House Call
I managed to embarrass myself in front of a group of novice curlers on Saturday. Instead of pushing it aside and hoping the incident is forgotten I’ve decided to share it with the nation!
Happy New Year! Here’s wishing you 365 more days of peace, love, and as much curling as possible!
Curling is a gentlepersons sport. Sometimes it’s hard to remember it’s not just the other team you need to be courteous to. Here are a few things to remember and practice in the New Year
We’re coming up on my favourite/least favourite time of year. It’s almost time for The Season of Champions… you know, when the Scotties, the Brier, The Canadian Juniors, etc. flood your TV screens
So you’re almost halfway through the season, you can absolutely call yourself a curler! Now curling needs a little help from you.
It’s your turn to throw and in your mind you’re begging the skip not to call it. “Give me a draw, give me a freeze, give me anything else,” you chant internally.
‘Tis the season of the Turkey Shoot (or skills competition for those sensitive to the fate of fowl). Many clubs will offer an evening or afternoon social where curlers can come together for some good old fashioned fun.
Have you ever wondered about the guy at your curling club (there’s usually at least one at every club) who practices more than any other recreational player you know but still isn’t very good?
All curlers should do their best to get out and practice as often as possible. I understand it can be difficult to find the time but if you can squeeze it in the effects over can be invaluable.
Beginner or not, one of the best parts of curling is playing in bonspiels. This is where you get to meet other teams, play at different clubs, and sometimes even travel.
I often get questions from beginners about stopwatches and how to use them. The truth is, while stopwatches can be a valuable tool, they are one best left alone when you’re starting out in curling.
Effective brushing is often overlooked by curlers. This is unfortunate because good brushing can be the difference between a great shot and a missed shot.
The courtesies of the past are not necessarily the courtesies of today. There is one particular past courtesy that needs to be quashed.
The longer you curl the more concerned you’ll be about hitting the broom. As in, “I would have totally made that shot if I hadn’t been a mile wide of the broom!” or “I couldn’t hit the broom tonight to save my life!”
Curling is not a dangerous sport but serious injuries can occur if you’re not careful. The beginning of the season is when the majority of injuries happen. Ice is very hard and very slippery. It is easy to forget this as we get more comfortable.
True Sport Movement
