Four types of routines are swum in synchronized swimming: solo, duet, trio and team (up to eight swimmers). In addition, each competitor must participate in the compulsory figures competition. Individual Figures scores are combined with routine scores to determine winners. Routines are designed to appear effortless, but consist of strenuous swimming. They last from 3 to 5 minutes, often with swimmers holding their breath for lengths of time up to 30 seconds.

The combination of skills--artistry, music, and stunning athleticism--has made "synchro" popular for spectators. Swimmers demonstrate their grace and appeal to the audience as they move through complex patterns. They combine the power of a boxer, the flexibility of a gymnast, the artistic expression of a ballerina, and the aerobic conditioning of a distance runner with synchronization unseen in any other sport. The stunning, gold medal performance of the US team in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games has intensified interest in this unique team sport.

The Dolphins are the only competitive synchro program in the Rochester, NY area. They compete in the Niagara Association consisting of teams from Tonawanda, Buffalo, Oswego, and Keuka. This is a highly competitive region with several current age group national champions and originally home to two current national team members. The Dolphins also routinely compete in regional and East Zone meets in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Ohio, etc. For the last three years, members of the Dolphins have qualified for age group national competition, held in Seattle and Buffalo.

Many members of the Dolphins have started in area recreational programs, most notably at the SouthEast YMCA, that functions as a feeder program and often swims together with the Dolphins as the Dolphinettes. Additional programs in the Rochester area are at the Bayville YMCA, Webster High School and Rush-Henrietta High School. Every year, the Dolphins host a playday meet with these teams. Sports Illustrated: Most Underrated Sport- Synchronized Swimming is an all too easy target. But the physical prowess required in this sport takes a distance swimmers endurance and a speed swimmers strenth. Throw in the control needed to suspend breathing for up to a minute and synchro is one of the toughest sports around. In order to perfect the lifts, twists and twirls required in a 5 minute routine, elite atheltes work togehter up to 8 hours a day, 6 days a week. This sport has substance - even grit - beneath the surface.
-Sports Illustrated Magazine

The Dolphins coaches have outstanding national and international credentials. All coaches are active members of the governing United States Synchronized Swimming organization.

We have 3 outstanding coaches this year for the Rochester Dolphins. Our head coach is Samatha Derrick. The other two coaches are Elaine and Danielle.

The Dolphins aspire to build upon commitments to the principles of Growth, Sportsmanship, the Pursuit of Excellence, and Healthy Competition.

Growth: The Dolphins shall strive to foster the physical and emotional growth of our swimmers and coaches, through the challenges and joys of Synchronized Swimming.

Sportsmanship: We will build our team on a foundation of sportsmanship and respect.

Excellence: We will each endeavor to find our maximum potential, and to perform at the highest levels, both in individual competition, and as a team.

Competition: We will inspire the goals and dreams of healthy competition.

Through our belief in these principles, the Dolphins will support our swimmers in their quest to grow as competitive swimmers, but more importantly, as people of commitment and integrity.

The Mission of the Dolphins shall promote the growth of our organization, as well as its members. We envision the evolution of the Dolphins into an organization that supports its members, the community, and the USSS in many ways.

Leadership: The Dolphins shall grow to be a recognized and respected leader in the Eastern Zone of the USSS.

College: We shall grow to provide research, assistance, and promotion of our members pursuits in Collegiate Synchronized Swimming.

Community: We shall seek to inspire the growth of High School Synchronized Swimming Programs and support other developmental programs in the Greater Rochester area.

Recreation: We shall grow to provide two unique opportunities to our members: While adhering to our core values, a swimmer can chose a path focusing on the enjoyment, athleticism, and artistry of Synchronized Swimming. Or, a swimmer can chose a path that combines those elements with the pursuit of advanced competition.

Skills: We shall provide training and development opportunities for our swimmers and coaches through invited guests or travel to clinics.