It's been a rollercoaster year for Tauranga's artistic swimming athletes with the constant COVD-19 interruptions.

But now they are back on track and ready to perform at the upcoming New Zealand Artistic Swimming Championships being held in Hamilton from December 12-14.

More than 170 athletes from around the country will compete in a variety of solo, duet and team performances during the three day competition.

Artistic swimming, formerly known as synchronised swimming, is a mixture of swimming, gymnastics and dance performed in the water.

Tauranga Synchro has 35 athletes competing in the sport's premier event, the club's largest number ever. And for the very first time, they have so many beginner Dolphins, they've entered two teams.

'We're thrilled to have such strong numbers of younger swimmers ready to compete this year,” says Tauranga Synchro Chair, Kate Boyt.

'For eleven of our 14 Dolphins, this will be their first competition. It's fantastic that even in such a tough year, we continue to have strong interest in our sport. Artistic swimming takes a long time to master, so it's really important for us to have a steady stream of newcomers keen to give it a try.”

To prepare their athletes for the championships, the club is holding a full dress rehearsal of their routines at Baywave on Saturday, December 5, at 10.30am.

"It will be the first time the club has performed for the public this year and they can't wait to wow the crowd with their skills and dazzling swimwear.

'They are good to go,” says Boyt. 'They can't wait to get out there and put their hard work into practise. The display is a great way to help prepare our athletes for the championships, especially our younger swimmers. And being such a spectator sport, it's fantastic entertainment for those watching too.”

Like all sports, it's been a difficult year for the club. It's been challenging for their coaches to keep the athletes focused and motivated through all the COVID-19 disruptions.

Training at times was limited to online workouts due to pool closures and social distancing requirements.

'I'm really proud of how our athletes worked through all the challenges thrown at them this year,” says Boyt.

'Despite the crazy year, we're delighted our athletes can finally get out there and perform. We'd love to see the public come along and support them at our Baywave display. And if you have a child who's ever been interested in the sport, it's the perfect opportunity for them to see what it's all about.”

The Tauranga Synchro pre-Nationals display is open to all. Baywave spectator charges may apply.

Tauranga Synchro is always on the lookout for new swimmers.

Beginners train at Baywave every Saturday morning during term time.

Enquiries always welcome, contact Jo on 027 543 1697 or find us on Facebook @taurangasynchroNZ.