What is Gee-Gee Synchro?
Gee-Gee Synchro is the University of Ottawa Synchronized Swimming Club composed of 35 swimmers. We are a competitive club that competes within CUSSL (Canadian University Synchronized Swimming League) against other university clubs like McGill, Queens, and U of T. We are proud to say that we are officially the biggest university synchro club in the country! As of the 2014-2015 season, we had 3 competitive teams, 1 novice team, as well as a novice duet competing for us.
I’ve never done synchronized swimming before but I’m interested in joining the club, can I?
Yes, Gee-Gee Synchro has a spot for you! In our league, we have a category that is called novice, for all the swimmers who have never swam competitively before, so you can join the team. Within the league, you can swim up to 4 years in the novice category.
I want to join the team, do I have to be a University of Ottawa student?
Yes, you have to be a UOttawa student, however, you can take as little as 1 class to qualify. Furthermore, you need to be a student for both fall and winter semesters to be able to compete with us.
Are there try-outs?
Yes, there is a week of try-outs at the beginning of year for competitive swimmers to evaluate your level of experience to put you in the correct team (Garnet, Grey, and Black). We do not have try-outs for novice swimmers.
How much are fees and what do they cover?
Fees depend on how many practices a week your team wants to attend. Generally, novice pay 450$ and competitive pay 500$ for the full year. This covers pool fees, league fees, hotels at competitions, transportation to and from competitions, and equipment (see below).
What equipment is covered by the fees?
The fees cover spacing/practice suit, nose clip, bathing cap, 1 competition suit, bun cover, t-shirt, as well as jacket.
Can I get more Gee-Gee Synchro equipment?
Yes, at the beginning of the year a mini catalogue will be available for you to browse through awesome swag such as a bag, hoodie, track pants, etc. This extra equipment is not covered by the club, and you will therefore have to pay for it yourself.
How many practices are there per week?
We have 3 in-pool and 1 dry-land practice per week. The schedule may change every year, so contact us to get the latest information!
Do I just have to swim team?
No, you do not have to just swim team. Your team may choose to swim combo instead of team, this is a decision that can be taken at the beginning of the year. You may choose to swim just a duet or solo as well. Our practices cover just enough time for team, so usually duet and solo are swam on your own time.
How many competitions does the club participate in?
The club participates in 3 competitions every year: the McGill invitational mid-November, Eastern Championship at the end of January, and National Championship at mid or end of February. The location for Easterns and Nationals changes every year.
I want to be involved with the club, but I don’t want to swim. How can I do so?
Our club is always looking for passionate volunteers to coach our teams, in the pool, as much as for dry-land.