A brand new swimming class has taken
Richmond by storm.
Every Monday a small group of ladies are
‘synchronised’ at the town’s pool.
And one of them is Jane Roche, the Amateur
Swimming Association’s County Swimming
Co-ordinator (centre of pic) who, having
dabbled in synchro swimming as a child, decided to give it another
go.
“I was both nervous and excited to join this
session but that soon passed when I met instructor Trish and the
other ladies in the session,” she said.
“To begin with we covered basic moves –
sculling, floating, forward and backward somersaults, egg beater
kick and stroke work synchro style. Then the fun began – linking
the moves together! We were missing waterproof make-up and sparkly
costumes but we were in time with the music – nearly - and
graceful!
“Most importantly though – we have a good
giggle. Towards the end of my first session I showed off some of my
skills and the group experimented with more moves including Bent
Knee, Ballet Leg, Tub, Isle of Man and Oyster as well as going
upside down in the deep end. This brought back memories for me of
hours of perfecting other moves such as the Crane, Inverted Tuck,
Walkover and Pike – something that the group will no doubt progress
to eventually.
“I don’t think we’ll make the 2012 Games, but
I was astonished to see these ladies - one of whom had learned to
swim only 10 years ago - giving these skills a go – and
succeeding!”
The session is for beginners and only covers
basic moves but as an activity it is great for the body – using all
muscles, boosting upper body strength and having a positive effect
on balance and posture. It will also develop the cardiovascular
system, test breath control and improve agility and
flexibility.
To join the class you do need a basic swimming
ability and to be confident in the pool. It takes
place at 2pm every Monday - call Nicky or Trish on 01748 824581 for
more details.