Frequently Asked Questions

 

General Questions

1) How do I create an account on Uplifter?

*Note: These instructions are for registering with a computer.  It may look different on a mobile device.

• • Go to our website: https://winklerskatingclub.uplifterinc.com/
  • Click on “Login” (top right-hand corner)
  • Click on “First Time Registering”
  • Fill in all the Required Information. Note the “Member Name” should be the adult who is filling out the information and click “Save”
  • “Add Account Address” should pop up. Please fill in all the required fields.
  • Now you will be brought back to the Home Page. At the top right-hand side there will be a drop down menu with your name.  Click on this and select “My Account”
  • To add participants (people who want to register for skating), click on “Participants”
  • Scroll down and click on “New Participant”
  • If you (the adult) are wanting to register in programs check off “I would like to register myself into programs”
  • If you are wanting to register others (eg. Your children) into programs, fill in the corresponding information.  Please include your Skate Canada number if you already have one.
  • Once you have completed all these steps the club will be able to invoice you for things such as Skate Canada membership and you will also be able to register any participants for our programs.

2) How do I find my child's Skate Canada number?

*Note: These instructions are for a computer.  It may look different on a mobile device. For returning members only!

• • Go to our website:  https://winklerskatingclub.uplifterinc.com/
  • Then log in to your account where it says “Login” (top right)
  • Your name will now show up on the top right.  Click on the drop down menu and click on “My account”
  • Click on “Participants”.  The Skate Canada numbers are listed there.

 

Equipment Questions

1) How do I tell if a skate fits properly? 

• • Unlace the boot very loosely and pull the tongue forward as far as the laces go.
  • While seated, insert the foot. Slide it all the way forward, being sure to keep toes flat.
  • Check to see if you can insert your index finger behind the heel. Ideally, it’s a tight squeeze -- only half a finger width is recommended. If you can get a full finger in, the boot is too long. If you can’t fit it in at all, the boot may be too small.
  • Now kick the heel to the very back of the boot. Curl the tongue in around the foot and ankle and do up the laces firmly, but not too tightly. If there is extra lace, do NOT wrap it around the ankle. You can go back down and run it up the hooks of the skate one more time, and/or double knot it at the top.
  • Take a walk in the skates. Heels of both feet should NOT lift at all, and should be snugly in the skate. This is the most vital of fitting steps!!!! The heel should always stay snugly in the heel cup of the skate.
  • The skater should be able to stand up completely straight, without any leaning in or out around the ankle area. If the ankles are buckling while standing, the skates do NOT have enough support.
  • If the skater can walk comfortably, supported through the ankle area, with the heels snugly in the heel cups and no toes touching the fronts of the skates, you have found a good fit!!!

 

CanSkate Questions

1. What equipment is needed for CanSkate?

You must provide your own equipment: sharpened skates, CSA approved helmet (no bike helmets), and skate guards.  It is a good idea for your child to wear warm clothes and mittens.

2) My child is older.  Is it too late for them to learn how to skate?  Will they be the only older skater on the ice?

It is never too late to learn how to skate!  In our CanSkate sessions, we welcome skaters from 4-18 years old.  That being said, usually the range in ages is closer to 4-12 years.  However, with more newcomers moving to the area, we have seen an increase in 11-13 year olds (or older) enrolling.  It is impossible for us to know how many "older" skaters will register in our CanSkate programs.  All ages and abilities will be on the ice during CanSkate, so if your child is really going to be bothered that there are young skaters on the ice, this might not be the best fit for them.  We typically group the skaters initially by age, so older skaters would not be placed with the really little ones.  Older skaters also tend to pick up on skills more quickly.   Once the head coach has had some time to assess all the skaters, they may be moved to different groups based on skill level.  In some cases, CanSkaters are invited to join our StarSkate (figure skating) program part way into the season.  This depends on if there is room in the program as well as some other factors and is ultimately at the coach's discretion.  

 

Star Skate (Figure Skating) Questions

1. My child wants to figure skate.  Can we skip CanSkate and go straight into figure skating?

All skaters in the StarSkate program must have passed CanSkate Stage 6 or equivalent. Many of the fundamental figure skating skills are taught in CanSkate and involve more than just being able to skate.  You must be invited into the StarSkate program by our Head Coach.  Some skaters in CanSkate progress quickly though the CanSkate levels and are invited to join StarSkate mid-way through the year as long as space allows.

 

Fundraising Questions

1. What are the fundraising requirements?

Please go to the "Policies" section on our website and click on "Fundraising Requirements" tab.

 

2. I applied for funding assistance (JumpStart, KidSport etc.).  Can I use this to pay the "buyout"?

No, unfortunately, these programs do not allow you to use their funds for "buyout" purposes.  Funding assistance can only go towards registration fees and in some cases, equipment fees.