Tiny Angelfish: The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Your First Artistic Swimming Meet

As an artistic swimmer, you're likely excited to dive into your first competition. But before you do, it's essential to know what to expect and how to prepare. In this article, we'll cover the must-knows for a successful and stress-free experience.

Staying with Your Buddy: The Coach's Top Priority

At any given time, coaches need to be aware of their swimmers' whereabouts. To ensure everyone stays on track, it's mandatory to stay with your buddy when at a hotel or pool. This simple rule has several benefits, including helping team members get to the correct location at the right time, making communication easier in case of schedule changes, and adhering to host hotel requirements at national meets.

Traveling and Staying at Host Hotels

When competing away from home, all swimmers are required to stay at the designated host hotel. This might seem inconvenient, but it allows for a more streamlined experience on competition day. With plenty to do before the scheduled event, including finding a spot for your swim bag, warming up, and practicing deck work, staying at the host hotel ensures you're always close to the action.

Knoxing 101: The Art of Hair Preparation

Artistic swimmers know that hair styling is an integral part of their routine. Knoxing, or applying gelatin to your hair, helps create a sleek, smooth look under water. USA Artistic Swimming National team head coach Andrea Fuentes uses pre-prepared gelatin for this very purpose.

To knox like the pros, follow these simple steps:

1. Apply knox to your hair (top, sides, and back), avoiding skin contact.

2. Use clips if needed for bangs or short hairs.

3. Stir well to avoid lumps.

4. Braid your hair into 2-4 sections (depending on thickness) and secure with a hairnet and V-pins.

5. Style your braids into a high, smooth ponytail.

Remember to always have the following supplies on hand:

* Knoxing gelatin

* Hair clips or bangs

* A paintbrush or stiff basting brush for knoxing (optional)

* Gloves (if preferred)

* An old towel for neck protection

* 4 packets of knox per anticipated routine swim

Final Preparations Before Your First Meet

To ensure a stress-free experience, take the time to prepare before your first meet. Here are some essential tips:

1. Learn what to expect at an Artistic Swimming competition.

2. Familiarize yourself with the competition schedule and warm-up procedures.

3. Pack all necessary gear, including your swim cap, goggles, and hair styling tools.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well-prepared for your first Artistic Swimming meet. With a solid understanding of what to expect and how to prepare, you'll be able to focus on what matters most – giving it your all and enjoying the experience.

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