Holding Breath
To participate in synchronized swimming, you must have the ability to hold your breath for at least one minute while performing a variety of moves underwater. While much of the performance takes place above the surface, each sequence can lead to competitors keeping their heads below the water for around 60 seconds. Many swimmers can swim underwater without taking a breath for up to three minutes and can swim a distance of 75 m in that time.
Performing Moves
The thrust technique remains essential to performing moves during competition. To use this technique, you raise your legs above the surface, but have the rest of your body underwater. You gain height in your move by propelling yourself under the water with your arms. To receive the best score possible, keep your body straight up and down in the water. You achieve this position by pressing yourself to the ideal height with your hands and then pushing the palms of your hands back and forth in the water to stabilize the position.
Music
Synchronized swimmers stay synched with one another through the music, as this keeps them at the same part of the routine. Because sound does not travel well underwater, coaches and organizers use a special sound system to allow the swimmers to hear the music. The sound system creates smaller vibrations than a traditional coil speaker, which allows the sound to stay audible under the surface. The Department of Homeland Security uses the same technology to communicate with scuba divers located hundreds of yards away.
Hair
Swimmers use a special paste in their hair while performing, as this prevents the hair from moving. The presentation of the athletes remains important because messy hair could ruin the team's look. The paste combines unflavored gelatin and water and makes the hair incredibly hard. This gelatin includes horse cartilage as one of the ingredients, which stiffens the hair. The paste only comes out of the hair with a hot shower.
