Frequently Asked Questions

How are the Aquabelles swimmers organized for training and competition?

What swimming experience do I need to become an Aquabelles?

How are teams picked?

How often do the Aquabelles practice?

Where do the Aquabelles train?

What competitions do the Aquabelles go to?

When is registration for the Aquabelles?

What should I do if I am interested in joining the Aquabelles?

• How are the Aquabelles swimmers organized for training and competition?
  
  The Aquabelles have competitive synchronized swimming programs both at the provincial and national levels. 
  
  The Calgary Aquabelles follow are an High Performance Long Term Athlete Development program.
  
  We are starting the program for the 07/08 competitive season.
  
  Provincial Age Class (Wildrose)
  Our Provincial Age Class (Wildrose) swimmers compete in 3 categories. 
  These categories involve the following categories
  
  * FUNdamentals (10&U)     Tier 1    (LTAD Fundamentals Level)
  * Mini-Belles      (11&U)     Tier 2    (LTAD Fundamentals Level)
  * Team-Belles    (12&U)     Tier 3    (LTAD Learn to Train Level)
  
  These athletes compete and local, regional, provincial and inter-provincial competitions.
  
  National Age Group (NAG)
  Our National Age Group swimmers compete in 3 age categories:
  * Espoir           (15 & Under)   Tier 6  (LTAD Train to Train Level)
  * Junior           (18 & Under)   Tier 7  (LTAD Train to Compete Level)
  * Senior          (18 & Over)     Tier 7  (LTAD Train to Win Level)
  
  These athletes compete at local, regional, provincial, Western Divisional, National & International competitions.  Some of these athletes will earn spots on Canada's National Teams and represent our country at events selected by Synchro Canada.
  
  All age groups are organized into teams for performance and competition.  Individual swimmers may also swim solo's and or partner up for duets.
   

• What swimming experience do I need to become an Aquabelles?
  
  To join a Wildrose team, you should have a reasonable ability to swim with completion of some Red Cross programs.  Swimmers wanting to join a NAG team should be accomplished swimmers.  Competitive experience at the Wildrose or Recreational level and or participation in an Aquabelles or Synchro Alberta training camp is recommended.
   

• How are teams picked?
  
  All swimmers who join the Calgary Aquabelles are assigned a team.  In the case where there are enough swimmers, more than one team may be organized for a specific age group.  Teams are chosen based on Technical and artistic ability. Wildrose swimmers with exceptional ability may be invited to try our for the Tier 6 NAG team, and younger NAG swimmers may be invited to "swim up" with the next higher age category.  Training and "try outs" for these teams occurs during the months of August and September.
   

• How often do the Aquabelles practice?
  
  Wildrose Tier 1: 3 days per week - 6 hours per week total
  Wildrose Tier 2: 4 days per week - 10 hours per week total
  Wildrose Tier 3: 5 days per week - 11 hours per week total
  NAG Tier 6: 15-20 hours per week
  - depending on solos and duets
  NAG Tier 7 Junior: 17-22 hours per week
  - depending on solos and duets
  NAG Tier 7 Senior: 20-30 hours per week
  - depending on solos and duets
   

• Where do the Aquabelles train?
  
  The Calgary Aquabelles make use of the following facilities:
  * Talisman Centre - NAG home pool, Wildrose & Recreation
  * Inglewood Pool - Wildrose home pool
  
   

• What competitions do the Aquabelles go to?
  
  Pre-Competitive Full Season Program
  * Will compete at all Aquabelles hosted competitions
  * They will be registered as exhibition or pre-swimmers.  No pressure just fun.
  Wildrose competitions include:
  * City of Calgary Figures Meet (November at Talisman)
  * Southern Alberta Trials (February)
  * Provincials (April)
  * MASY (End of May in Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Yukon)
  * Other invitational competitions (if time and money permit)
  
  NAG competitions include:
  * City of Calgary Figures Meet (November at Talisman)
  * Southern Trials (January at Talisman)
  * Michelle Cameron Invitational (February at Talisman)
  * Provincials (February in Calgary or Edmonton)
  * Westerns (March in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba)
  * Nationals (May or June)
  * International competitions (if time and money permit)
   

• When is registration for the Aquabelles?
  
  The Aquabelles' season begins near the end of August with registration packages being distributed a few weeks before.  Training camps are offered in June, July & August.
   

• What should I do if I am interested in joining the Aquabelles?
  
  For further information about registration, training camps and try-outs, contact the Calgary Aquabelles Office between 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Tuesday through Thursday, at (403) 209-2941 or send an email to info@aquabelles.com.