- Is there instruction available?
- What equipment do I need to curl?
- How cold is it on the curling rink?
- How long are the games?
- How am I assigned to a team?
- What if I join a team and cannot make a game?
- What is a bonspiel?
- Is there much socializing with curling?
- What is Open Doubles and how do you play it?
Is there instruction available?
** NEW** Learn-to-Curl & Saturday ROOKIE League
- New to curling? This is the program for you!
- Learn the basics of curling with an 8-week training program followed by league play for the rest of the season.
- Designed for 24 players, the Saturday Rookie League offers a combination of instruction and league play throughout the season for individuals who:
• are new to curling, or
• have not curled for some time and want to refresh their skills, or
• have 2 years or less of curling experience - CLICK HERE for more information
"Curl BETTER"
Elevate your game with the Curl BETTER comprehensive 10-week instructional program. This program is tailored for experienced league players who are enthusiastic about trying new positions like second, vice, or skip; and are dedicated to becoming more competitive in curling.
Led by experienced instructors, both on and off the ice, this program offers a range of training and game formats to pinpoint areas where individual tips on delivery, weight control, line of delivery, reading the ice, team dynamics, attitude, and communication are needed. Players will have the opportunity to expand their skills by playing positions moving up in the order. Structured games and training sessions provide the perfect platform for learning and growth, with ample time for insightful discussions and one-on-one coaching. To foster personal development, each player will be challenged to set and achieve a personal goal with the guidance and support of our instructors.
Instructional Programs for our Younger Curlers:
- Junior Program (ages 12-20 years)
- Little Rocks Program (ages 6-11 years)
What equipment do I need to curl?
- Clean flat soled shoes that you do not wear outside.
- Curling broom. The Pro Shop offers a variety of brooms. Look for seasonal sales at the beginning of the season.
- Warm clothing that does not shed fibres. Layers are ideal in case you get too hot.
- Gloves and hat (optional).
- Slider and Gripper. All curlers must have their own slider and grippers. Our Pro Shop has grippers and sliders to fit all sizes.
For those taking Learn-to-Curl only, we provide brooms, grippers and sliders for the clinic.
How cold is it on the curling rink?
Most people curl in a light jacket or a heavy sweater. The air temperature is around
How long are the games?
Most games are scheduled to last 2 hours (considered an 8-end game). Doubles games and the Friday Night League games (which are 6-end games) are scheduled for 1½ hours. A Time Clock indicates when the time is up and players must leave the ice.
How am I assigned to a team?
At the beginning of the season leagues are formed.
For the Recreational Leagues, the League Convenor makes up teams from those registered. Part way through the season, teams change and you will be assigned to a new team. As best we can, teams are made up of both experienced and new curlers.
For the Choose Your Own Leagues, participatnts register as a team.
Individuals and pairs looking to join a "Choose Your Own" team sign up as "Free Agents" and may be selected by skips who need players.
What if I join a team and cannot make a game?
Each league has a list of spares that can fill in for you. It is your responsibility to try to find a spare and to notify your skip that you will not be able to make the game and the name of the person sparing for you if you were successful in finding someone.
What is a bonspiel?
A bonspiel is a form of tournament. Bonspiels are held both during the week and on weekends. Anyone who wishes to curl in a bonspiel has the opportunity to sign up in advance when it is announced. Bonspiels are held at our club and at other clubs around the area. An entry fee is charged for participation.
Is there much socializing with curling?
One of the many reasons people curl is for the social component. You will get the opportunity to meet many people who live and work in the St. Catharines-Niagara area. Socializing takes place on the ice and after the game.
Open Doubles
CLICK HERE for information on what the game is and how to play it. While this article is about "Mixed" Doubles - "Open" Doubles is essentially the same with the exception that there can be any combination of men and women on a team.
