The Richmond-based Vancouver Pacific Wave Synchronized Swim Club (VPW) won gold in the Senior FINA Free Team competition at the Canadian Open for Synchronized Swimming, in Calgary.

Pacifc Wave scored 71.817 to edge out Winnipeg's Aquatica Synchro Club (71.400) for top honours.

Making the feat even more impressive is the club being small in numbers compared to perennial contenders Calgary Aquabelles and Montreal Synchro, who usually dominate the sport and the championships.

The VPW team is made up of girls from the Lower Mainland, age 15-to-21. Many have their sights set on making the Canadian Synchro National team.

The club's coach, Kara Kalin, as well as many of the athletes are Richmond natives, and often can be seen training at Steveston Outdoor Pool, Minoru Pool and Watermania. For more information, visit the Vancouver Pacific Wave Synchronized Swim Club at www.vpw.bc.ca.