By Noah Alatza
The nonprofit synchronized swimming organization Indy Synchro, Inc., will host a summer camp for all ages starting in July.
Westfield High School teacher Allison Delp’s daughter, Katie, 9, has swam with the only synchronized swim club in Indiana for the past three years. A fourth-grader at White River Elementary School, she competes in the 12-and-under age group.
“Many people just don’t know about the opportunity to try Synchro,” Delp said. “With my daughter, she started doing dancing, gymnastics and the swim team and decided that she loved all three. Synchro combined everything she had an interest in. They are essentially doing all of those but holding their breath underwater. It can be a long time of holding your breath, all dependent on certain choreography.”
Delp said most people don’t appreciate the difficulty of the sport. She said swimmers must follow guidelines such as using waterproof makeup and unflavored Knox gelatin to keep their hair in place.
Katie said she fell in love with synchro because it’s unique.
“You get lots of exercise and it is very fun,” she said. “I have made a lot of new friends from other schools, too.”
Katie received a bronze medal in figures at a regional meet in spring 2017.
Each Wednesday evening from 7 to 7:45 p.m., members of the public are invited to try Synchro swimming for fee. The team typically practices at the Noblesville High School natatorium, 18111 Cumberland Rd.
Classes begin in the fall for children of all ages that are comfortable in the water.
Delp said there have been some early talks about the potential of the team working with the YMCA.
In early May, Westfield Washington Schools, the Wheeler family and the YMCA announced a $35 million YMCA near Grand Park, which the team could potentially use when the facility opens in 2020.
The club is open to all Indiana residents, although most team members are typically from Carmel, Noblesville and Fishers.
The traditional schedule for a synchro swimmer begins with practice in fall, competitions in January and a complete wrap up by mid-summer.
For more, visit indysynchro.org and for sign up information, contact [email protected]
Summer Camp
- July 16-20
- 8 a.m. until noon (Drop off as early as 7:30 a.m. if needed.)
- $100 per athlete.
- Fee includes a T-Shirt, swim cap and nose clip. Snacks and drinks provided daily.
