Curling - An Awesome Canadian Sport
Canada is a dominant curling nation. Olympic gold and silver medals were won by our men’s and ladies’ teams respectively on home soil last February. The Canadian men currently sit atop the World Curling Federation standings and our women are second. There are approximately 1000 Canadian Curling Association member clubs across the nation and yet in a winter sport dominated town I found too few people with much knowledge or interest in such a great Canadian sport.
Prior to heading to the 2010 games my friend and I only had our coveted ticket to watch Emily Brydon’s Super G race. The main purpose of our trip was to cheer on our speed queen but we wanted to check out some other action. Having grown up in a curling family, I tried numerous times to convince her we should get tickets for curling. They were reasonably priced and most importantly still available. She wasn’t sold on the idea of heading to the curling rink at 9am to watch China vs. Sweden, even when I told her curling rinks were notorious for their beer gardens. We instead settled on ladies ski cross, which I guess in hindsight was a pretty good choice (we were there for Ashleigh McIvor’s GOLD!) I think however if you asked her now she would probably admit she may have missed out on something special at the curling rink. Good looking Norwegian men in tight diamond print pants, young Swedish blondes, and rowdy Canadians fresh from the beer gardens singing “Oh Canada” in the middle of a game had everyone talking. People were starting to take an interest in curling. By the time the Canadian men won our 13th gold medal on the eve prior to the closing ceremonies, Canadians knew curling wasn’t just a bunch of people screaming, “Hurrrrrrray haaard!”
Although I grew up as part of a curling family, I myself hadn’t played the game much. I always watched the Tim Horton’s Brier (Canadian Men’s Curling Championships) and the Scotties Tournament of Hearts (Canadian Women’s Curling Championships) and pretty much any other random curling bonspiel (remember I am a self proclaimed sports nerd). So when I heard that there was a six week curling night for ladies at the Fernie curling club I thought, what a great opportunity to get out and actually play.
On Monday nights a group of fun Fernie locals ranging in age and abilities met for half an hour of instruction followed by 4 end games. (Curling games normally consist of 10 ends but for us newbies 4 was plenty.) We learned strategy, sweeping techniques, stone delivery and most of all how to laugh at ourselves. Watching some pretty accomplished skiers and bikers sliding on their butts rather ungracefully or tripping over their brooms provided excellent humor. There was definite improvement over the weeks and a new found respect for curlers in general. It is hard work! It requires athleticism as well as mental strength and strategy. Good thing most curling rinks are equipped with lounges that offer beverages and snacks. After every session we would have a beer or plastic glass of wine over a bag of micro-waved pop corn and banter about our take outs, and hits and rolls. Our instructor even brought us door prizes and had 50/50 draws. One week one of the girls won $25! A great workout, giggles with the girls and the chance to win more beer/wine money - now that truly is an awesome Canadian sport.
Come check out our curling club in Fernie, 961 6th Ave (next to the arena). Tuesday drop in nights are up and running. Come by between 7 and 10pm either by yourself or with a group. Drop in fee is $10 which includes instruction and equipment. Please bring an extra pair of clean shoes for wearing on the ice.
Also upcoming is a 6 week series for beginners starting January 10. Open to men and women. Drop by on a Tuesday night to leave your name and number for registration or email Kevin Giffin at kevingiffin@hotmail.com.
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