Our elite program trains national synchro competitors and champions. Swimmers are invited to this level as their skills progress and mature.  They would have competed previously in either Tier 4 or 5.  this program is for those swimmers who want to compete at a national level and want to specialize in the sport of synchronized swimming.

Our Elite program has 6 main options.  Tier 6 (15 and under), Tier 6 (16 and over), Tier 7 junior, and Tier 7 senior, Select (Tier 6 and 7 combined) or Combo.  Depending on the age and the skill level of the athlete they will be placed on teams accordingly.  At this level, athletes have chosen to specialize in Synchro, therefore the hours of training increases.

Training Schedule

· Pool training - at least five days per week. Averages fifteen or more hours per week.

· Land drill, stretching, and strength training- twice per week. Average is approximately three hours per week.

· At home, elite swimmers should spend a 1/2 hour a day stretching and doing land drill for routines.

Competitions

Elite swimmers in tier six and seven will compete in a minimum of two training meets, as well as a regional, and a provincial meet. If they qualify at provincials, the elite team will then compete in Westerns and, if qualified, Canadian Nationals. As well, elite athletes participate in club water shows in December and May, to show off their routines to family and friends.

Athletes also have the option to participate in National Team Trials.

Tier Requirements

Swimmers are required to pass the following star levels by December 15th, to qualify to swim at the corresponding competitive tier level.

Tier Six - Superstar 3
Tier Seven - Superstar 5

The goal of our competitive program is to provide fun, fitness and travel, as well as high-performance training opportunities and support.

This program is suggested for those that have learned basic synchronized swimming skills.  In this stream the athletes are labeled according to Tiers.   Tier 1 is the first level an athlete competes with, tier 5 being the highest before moving on the “Elite”, Tier 6/7 level.  The training hours depend on the tier level, and range from approx. 4-15 hours a week.  Between the end of each season and the beginning of the new season the swimmers may be tested (at coaches discretion) to determine which tier they should be competing in for the new season.  The skills learned in this stream will be focused on further developing the skills from the recreational program and learning as many Synchro specific skills as possible, including flexibility, strength, and speed development.  Swimmers are encouraged to participate in gymnastics and dance outside of Synchro practices. 

Competitions

Competitive swimmers in tier one to tier five compete in 1-2 training meets and 3 competitions, Regionals, Provincials and Sectionals.  Occasionally there is an opportunity for an optional meet as well.

As well, PSSV usually puts on club watershows in December and May, to show off our routines to our families and friends.

Tier Requirements

Competitive synchronized swimming is divided into seven tiers. Swimmers work through a series of skill tests (star levels) regulated by Synchro Canada.  Each star level has specific figure skills and routine skills which must be performed at a certain mark standard in order to pass.  The star level decides what their an athlete will compete in.  The tier system is ability based and the skills and required elements in each tier level reflect the skills passed in the star levels.   As they improve their synchro abilities, they move up from tier one to tier seven.

Swimmers are required to pass the following star levels by December 15th, to qualify to swim at the corresponding competitive tier level.

Tier One - Star 3
Tier Two - Star 5
Tier Three - Star 7
Tier Four - Star 9
Tier Five - Superstar 1