What is curling?
Curling is a sport played on ice that originated in Scotland. The traditional version is played with two teams of four players and the mixed doubles version is played with two teams of two. In the traditional version, players from each team alternate sliding 16 stones that each weigh about 42 pounds toward the "house," the target rings on the far end of the playing ice called the "sheet". One player from each team is the "skip" and calls the shots and shouts instructions to the other teammates. Players may use brooms to sweep in front of the rock to help the rock go further or straighter. After all 16 stones have been thrown, the score for that "end" (like an inning in baseball) is calculated by determining which team's rock(s) is(are) closest to the middle of the house. For recreational play, eight end games are common; in Olympic-level competition, the teams play ten ends.
Want to know more? Ask us, read the official rules, or watch the "Two Minute Guide."
Want to know more? Ask us, read the official rules, or watch the "Two Minute Guide."
What equipment do I need? Are there physical restrictions? How long will it be before I am in the Olympics?
Most curling clubs have all the specialized equipment that the beginner curler needs--rocks, brooms, and sliders/grippers for your shoes. RVCC will be no exception. However, if you want to continue curling, you may want to buy your own curling shoes, broom, and other gear (e.g., timer for your broom, bag to hold your broom, stabilizer, etc.). As with most things, these products vary in cost depending on what features you are looking for. Purchasing basic curling shoes and a basic broom can cost as little as $150. Curling clubs always provide rocks, so you don't have to lug those around. All curlers wear warm clothes that don't restrict your movement because you will need to lunge (i.e., jeans are not good). If you don't have curling shoes, you should wear clean soft-soled shoes, such as sneakers. Some folks also wear hats and/or gloves. If you become a member of RVCC, you will also need to pay dues to help cover the overhead, primarily ice time. Dues for RVCC will be set later once we can secure ice time.
Even though you are sliding with a 42 pound rock, you don't have to be very strong to curl. Adults and children of all ages can curl as long as they have enough strength to push the stone. Folks who have knee or back difficulties can often "stick" curl and wheelchair curling is an event in the Paralympics. This is a sport played on ice, so falling is always a possibility. If you have questions about who can curl and how, please email us.
Curling is a lot like golf--you can learn the basics in a few hours and can play recreationally. If you want to get to the Olympics, however, you have to train for many years like any other Olympian.
Even though you are sliding with a 42 pound rock, you don't have to be very strong to curl. Adults and children of all ages can curl as long as they have enough strength to push the stone. Folks who have knee or back difficulties can often "stick" curl and wheelchair curling is an event in the Paralympics. This is a sport played on ice, so falling is always a possibility. If you have questions about who can curl and how, please email us.
Curling is a lot like golf--you can learn the basics in a few hours and can play recreationally. If you want to get to the Olympics, however, you have to train for many years like any other Olympian.
Why should I try curling?
There are many reasons! First and foremost, curling is a social sport. The average curler walks about 2 miles during a game, but after the game both teams socialize over drinks and snacks. Other reasons to try curling include the ability to curl as a family, enjoying the strategy, and traveling to tournaments (called "bonspiels") at other clubs. What is your reason? Let us know.
When did Roanoke get a curling club?
On March 31, 2018, the Roanoke Valley Curling Club (RVCC), in conjunction with the Curling Club of Virginia, brought curling to the Roanoke Valley for the first time! Check out the story in the Roanoke Times.
On March 31, 2018, the Roanoke Valley Curling Club (RVCC), in conjunction with the Curling Club of Virginia, brought curling to the Roanoke Valley for the first time! Check out the story in the Roanoke Times.