Watch as fearless Evening News reporter tries out synchronised swimming at Edinburgh club

As I waited on the poolside, I pictured myself floating like a lotus flower, barely disturbing the surface of the water.

In my mind, I was serenely holding myself in one of the complicated positions demanded of a top-class synchronised swimming team.

This was to be one of the greatest tests of my athletic endurance as I tried to show that I had what it takes to compete as a synchronised swimmer.

Edinburgh Synchro – one of Scotland’s most successful teams with a string of titles to its name – had welcomed me to take part in their open trial day at the Commonwealth Pool.

The club are currently looking for new recruits to join their various teams who compete across the UK in a range of competitions.

Upon arrival I was told that synchronised swimmers require strength, stamina, flexibility, endurance, determination, resilience and musicality in order to be successful...coincidentally, none of the skills which I hold as an individual. Although a fry-up was not the prescribed warm-up meal, I continued to persevere.

Claire Tomnay, president of the club, along with Niamh Peakman, 16, coached me from the poolside to help me get the hang of the basics.

Jessie Philp, 16, Ellie McLauchlan, 15, Baylee Harrison, 15, and Kiku Konishi-Gaffney, 15, were my team-mates who did their best to help me stay in sync.

Alas this talented bunch of teens had their work cut out as they tried to teach me an elementary routine.

The first skill was the Egg Beater – a technique used for staying upright in the water.

We then moved on to the more challenging Fish Tail, which was the piece de resistance, as I flailed around like a wounded walrus attempting to extend a limb out of the surface of the water.

The four swimmers performed the routine flawlessly, showcasing the excellent skills that young people learn when they come to the club.

But then there was me – performing the routine with the grace of a swan caught in plastic netting.

Another open day

Vicky Peakman, the club secretary, said: “We always welcome anyone who wants to come to a training session to see what we do and you can get in contact with us via our website edinburghsynchro.co.uk.

“We are aiming to have another open day in August.

“As a minority sport it is always great when people take an interest. My daughter Niamh was impressed as to how quickly you picked up the routine.”

The synchronised swimming club says that they have an ethos of helping young people, in particular girls, stay fit throughout life by becoming involved in the sport whilst young.

They are a vibrant and successful team, where swimmers can experience the fun and creativity of combining swimming, dance and gymnastics in an environment where teamwork is essential.

The club will perform at multiple competitions this year ranging from nationals to UK wide events. There will be a Scottish figure competition in the Commonwealth Pool in March.