Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q:   What times can I play?

 A:  Times for playing vary depending on which league you play in.  There are a variety of leagues and membership options to choose from.
      There are a series of draws that run for 5 weeks with predetermined start dates for each draw.  Dates for each draw can be found on
       the Events Calendar.  For more information leagues, days, and times check out our Leagues page.  Membership options also vary in an
       effort to suit diverse lifestyles.  Membership options can be found on the clubs Fees page

Q:   What equipment do I need to buy?

A:    Nothing, as long as you have a clean pair of sneakers and warm comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. We have grippers, sliders, and brooms that you can use. If you continue with the sport most do prefer to buy their own shoes, broom, curling pants, gloves, etc.   Equipment can be purchased in our pro shop.

Q:    Is instruction available?

A:     Yes.  Our Rookies Rock program is a 6 week ‘Learn to Curl’ program developed by the Ontario Curling Association.  You do not need to be a member to participate so it is also a great way to find out if you want to curl.  Cost for the program is $100 If you choose to join the club following the clinic, the $100 is deducted from your Membership fee. Click here for more information

In addition, we offer "Curl Better" instruction for members throughout the season upon request.  Our Junior and Little Rock programs also provide instruction

Q:    Is curling on ice or plastic?

A:     It is on ice, but not skating ice.  Skating ice is smooth/flat.  Curling ice has tiny bumps caused by a fine spray of water scattered on the ice surface called pebbling.  This reduces friction between the ice and the stone.

Q:    Do I have to know how to ice skate?

A:     Not at all. Curling is played in rubber-soled shoes. Clean sneakers with a decent tread are suitable for curling.

Q:    Can anyone curl?

A:     Yes, curling is a game of strategy. You need to be able to push a 42 lb. stone across the ice. Sweeping is probably the most strenuous, but if you are able to sweep your house, you’re good to go. Ages vary from children to seniors. 

Q:    If I can’t throw a stone from the hack can I still play?

A:     Many who can no longer throw from the hack are having a lot of fun and success using a stick. Stick curling provides challenge and excitement for people of all ages on an equal and competitive basis, and in a social atmosphere.

Q:    Are there special shoes for curling?

A:     Beginner curlers can wear regular flat-soled tennis shoes. More advanced players wear special curling shoes. Curling shoes have dissimilar soles; the slider shoe is designed for the off foot (or sliding foot) and the non-sliding shoe for the hack foot. The slider shoe is designed to slide. It is worn by the thrower during delivery from the hack. The non-sliding shoe, or hack foot shoe, is worn by the thrower on the hack foot during delivery and is designed to grip.

Q:    How Long are games?

A:     A traditional 8-end game can be played in 2 hours.  Doubles is faster and typically runs 1 ½ hours

Q:   How do you keep from falling down on the ice?

A:    Grippers are used on both feet when not delivering from the hack, stick curling and sweeping. Grippers provide stability on the ice.  In addition, we encourage you to keep your broom head on the ice surface to provide additional stability and balance.

Q:     How cold is it on the curling rink.

A:     The temperature is maintained around 32°F or 0°C.  Most people curl in a light jacket or sweater.  Layers work best as you can get warm as the game progresses.

Q:     How do I get assigned to a team

A:     For the Social Leagues, the Drawmaster makes up teams from those registered.  The teams are changed up with each new draw.  One draw lasts 5 weeks. Teams are made up of both experienced and new curlers.

Q:     What if I join a team and cannot make a game?

A:     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.

Q:     What are curling stones made out of and how much do they weigh?

A:     The curling stone is a thick granite stone disc weighing between 40 and 44 pounds with a handle attached to the top. The handle allows the stone to be gripped and rotated upon release; on properly prepared ice, the stone's path will bend (curl) in the direction the front edge of the stone is turning, especially as the stone slows. The handles are colored to identify the stones by team.

Q:     What does sweeping do?

A:     The heat generated by the friction that's created by sweeping the ice directly in front of the stone will make the stone go further and straighter. Remember, all shots are thrown with a rotation that causes them to curve (or curl, which is why it's called "curling") in the direction of the rotation, sweeping will help keep it straighter.

Q:     What is Broomstacking

A:     Broomstacking is an important tradition in curling. Curling is a very social game. At the end of each game, team members from both teams sit together at a table in our cozy warm room and socialize over drinks and/or snacks. We have a fully stocked bar with both alcoholic drinks (for those over 21) and juices and soft drinks for those who prefer something non-alcoholic. Tradition has it that the winning team buys the first round of drinks for the losing team and the losing team reciprocates with the second round.

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