’s and Under 16’s categories.

Head Coach and veteran synchronized swimmer Alissa Moberg hails from the US and has 11 years coaching experience, including Head Coach of the Jamaican National Synchro programme. Passionate about the sport, she is thrilled to have brought it to Cayman, “this country has such an active aquatic community that it was an easy fit to bring Synchro into the mix. Thanks to Laura Ribbins of Fitness Connection who was instrumental in making it all happen”.

There’s a lot more to the sport than meets the eye. It requires advance water skills, great strength, flexibility, grace, precise timing and exceptional breath control while upside down underwater. Touching the bottom of the pool is a big no no, resulting in the deduction of points.

Team member Amber Barnes, 15, comments, “I used to dance and swim and when I tried synchro the two of them came together, a perfect combination and I was hooked”.

The athletes will compete as a team with their creative routine set to music and also individually with their technical figures, a required series of movements and positions, precisely executed. Both teams will be sporting stunning jewelled hand-made swimsuits and headpieces and performing to Calypso /Soca tunes.

Head Coach Alissa Moberg says, “I am so proud of what these athletes have achieved in such a short space of time, their dedication and enthusiasm is incredible and I’m so excited for this weekend and what’s to come for these swimmers and Synchro generally on the island”.

PHOTOS: The team in action at their dress rehearsal last weekend at the Lions pool. – Supplied