Who we are, what we offer

Orca Synchronized Swimming Club strives to be both sporting and fun. Focusing on recreational synchronized swimming for boys and girls, we want to see our swimmers learn, grow, and have fun in aquatic activities.
     Operating for over 10 years, the Orcas practise at Scona Pool, 10450 - 72 Avenue, on the west side of Strathcona high school.
     Based in Edmonton, Alberta, the Orca Synchronized Swimming Club is a member of Synchro Alberta and the Synchro Canada. We have certified instructors/coaches, including head coach Karen Wilson Davis. As technical advisor/coordinator with the Edmonton Auroras, a competitive synchro club, Karen oversaw their recreational and competitive programs. She currently also coaches the Edmonton Aquadettes Masters, adult synchronized swimmers.
     A registered nonprofit society, the club is run through the efforts of coaches and parent volunteers. We don't ask members to do any fundraising, except for a casino every other year.

Synchro advantages

Orca advantages

We swim with the Orcas because the Orcas have:
• a congenial synchronized swimming club
• synchronized swimmers working together in teams
• no selling chocolates, sausages, or raffle tickets; no scrounging pledges; and no bingos!
• no fundraising except a casino -- next one in late 2007
• fractional fees
• synchronized swimming for the fun of it
• free swimming for family members
• no competition fees and no travel fees
• testing for Synchro Canada star levels (For more info visit www.synchroalberta.com/recreational.htm)
• reward pins and certificates for participants
• water shows
• certified coaches and instructors
• small classes
• convenient pool times
• a cheery, central location at Scona pool, 10450 - 72 Avenue, Edmonton
• plenty of free parking
• a fall season that ends mid-December, well before Christmas
• a winter season that ends mid-April, before soccer season begins

Testimonials from Orca Synchro swimmers, coaches, and parents

• My son enjoyed all the aquatic activities (figures, routines, team performance to music) provided by the SynchroKids program and definitely increased his confidence in swimming skills with a lot of fun and creativity. He was always excited for the next class, and so was I, a swimming parent. We're waiting impatiently for the next season. We like both the club's friendly atmosphere and professional organization."
- Renata J., April 2006

December 2005 comments in answer to the question "What did you like best about the club?"
• "We like the fact that the club is non-competitive. It is well organized, and the coaches make it fun. We also appreciate not having to fundraise."
• "The entire family can go swimming; recreational, affordable; ... you don't have to commit your life to it. Ends before soccer season. Club is very organized and well run. Most of all [our daughter] REALLY enjoys herself."
• "Non-competitive, fun for all kids, family swim time, cost (inexpensive and reduced fees after 1st year!)"
• "The kids really like it."
• "Very well organized ... approachable/friendly committee; coaches very patient, knowledgeable with the kids; good idea for fun swim during synchro times."
• "Non-competitive; set up in two terms; family friendly with family members able to swim; fun coaches; not time consuming fundraising commitments (casino is great). Great value!"
• "The girls really enjoy themselves. [We like] that it is not competitive, [that it's a] relaxing atmosphere."
• "Friendly, fun, non-competitive; well organized and managed; not expensive."
• "I liked the club's friendly atmosphere and sense of family. I am very pleased with the direction of the club."
• "Friendliness; coaches are great; well organized."
• "Well organized. My daughter loves it."
• "Well-organized; good spirit; swimming availability when the synchro swimmers are in class; family oriented."

Other comments
"Caitlin really had a lot of fun at synchro and really enjoyed the team performance at the water shows. We were also amazed that her swimming improved dramatically from the beginning of the swim year to the end. All of her swimming strokes improved so much that she was able to skip a level in her regular summer swim lesson program."
- Lauren V., parent

"One of the things I like about Orca Synchro is that even the youngest swimmers frequently get to choreograph their own little routines, often working developing short routines."
- Janet S., parent

"I like the Orcas because their practices are at reasonable times, not too early in the morning or too late in the evening."
- Bryan L., parent

"Before I began coaching for Orca Synchro four years ago, I swam with the club for several years. I always had fun, and I try to create that same atmosphere for the girls I coach."
- Megan D., coach

Updated December 3, 2006.
Please report errors and updates to webmaster@orcasynchro.org.