Artistic Swimming
About Out To Swim Artistic Swimming
In April 2009 Out To Swim added a fourth discipline to its aquatic repertoire: artistic swimming (formally synchronised swimming). Our aim is to provide coached artistic swimming to men and women, for those who want to take part in the sport for general fitness, as well as for those who want to train for competition. We were the first swimming club in the UK to offer the sport to both men and women.
Our group
The Out To Swim artistic swimming team is known as the Angels - we are a group of 20 male and female swimmers of various ages and abilities. We compete in the UK and internationally and perform occasional displays. Some recent achievements of the combination team include gold and silver medals at the National Masters Championships, various medals at Tournoi International de Paris and a gold medal at the Gay Games in Cologne. Out to Swim was the first club to field a mixed duet at a Masters competition in the UK.
What artistic swimming involves
Artistic swimming develops advanced water skills, including strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination and precise timing, as well as breath control. Many swimmers come to us wanting to try something different and to take on a new challenge. Although it helps to have experience in aquatic sport, dance or gymnastics, most of our swimmers are entirely new to these sports and slightly apprehensive on their first visit, as Ben, a recent beginner, explains “I first went along for a trial session, nervous and half expecting to be too unfit or find the group too competitive for me. I quickly realised that everyone is really relaxed and supportive. Not only is it good workout, it’s also a lot of fun!”