After 3 years in Humboldt, interest in the sport of synchronized swimming is growing, although, it's less-known than other winter sports such as curling and hockey in the community.

"You synchronize swim? In Humboldt?" "Yes, in Humboldt."

Leisl Lefebvre, head coach of the Humboldt Synchro club, says she's often met with such a reaction but says the young athletes she coaches have gone from practicing recreationally to a competitive level.

Lefebvre says her swimmers are ready to get more competitive as they develop new skills and build on existing ones. She says her swimmers have approached her with a desire to learn more.

"Taking it to the next level, a competitive level, has allowed us to do that," says Lefebre.

Eight swimmers in two different age and skill categories performed a water show Sunday evening for a crowd of 30 people. The girls have progressed very well this season. Lefebvre says the girls range in age from 8-12 and have picked up facets of the sport quickly. In a matter of weeks, the girls had achieved a recognizable figure, and have since improved greatly over the course of the season.

The swimmers come to the sport with basic swimming skills, but synchronized swimming is very different.
"It's a lot more precise and its a lot more detailed than people think that it is", says Lefebvre.

Lefebvre says that prior to her start at the club three years ago, the sport of synchronized swimming was new for her as well. She says she's been learning more about how to coach the sport effectively through networking within the synchro community. She has a background in speed swimming and is a certified coach in that sport. When she was first approached to coach synchro, Lefebvre brought her previous coaching experience to the table, along with a keen interest in learning to coach synchronized swimming.

The Humboldt Syncro club is open to girls and boys, with recreational practice consisting of one hour per week. Those interested in competing within the sport devote 3-4 hours a week to practice.

The club has progressed to a competitive level this year. Lefebre says four of the girls will be ready for competition for the winter games in February.

Lefebvre says her swimmers have done well in learning the sport and would like to thank the parents and the community for their outstanding support.

If you are interested in joining the club or learning more, Lefebvre suggests contacting her through this email address: syncrohumboldt@gmail.com.