The Suncoast Water Works Synchronized Swim Team was formed in 1985 by Karen Paulk. Karen is still a coach and a leader on the team bringing valuable knowledge and experience to our team. SWW has developed into one of the premier clubs in Florida. The only year-round competitive synchronized swimming program in Pinellas County, SWW consists of swimmers from Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. Through the commitment of the coaches, swimmers and parents, SWW offers a multi-level program that boasts success at the novice, intermediate and advanced levels. SWW athletes have achieved numerous local, state, zone and national age group titles.
The competitive program provides athletes the opportunity to compete at the association, regional, zone, and national levels. The novice program features basic skill development and an introduction to competition at local and state levels. Athletes compete in age groups: 10&under, 11-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-19.
The highly skilled coaching staff is also very active in the promotion of the sport at the local, state and national levels.
The SWW Team practices regularly at the Southwest Pool in Largo. Dates and times vary depending on which team a swimmer is on.
The 2009/10 practice schedule is set up on a monthly basis but is essentially as follows:
Monthly calendars are sent to members via the clubs Yahoo Group.
Novice - Tuesday and Thursday 4:30pm -6:00pm.
Intermediate - Tuesday and Thursday 4:30pm -6:00pm and Saturdays 9:30am-11:00am
Advanced - Tuesday and Thursdays
Click here for a map of the pools location. 13120 Vonn Road Largo, FL 33774
To join the team, girls must be able to swim 25 yards and be comfortable in deep water.
The SWW team has a strong competitive program in Florida and the U.S.. Synchronized swimming is one of the few sports which allows girls to compete as they learn. The novice (beginner) and intermediate level swimmers travel all over the state of Florida and compete in meets their very first year. They compete against other girls of their own age and skill level. The Advanced team travels nationally and also competes against other girls of their own age and skill level. For a schedule of meets see the Schedule of Events.
Feel free to visit the pool and view a practice at any time. The Novice Team is accepting new members year round. The Intermediate and Advanced teams are typically formed in the month of September.
We also encourage you to attend our annual Water Show held at the Southwest pool at the end of the season (usually in May). This event culminates the swim season and the girls work very hard to show off to their friends and family. It's also an excellent opportunity to see first hand the athleticism and grace that is demonstrated in Synchronized Swimming.
The SWW team is governed by a Board of Directors.
Board Positions include:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Fundraising/Publicity
Like most youth sports, there are expenses to be incurred by the swimmer and their families. These expenses include but are not limited to tuition, suits, swim supplies,and travel. To help offset some of these expenses an independent group comprised of parents of swimmers has been incorporated. Known as Friends of Synchro, it is designed to help provide monetary support in this area. Currently parents may help defray costs by volunteering with Friends of Synchro as they staff a concessions booth at the Ford Ampitheater at The Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Other fundraising events are held on a regular basis. For information on Friends of Synchro please contact aatanasio@tampa.rr.com
CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE COPY OF THE 2009-2010 SWW CLUB HANDBOOK
