Synchronised swimming may appear to be nothing more than elegant and dainty on the outside, but the sport is more than meets the eye.
Next time you enter a pool, attempt to contort your body below the surface with only your legs breaking through the water. It’s far from easy.
Of course, synchronised swimming also has plenty of finesse and grace, which makes it one of the handful of sports that combines precision with aesthetics.
Sarah Gawad, co-founder of Synquatics, a synchronised swimming club in Dubai, believes that’s what makes synchro unique.
“It’s a deceptively easy-looking sport,” Gawad said. “You’re trying to defy gravity because you’re not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool at any stage. It’s very challenging all-round. The nice thing is you become incredibly fit and you’re combining so many sports into one, like swimming and gymnastics and the best part, of course, dance.
“You have to do your own choreography with music and have a good balance between the technical side of the sport and the artistry side as well.”
Synquatics have strived to raise the sport’s profile in the UAE since opening in 2012 as the self-described first synchro club in the region.
Sarah and her twin sister, Heba, were professional synchronised swimmers before the former became a teacher and the latter became a personal trainer. Since moving to Dubai and forming the club, they’ve expanded Synquatics to over 200 swimmers.
“When we came here, we were surprised not to find anyone doing synchro.
“So we started doing one or two hours a week and it became popular very quickly. It grew very fast,” Gawad said. “It was wonderful to see how fast it was growing, obviously because it was a niche thing and there was no one else doing it. It’s nice to have a synchro community where everyone shares a passion for the sport. Soon, we’ll be able to have competitions and be able to establish ourselves more as a sport in the region.”
At the moment, Synquatics hold two competitive events during the year, but both have become internal due to the growth of the club. Gawad hopes soon enough there will be enough demand for city or nationwide competitions to include more clubs and swimmers.
Synquatics offer classes for children, but also have two adults’ classes. Swimmers aged six and above can train once, twice or three times a week, with a prerequisite guideline of being able to swim a 20 metre lap without touching the bottom or edge of the pool.
Sessions take place at Safa Private School, various Fitness First locations and Fit Republik. For a full schedule and more information, visit www.synquatics.com.
Become a water ballerina and attempt to learn a sport both enjoyable and challenging with Synquatics.
What: Synquatics synchronised swimming club
Founded: 2012
Geared towards: Synchronised swimming enthusiasts
When & where: Throughout the week at Safa Private School, Fitness First locations and Fit Republik
Contact & info: Visit www.synquatics.com for more information