A friend told me about a very well-hidden secret that’s just four blocks away from my house in suburban Cleveland – a curling rink. Yup, an honest-to-goodness three sheet rink, the American and Canadian flag displayed proudly at one end. They had an open house for beginners this afternoon, so I dragged my klutzy American butt down there to learn a bit more about what I’ve seen from a distance on Canadian television in my youth.
Two hours later, after learning about hacks, hog lines, center lines,tee lines, ends, guards, and attempting to go from zero to a passable release, I was playing a game; throwing one perfect rock according to the instructor, and sweeping to what at times seemed like the point of exhaustion. Afterwards, it was Labatt Blue for everyone!
I had a blast. They’ve got a beginner’s league every Monday night, and I plan on joining; another thing to get me out of the house and meeting people in this town of long-established residents.
Man, tell us a little about it! I’m curious about the sweeping. Can you guide the stone by sweeping in a certain motion in front of the stone? I think I remember that being the theory, just wondered how much effort it takes to generate some degree of result. I’d just like to hear a firsthand account of the nuances of the sport.
The sweeping really isn’t to control the direction of the rock, but rather the speed. Only the best curlers can consistently direct a rock to a certain point without the help of sweepers, but for that to happen they wouldneed to be very familiar with the ice.
The intent of sweeping is to melt the very top of the ice, so you can make a slow rock go faster and straighter. Sweepers only sweep , but rather are directed to do so by the skip, a member of your team that stands near the target area, or house. f you touch the rock with your broom, it’s burnt, or out of play.
The brooms aren’t really traditional brooms, but rather are fabric-covered pads mounted at the end of a stick.
Yes, and it’s fun. Haven’t done it in quite some time, however. One of my old high school friend’s brother is on a team that eventually lost to the U.S. Olympic team while trying to make the Olympics. I’m still hoping to see him there, someday.
The (A?) seattle area curling rink had “learn to curl” classes a few februarys ago - and so I learned how to curl.
Sadly, if I was sweeping on the wrong side of the stone, I always forgot which foot was slippery and which was not, so I’d try to slide on the unslippery foot and fall. Always in the same way, in the same spot on my knee.
I had an actual curling injury. There’s nothing like having to explain that you’re limping because you hurt yourself curling.
I live not too far from a CC with its own active curling club. A surprising number of people in my building belong, ranging in age from 40s to 80s. I don’t know whether they took it up after moving here, or moved here because there was a sheet nearby.