Much in the same way that we look forward to the change of season – we look forward to the change in our sports. So why not hang up your cleats, bats and racquets and get out your brush, sliders, and stones. This is a game that will sweep you off your feet. Many Canadians love to curl so let’s see what it has to offer.

This article will introduce you to the game of curling – explains the basics, the players, the equipment, why you should try and will point you in the direction of a club in your community. 

 

Learn more about curling with SWSCD

Curling know-how to get you in the house

Curling lingo: a primer to get you sweeping in no time

People in glass houses can throw these stones – and other tips for high performance curlers

 

The basics of curling

So what do you need to know about curling? Here it is in a nutshell:

 

 

The game is played on a sheet of ice with multiple games played at one time. There are targets at both ends of the ice that look like a bull’s-eye. These targets are called the house.

Each team is made up of four players - a Lead, a Second, a Third and a Skip (see the description of each position below).

One game consists of ten ends – similar to innings in a baseball game. One end is complete when each team – alternating turns – has had the opportunity to throw eight rocks each towards the targets.

The object of the game is to have more rocks closest to the button (the red dot in the centre of the target) than the competition.

The scores are tallied after each end – when each team has thrown eight rocks. Points are based on the final landing position of the rocks in the house. Only one team can score in each end. The team earns one point for every rock that is closer to the button in the centre of the house than the other team.

After ten ends, the team with the most points wins.

 

Who is who and what do they do

 

 

The team, also referred to as the rink, is made up of four players as mentioned earlier – a Lead, a Second, a Third and a Skip. Each player has the opportunity to throw two of the eight rocks that are thrown in each round. The strategy behind each position goes something like this:

The Lead throws the first two rocks in the end. After that, their job is to sweep. Leads are expected to be good at throwing guards (rocks that protect other rocks from being knocked out) and be good at sweeping.

The Second throws the third and fourth rocks in the end. They are expected to be good at playing takeouts (rocks that hit other rocks and take them out of play). They sweep the first two and last four rocks. They must be in sync with the Lead when sweeping.

The Third (also known as the Mate or Vice) throws the fifth and sixth rocks of the ends. They are expected to be good at all shots but particularly on the draws (rocks that land in play without hitting another rock). An important role for the Third is to set up the shots to be thrown by the Skip and to help discuss strategy with the Skip. The Third will post the score at the end of the round.

The Skip is the captain of the team and leads the strategy discussions – similar to the quarterback of a football team. The Skip tells the other players where to position their rocks and when to sweep. The Skip completes the final two stones of the round and must be good at all types of shots.

 

Equipment 

There isn’t a lot of equipment required for curling which does make it an appealing sport to try. Some of it is for function and some is required for comfort. For example – a good pair of pants will keep you warm and make the game more enjoyable to play. A good pair of shoes can improve your delivery of the rocks, which will also make the game more enjoyable. The pieces you need to consider if you’re giving curling a try:

 

Shoes

The footwear requirements for curling are different for both feet – one shoe is a slider and one is a gripper – and the pair you go with can have a significant impact on the delivery of your rocks. 

The slider requires the entire sole – toe to heel – to be covered in a low-friction material. There are many materials used for the slider but Teflon plastic is a popular option.

The thickness of the slider will change the amount of slipperiness. Typically sliders range between 1/32” to 1/4” in thickness – the thicker the slider, the faster and more slippery it is. Beginners should look for a less slippery slider – so one not as thick –or 3/32” thick.

Another feature to consider is the flatness of the slider. A totally flat slider may make you feel less stable so look for styles that have round portions under the ball of your foot and heel.

The slider should only be worn on the ice and needs proper protection when not on the ice. Protectors are available in slip-on form. One such protector comes in a gripper style which can double for the gripper shoe.

The gripper shoe – also called the drag or trailing shoe – will be made from a material that grips the ice to help you maintain your balance. Common gripper soles are made of a pebbled type of rubber or a soft rubber that will not wear out.

 

 

Broom or brush

This is the implement that players use to make the rocks travel farther and curl less. Most curlers now use a brush in place of the broom. Most brushes are made from hog hair, horse hair or synthetic material. The hog hair brushes tend to be more durable and do cost a bit more. Handle types can vary as attempt to improve the sweeping capability of the broom.

 

Pants and jackets

Crazy pants may come to mind when you think of curling apparel. The more competitive teams typically wear matching pants and jackets – or training suits – but the recreational curler should be checking out pants that are comfortable, flexible and provide a bit of warmth. Jackets or sweaters should have the same considerations. So if you’re team is looking for a bit of fun, go for the crazy Team Norway look and make a fashion statement.

 

Gloves

The gloves you choose to wear are for function and to keep warm as well. Curlers use gloves for warmth and protection when sweeping. You want the glove to fit snugly so as not to interfere with the delivery of the stone. Gloves are typically made from deerskin or calfskin.

 

Rocks

 

 

Sometimes referred to as stones, curling rocks are provided by the club. They are made from granite and are required to weigh between 38 and 44 lbs. with a circumference of 36 inches and a minimum height of 4.5 inches. There is a handle on top that allows the rock to be gripped and rotated upon release.

Given the size and weight of these rocks, it’s a good thing you don’t have to lug your two stones back and forth from the rink!

 

Make curling your winter passion

According to Curling Canada, there are 1.5 million + curlers in our country. If you’re not one of those in the know, find out why this should be your new favourite sport.

 

Social game

 

 

There is a huge social aspect to curling. It’s a team sport that is played on a pad of ice with multiple games going on at one time. Teams often socialize before and after the game – in fact, it’s customary for teams to meet after the game over some adult beverages to discuss the finer points of the game.

You will find like-minded individuals at your local club. Many offer different types of leagues you can join based on your interest level. There are ladies leagues, mixed leagues, seniors leagues, and youth leagues. There are competitive leagues and recreational leagues. There is something for everyone.

 

Fairly low-cost sport

As far as winter sports go, curling is a relatively inexpensive one. The equipment requirements for curling will not put a huge dent in your wallet. You can find what you need pretty economically – a decent pair of shoes, warm pants, a jacket and a brush.

The cost of memberships or participating at clubs is fairly reasonable as well. Clubs offer memberships or participation fees that can suit many different budgets. You can pay a membership fee and curl unlimitedly or you can pay for a specific number of games per season. Learn-to-play programs are offered at reasonable rates as well as clubs are interested in expanding their membership.

 

Exercise

Yes…there are health benefits to throwing rocks and sweeping. Remember that stone is 44lbs and that’s going to be a good workout. And the best part is that you don’t have to be in any particular physical shape to take part. There are people from all walks of life and all physical abilities – there is even curling for wheelchair participants.

 

Strategy

It’s a game of strategy that is not only a physical workout but a mental one as well. Some call curling the game of chess on ice. There are a number of forces at work – the human power required to throw the stone, the sweeping and curling, the condition of the ice – so many things can go wrong and no two games are the same. A game that will keep you coming back for more.

 

 

A Canadian passion

Why do we love this game so much? There’s a lot of natural appeal to this sport. First of all – it’s on ice. It doesn’t get much more quintessentially Canadian than that. It’s a game that many love to watch as well as play. Players are typically miked for televised curling events so the audience is privy to the strategy discussions of the players. There’s an intimate feeling to watching the game that draws many people in – a feeling you don’t get from other sports. After watching and learning, fans become players – just like that.

 

Curling – a game for everyone

People of all ages, athletic abilities and backgrounds come together at the rink. It’s never too late to start and you can pick up the skills easily in no time at all. It’s a sport that doesn’t discriminate and the learning curve is pretty quick. You can pick up the skills you need and start making shots you never thought you could in no time at all.

Curling Canada has a great Getting Started in Curling – Adults curling club program that has been designed to help curling clubs across the country introduce adults to the game.

Check out the following resources for Wheelchair Curling.

If you’ve got children that are interested, check out the Curling Canada youth programs as well. It’s a great way to get them interested in a team sport and developing a healthy, active lifestyle at a young age.

 

Curling in your community

For more information on curling in your community, check out your provincial associations at:

 

Province	Curling Association
British Columbia	Curl BC
Alberta	Alberta Curling Federation
Manitoba	Curl Manitoba
Ontario	Curl ON
Quebec	Curling Quebec
New Brunswick	New Brunswick Curling Association
Nova Scotia	Nova Scotia Curling Association
Prince Edward Island	PEI Curling
Newfoundland and Labrador	Newfoundland and Labrador Curling Association
Yellowknife	Yellowknife Curling Centre
Northwest Territories	NWT Curling Association
Nunavut	Nunavut Curling Association

 

Curling Canada can help you find a curling centre and learn-to-play program in your home community.

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Find Curling Canada in our Athlete Advisor, your online business directory for more information on curling in your community. Find, rate and review curling clubs, local community offerings and businesses that will help you do your thing.

Need a place to coordinate and connect with your own curling team? Find a bonspiel or put together a team in our SWSCD Hub.

Look for advice, stories and news on our Curling activity page.

Do you have a good resource on the basics of curling or a story about how curling became a winter passion for you? Tell us about your experience directly on our Discover blog or by using #seewhatshecando in your social media posts.