Skate Oakville focuses on individual and team development at every level of the EDGE Synchronized Skating Program. Skaters from Beginner through to Open learn in a progressive manner indicative to the level of the team. We also teach the importance of consolidating a solid general physical foundation encompassing speed, strength, endurance and flexibility.
The individual skating skill development of each skater on a synchro team is critical to the overall success of that team. The EDGE Synchro Program strongly encourages the development of these skills through the various free skate, skills and dance programs. Coaches also encourage team members to develop their off ice fitness and mental training skills, both independently as well as during team training sessions through the season.
History and Results
Intro
Taught by our synchro coaches, this program will teach basic synchro elements and is intended for younger skaters not yet ready to skate on one of our teams. Skaters must have passed stage 3 of CanSkate and be registered for at least 1 Canskate session in addition to this session. See Learn to Skate registration page for sign up information.
Beginner I
Beginner I teams may have 8-16 skaters. Skaters should be under the ages of 12, however EDGE recommends skaters have not reached the age of 10 by July 1st preceding the competition season. By September, skaters at this level should be passed stage 5 of CanSkate, participating in our STARSkate I program and working towards their first Skate Canada test.
Beginner II
Beginner II teams may have 8-16 skaters who have not reached the age of 10 as of July 1st preceding the competition season. There is a provision for a limited number of skaters to be overage. Skaters should be working towards completing their STAR 2 tests.
Elementary
Elementary teams may have 8-16 skaters who have not reached the age of 15 as of July 1st preceding the competition season. Skaters should be working towards their STAR 3 and 4 tests.
Pre Juvenile
Pre Juvenile teams may have 8-16 skaters who have not reached the age of 12 as of July 1st preceding the competition season. Skaters should be working towards completing their STAR 5 tests.
Juvenile
Juvenile teams may have 8-16 skaters who have not reached the age of 13 as of July 1st preceding the competition season. There is a provision for a limited number of skaters to be overage. Skaters should be working towards completing their Senior Bronze Freeskate and Junior Silver Dance & Skills tests.
Pre Novice
Pre Novice teams may have 8-16 skaters who have reached the age of 12 but have not reached the age of 18 as of July 1st preceding the competition season. Skaters should be working towards completing their Senior Bronze Freeskate and Junior Silver Dance & Skills tests.
Novice
Novice teams may have 12-16 skaters who have reached the age of 10 but not the age of 15 as of July 1st preceding the competition season. Skaters should be working towards completing their Junior and Senior Silvers Freeskate, Dance and Skills tests.
Intermediate
Intermediate teams may have 12-16 skaters who have reached the age of 13 but not the ages of 19 as of July 1st preceding the competition season. Skater should be working towards completing their Senior Silver and Gold Skills, Dance and Freeskate tests.
Date | Event | Location | Teams Attending |
November 26, 2017 | EDGE Synchro Gala | Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, Oakville, ON | All |
December 9-10, 2017 | Bill Phillips | Stratford, ON | Elementary, Pre Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre Novice, Novice, Intermediate |
January 5-7, 2018 | Winterfest | Mississauga, ON | Juvenile, Pre Novice, Novice, Intermediate |
January 27-28, 2018 | Synchro Capers | Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, Oakville, ON | All |
February 9-11, 2018 | 2018 Skate Ontario Synchronized Skating Championships | Ilderton, ON | Pre Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre Novice, Novice, Intermediate |
February 23-25, 2017 | Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships | Oshawa, ON | Novice, Intermediate |
March 2-4, 2018 | March Mania | Lefroy, ON | Beginner I, Beginner II, Elementary, Pre Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre Novice |
Jennifer O’Brien
jobrien116@me.com 905-339-8703 Level of Certification: Level 3 certified, partial Level 4 Rate: Contact for further details Coaching Experience, Skating Background and Additional Training: 28 years coaching experience in single skating and specializing in Synchronized skating. Coach of 8 Canadian Champions … Read More
Stephanie Girvan
stephaniegirvan@hotmail.com Level of Certification: NCCP National Coach trained – Synchronized Skating, NCCP Provincial Coach certified – Synchronized Skating Coaching Experience, Skating Background and Additional Training: – Synchronized Skating Coach since 2005 – Synchro categories coached: Beginner II, Juvenile, Junior Festival, Pre-Novice … Read More
Carlie Dixon
cdixon83@gmail.com Level of Certification: ISPC Certified, Level 3 Technical Rate: $48/hour Coaching Experience, Skating Background and Additional Training 9 time Canadian National Medalist in Synchronized Skating (at Novice, Junior and Senior) 2002 Junior World Challenge Cup Champion Competed at … Read More
Christine Etkin
c.maccallum@gmail.com Level of Certification: Primary star trained status Coaching Experience, Skating Background and Additional Training: I am the coach of the Beginner II synchronized skating team, and this is my first time coaching here at Skate Oakville. I have been skating … Read More
Christopher Stokes
chris.stokes@rogers.com Level of Certification: NCCP Level 3 Certified, CEP Gold Status, Coaching since 1985, CANSkate University Graduate Rate: Contact for details Coaching Experience, Skating Background and Additional Training Chair, Skate Canada Coaching Development Committee Officials Certification Technical Controller – Singles, … Read More
Synchro FAQ
Does my child need previous skating experience before signing up for Synchro?
Yes, Skaters must be passed Stage 3 of the CanSkate program to participate in our Intro to Synchro Program.
Will Synchro distract from singles skating?
Not at all. Our synchro program is an add on, meaning you are still required to continue with your single skating. Synchro skating focuses on developing edges, power and flow which will enhance your skating skills.
How much singles skating am I required to do?
EDGE 2017-2018 - Session Requirements
Do you have to try out for the Synchro team?
Yes, everyone must attend try outs each year to be on a synchro team. Try outs are in the early spring (usually April/May). Times and locations will be posted early March. If you have missed the try outs for the upcoming season and wish to inquire about any available spots, please contact our Synchro Director: Jennifer O'Brien - jobrien116@ me.com
What do the Synchro fees include?
Fees include ice time, coaching, monitoring sessions, simulations, competitions entries and wardrobe. Any additional fees such as travel will be the responsibility of the skater.
What is the withdrawal deadline for the Synchro session?
The refund and withdrawal deadline is September 1st. Withdrawals prior to September 1st may be eligible for minor refunds depending on the time of year, the team, and how much planning has already been done for the season. The deposit is non refundable at any time for any reason.
What if I have to miss a practice?
You must inform your coach if you will be missing a practice. Due to limited practice time, it is highly recommended that all skaters strive for 100% attendance.