- 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?
Rookie League Program
Unlock your potential in curling with our 8-week Training Program followed by League play with continued Coaching until the end of the season, tailored for 24 enthusiastic players.
This program is perfect for you if you're:
- completely new
- looking to refresh your skills after a break, or
- have two years or less of experience
CLICK HERE for more information
"Curl BETTER" Clinic
Elevate your game with the Curl BETTER comprehensive 8-week instructional clinic. This Clinic 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 clinic 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.
CLICK HERE for more information
**NEW On-Ice Advanced Training Opportunity!
Join our exciting 12-week Rookie League Program in January. This program is open to all members who want to advance their curling skills, whether you are looking to step into leadership roles or enhance your abilities in your current Vice and/or Skip position.
You will be playing with the graduates of the Learn-to-Curl section of our Rookie League program. We’ll dive into essential strategies, ice-reading techniques and shot-making skills that will set you apart on the rink. Coaches will be on-ice each week for individual training and support.
CLICK HERE for more information
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 (if you do not have curling shoes).
- 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 head protection (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 the Saturday Rookie League Program only, we provide brooms, grippers and sliders for the 8 week clinic section after which curlers must provide their own equipment.
How cold is it on the curling rink?
Most people curl in a light jacket or a heavy sweater. The air temperature is typically maintained around 10°C (50°F).
How long are the games?
Most games are scheduled to last 2 hours (considered an 8-end game). Friday Night League games (which are 6-end games) and Doubles 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 Team Leagues, participatnts register as a team of 4. Fifth and sixth players may be added later if the team wishes.
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 or may find other players to contact in order to form a team of their own.
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 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.
