Observations of an Anxious
Armchair Curler
And the joys of watching other
athletes play their game
Wayne Gretzky; National Post
It’s hard to believe how worked up I can get over it.
I’m right on the edge of my seat.
I get nervous. I start sweating.
I’m watching curling.
Some people will laugh, but a lot more won’t. Curling’s much more of a sport than most people realize. The thinking required, and the strategy, absolutely capture me. You’d be surprised how many National Hockey League players can be found sitting in their hotel rooms in the middle of winter watching a bonspiel somewhere. Personally, I’ve been hooked on the game since I played for the Edmonton Oilers and curling was such a huge deal out West.
The thing is, I like to watch sports. I’m just a fan now. I don’t watch a hockey game thinking about what it means to my team if that team wins. I’m just watching and loving it. As a matter of fact, since I retired, I’ve been watching more sports than ever.
The best example I ever saw of the two experiences building bridges was at the Winter Olympics. I suspect maybe we hockey players kind of surprised the other athletes a bit. Hockey players make so much money and stay in the best hotels, but you know, the hockey players were absolutely thrilled to be staying in the Olympic Village. It was like being kids again — off to a tournament and being billeted.
I like to think some of those other athletes got to know a completely different side of hockey players. We’re pretty friendly, and we got along wonderfully with everyone else, whether they were skiers or snowboarders or speed skaters.
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Curling is one of the most popular sports in Canada – and for good reason! Curling is a game of intriguing strategy that can be played by people of all ages. It’s a great way to meet new people and stay active, especially during the winter-time months!
You don’t need any previous curling experience to curl. If you are new to curling, we recommend that you attend one of our ‘Learn-to-Curl’ clinics or else ask us about receiving some quick instruction.
Don’t know anything about curling? Watch the animated, 2 minute introduction to the sport of curling. Check it out!
What to Wear and Bring to Curling:
Clothing: Although special curling clothing is available, it is not necessary; simply wear warm and comfortable & stretchy clothing (it’s a good idea to layer so that you can adjust as needed). Most curlers also wear gloves to keep their hands warm, and to protect their hands while sweeping.
Footwear: Please bring a pair of clean indoor shoes (e.g., sneakers) for use on the ice. Outdoor footwear will not be permitted on the ice surface. Brooms, sliders, delivery aids and delivery sticks are available to borrow.
General Points of Curling Etiquette:
Nobody wants to look and act out of place! Here is a short list of General Points of Curling Etiquette that will prove useful when going to curl.
Basic Curling Terms:
New curlers can sometimes get intimidated by all the (odd) terminology that experienced curlers use. Click here for an animated tutorial on basic curling terms. Now you can play with the pros (or at least sound like it…).
Curling Leagues:
If you are interested in joining a curling league please contact us with any questions you might have. We offer a wide variety of beginner, social, and competitive leagues for curlers of all ages and skill levels. Most leagues begin in early-October and run until the end of March. We have 1/2 season rates for snowbirds. If you don’t have a team, no problem! Contact the office and we will set you up on a team.
If you are looking to get on a team fill out the information on this page, and we will be in touch.. https://vernoncurling.ca/looking-team/
