Programs

MASTERS BEGINNER

Whether you’re a swimmer who’s never tried Artistic Swimming or a basic swimmer needing to build your strength and skills in the water – this is the team for you!

Develop your “skillz with thrillz” with Coach Debbie in the water. She always provides a supportive environment that adapts to your comfort and experience level. Just beware, one session in the pool with her and you will be hooked!

Masters Beginners practice Sunday evenings at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.

Meet Coach Debbie Provencher!

I first embraced Artistic Swimming in adulthood at the age of 42. Essentially a non-swimmer at the time, it quickly became one of my greatest passions! Through my years of experience as a swimmer, coach, and certified judge, I have come to believe that Artistic Swimming is the best form of physical fitness available.

As a coach, I approach the sport by teaching the basic skills required for you to reach your goals in Artistic Swimming. I also focus on building your confidence, so that not even the fear of water will interfere with you meeting your goals.

I bring energy and a positive spirit to every practice and look forward to seeing you at the pool each and every week!

MASTERS  INTERMEDIATE

If you’re a novice level Artistic Swimmer who’s ready for new challenges, this is your team! If you have Artistic Swimming experience, but prefer minimal competition time and more creative freedom in routine development, this is also the place for you. Coach Debbie will adapt to your skill level!!!

This group typically performs in one provincial competition per year with a team routine and also individually with figures.

Continued focus on skills, precision, and routine development are key to this team – and of course, swimming for the love of fun and fitness!

Just picture yourself being constantly challenged, yet coming up laughing each and every single time…

Masters Intermediates practice Wednesday evenings at Beban pool.

MASTERS COMPETITIVE

Perhaps you did Artistic Swimming as a younger athlete or have developed experience with the sport later in life. This team has all the fun and focus as the other teams, but participates in several competitions throughout the year. Our competitive team consistently strives to compete on provincial, national, and international levels. If you’re needing to be challenged, Coach Catharine has you covered!

Masters Competitive athletes practice Sunday evenings at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Wednesday evenings at Beban Pool.

Life truly does “look better underwater”!

Meet Coach Catharine Edwards!

Catharine has been coaching for over 40 years, recreation to high performance, kids to masters. She has been a certified NCCP Level 3 Artistic Swimming Coach since 1982 and is also a Learning Facilitator for the NCCP Artistic Swimming Competition Introduction Coach Course. Artistic Swimming coaching has taken Catharine to every province in Canada. She’s also had the privilege of coaching internationally throughout the USA, France, Hungary, and Thailand. Her most recent international coaching experience occurred in July 2024, where she led the VanIsle Masters to achieve gold at the Fryslan Open in The Netherlands. Catharine also currently coaches for the Nanaimo Diamonds Artistic Swimming Club, in addition to the competitive team at VanIsle Masters Artistic Swimming Club.

Outside of coaching, Catharine is the retired GM for PacificSport Vancouver Island. She is a Master Coach Developer for BC and facilitated programming around physical literacy for kids. Catharine has been married to Jim for over 40 years. She has two beautiful daughters, Jessica and Rebecca; and two son-in-laws, Richard and Tony. She also has two adorable cats and a wonderful, yet very energetic dog.