Experience the fun of curling!
Whether you’re an aspiring curler or just want to try out the sport that left you mesmerized during the Winter Olympics, join us for a 2-hour “Experience Curling” event where you’ll learn all the basics to start playing the exciting sport of curling!
When you come to an “Experience Curling” event, our friendly club members and instructors will show you all the basics and help you safely try curling for the first time. (And you’ll probably not want it to be your last!)
Upcoming “Experience Curling” Events
Our instructors will guide you through the basics of curling, teaching you the techniques and rules of the game. You’ll have the chance to sweep, slide, and throw stones down the ice, experiencing the thrill of this Olympic sport firsthand with instruction and then the fun of scrimmage play!
Don’t worry if you’ve never curled before! Grab your friends, family, or colleagues and come enjoy the laughter, friendly competition, and camaraderie of curling.
All equipment is provided. Please dress in warm athletic clothing and wear clean athletic shoes with good tread.
October 11, 2025
$30.00
6:30-8:30pm
LECOM Sports Park
Registration is closed.
Thanks to everyone who attended!
November 29, 2025
$30.00
6:30-8:30pm
LECOM Sports Park
…and watch for more “Experience Curling” events later in the season!
Curling 101
Two Minute Guide to the Sport of Curling
The Objective
The objective is to accumulate the highest score by positioning your stones closer to the center of the house, known as the “button,” than your opponent’s stones. Each game, or “match,” consists of a series of rounds called “ends” (we play six; the pros typically play ten) where teams alternate turns delivering their stones.
Curling Teams
A curling team consists of four players: the lead, second, vice-skip (or third), and skip. The lead delivers the first two stones, followed by the second, the vice-skip, and finally the skip, who also serves as the team’s strategist. Each player takes turns delivering stones while their teammates assist by sweeping the ice in front of the stone.
Strategy
The strategy in curling is similar to that of chess on ice. Teams aim to place their stones in favorable positions, block their opponent’s stones, or knock them out of the house in a move known as a “takeout.” A key aspect of the game is the “curl,” or the curved path that the stone follows as it travels down the ice. Skilled curlers can control the amount of curl by adjusting the stone’s rotation upon release and by sweeping, which adds a layer of complexity to the strategy.
Scoring
Scoring in curling occurs at the conclusion of each end. Only one team can score in an end, earning one point for each of their stones that is closer to the button than the nearest stone of the opposing team. A game can be won by accumulating the most points over the course of the ends, and in the case of a tie, an extra end is played to determine the winner.
The Spirit of Curling
Curling is known for its emphasis on sportsmanship, often referred to as “the spirit of curling.” Players are expected to be honest, courteous, and respectful towards their opponents, self-policing their actions and adhering to the unwritten code of conduct that defines the sport. This emphasis on fair play, combined with the game’s strategic depth and unique physical demands, makes curling a distinctive and compelling sport enjoyed by players and fans around the world.
Learn more – on the ice!
Want to learn more or try curling for yourself?
Join us for an “Experience Curling” event! Check our upcoming schedule and reserve your spot!
The Spirit of Curling
The Spirit of Curling is a commonly used term in the sport. It refers to the respect curlers show, not only to one another, but also to the sport itself.
Curling is a game of skill and of tradition. A shot well executed is a delight to see and it is also a fine thing to observe the time-honored traditions of curling being applied in the true spirit of the game. Curlers play to win, but never to humble their opponents. A true curler never attempts to distract opponents, nor to prevent them from playing their best, and would prefer to lose rather than to win unfairly.
Curlers never knowingly break a rule of the game, nor disrespect any of its traditions. Should they become aware that this has been done inadvertently, they will be the first to divulge the breach.
While the main object of the game of curling is to determine the relative skill of the players, The Spirit of Curling demands good sportsmanship, kindly feeling and honorable conduct.
This spirit should influence both the interpretation and the application of the rules of the game and also the conduct of all participants on and off the ice.
History of Curling
Curling, often referred to as “the roaring game” due to the sound of the stones traveling across the ice, has a rich and storied history that dates back several centuries. The sport is believed to have originated in Scotland during the early 16th century, with the earliest known references found in paintings and written records from this period. One of the most famous early depictions is a 1565 painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, which shows a group of people curling on a frozen river in the Netherlands, illustrating how the game spread throughout Europe. The first recorded game took place in Scotland in 1541, and the earliest stones were simple river stones, naturally smoothed and shaped by water, with no handles as seen in modern curling stones.
As curling grew in popularity, particularly in Scotland, it began to evolve into a more structured and organized sport. The first curling clubs were established in the 18th century, with the Kilsyth Curling Club, founded in 1716, being recognized as the oldest in the world. During this period, curling also made its way to North America, brought over by Scottish immigrants. It quickly took root in Canada, where the cold climate provided ideal conditions for outdoor curling on frozen lakes and rivers. By the early 19th century, Canada had become a hub for curling, with clubs forming in Quebec, Ontario, and other provinces.
The development of standardized rules and equipment was a significant milestone in curling’s history. In 1838, the Grand Caledonian Curling Club, now known as the Royal Caledonian Curling Club (RCCC), was formed in Edinburgh, Scotland, and it became the governing body for the sport. The RCCC established the first official rules of curling, which included guidelines on the size and shape of stones and the dimensions of the playing area. The introduction of handles on stones and the use of brooms to sweep the ice further refined the game, making it more strategic and skill-based. These innovations helped transition curling from a casual pastime to a competitive sport with international appeal.
Curling’s popularity continued to rise throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, leading to the establishment of numerous national and international competitions. The first official world curling championship, known as the Scotch Cup, took place in 1959, pitting teams from Scotland and Canada against each other. This event eventually evolved into the World Curling Championships, which now features teams from around the globe. Curling was introduced as an Olympic demonstration sport in 1924 and officially included in the Winter Olympics in 1998, further cementing its status as a global sport.
Today, curling enjoys a dedicated following in countries like Canada, Scotland, Sweden, and Switzerland, and it continues to grow in popularity worldwide. Modern curling is characterized by its blend of strategy, precision, and teamwork, with athletes and fans alike drawn to its unique combination of skill and sportsmanship. The sport’s rich heritage, rooted in centuries of tradition, remains a point of pride for the curling community, and its future looks bright as new generations discover the excitement of this timeless game.