Learn to Curl

	Is curling difficult to learn?
	How can the OCC teach me to curl?
	Is curling expensive?
	Is there any evidence that curling is becoming more widely accepted?
	I can rarely find enough time for even one golf game a week during the season. Will I have the same problem with curling?
	What if I don't have time to curl more than once a week, or maybe twice a week at most?
	Will I be able to find leagues that suit my schedule, interests and abilities?
	How am I going to find 3 other people to curl with?
	Do teams have to schedule their own games with other teams?
	Don't curlers get cold in a 2-hour game?
	Does the OCC have any no-smoking policies?
	Can I try curling at the OCC on a trial basis?
	Can I curl as a guest?
	Where is the OCC located?

Is curling difficult to learn?

Like golf, the basics of curling can be learned fairly quickly, but perfecting them will not happen overnight. When Ian Brown, who is host of CBC Radio's Sunday Morning, tried curling for the first time, he noted that "the difficulty of curling lies in the fact that you have to do about 40 things exactly right, all at the same time." Because the basics "take five minutes to learn, and 400 years to perfect," he concluded that "curling is impossible, it's the hardest game I've ever played."

On the other hand, Mr. Brown also discovered "the secret appeal" of curling: "The thing that gets you is the pauses. You have to wait. It's not what happens, but what's about to, what each curler is going to try next, and what the rock will do next." Because curling is about "wait and see," and "forces you to be modest," he concluded that curling is "the impossible sport of the brave, and the patient."

The Canadian Curling Association has a section of their website devoted to Learning & Playing the game.

Curling instruction at the beginning of the season consists of a instruction clinic (with accredited instructors and no obligation to join).

Hardly. For example, as shown in our membership page, a Mixed League membership at the OCC is just $292 (including GST), which gets you 20 games plus a shot at league prizes, and a full membership with unlimited playing privileges is only $502 (again with tax included). When you add in the social and other perquisites of membership, you realize what great value-for-money curling provides, especially compared with many other sports and recreational activities.

Is there any evidence that curling is becoming more widely accepted?

Definitely. Increased TV coverage of events such as the Brier and the TSN Skins Game have helped improve public awareness and interest in curling, as has attainment of full Olympic status. Demographic trends are also working in curling's favour. Canada's "baby boomers", who account for 1/3 of the population, now range in age from 30 to 50, with the biggest single bulge being 35 year-olds. Studies have shown that participation rates in curling increase with age, and the highest participation rate is for 35 to 50 year-olds.

I can rarely find enough time for even one golf game a week during the season. Will I have the same problem with curling?

Curling is not as time-consuming as golf. Curling games at the Club level are 8 ends, and usually last only 2 hours. Weeknight draw times at the OCC are basically 6:30 and 8:45 p.m., which generally allows members to put in a full day away from the Club, eat, and then curl.  

What if I don't have time to curl more than once a week, or maybe twice a week at most?

The OCC has a very flexible membership structure. Members can choose to pay a "base" membership fee plus a fee for each league that they curl in. There is also the option of a full-playing membership, which offers unlimited curling privileges. 

Will I be able to find leagues that suit my schedule, interests and abilities?

The Ottawa offers curling for everyone from beginner to seasoned expert, with leagues from Monday through Sunday. There are men's leagues (Thursday night, Saturday morning, and daytime seniors); a women's league (Tuesday night); a weekend mixed league; leagues that are open to any combination of men and women (Monday Ladder, Wednesday Cash, and the Sunday Open League); and even a Sunday Family League combining little rocks, junior, and adult curling.

How am I going to find 3 other people to curl with?

While most of the leagues at the OCC are for fixed rinks, an annual kick-off event held in the Fall provides an opportunity for new members to meet other curlers and arrange teams. This annual event can vary year to year; it may be an Opening Reception, a golf/curl event, or a funspiel. New members can also sign up as individuals, and the league convenors will then assist in forming teams. 

Do teams have to schedule their own games with other teams?

No. League convenors handle all the scheduling arrangements, and post the schedules in the club on a board and on the web.

Don't curlers get cold in a 2-hour game?

Not at the OCC! Heaters were installed in the ice arena in 1994, and the temperature at eye level is maintained at about 36 degrees Fahrenheit. This, plus the physical activity, generally keeps the curlers comfortable, although some skips have been known to wear an extra layer to make up for not having to sweep rocks. 

Does the OCC have any no-smoking policies?

Smoking is prohibited at the OCC as of August 1st 2001.

Can I try curling at the OCC on a trial basis?

Yes, the OCC has a number of incentives for new members. First, new curlers are invited to join the Sunday open league in the Fall, with the $40 fee then being fully applicable towards a curling membership if the curler decides to join the Club. New curlers can get some instruction at the beginning of the year in this league. Second, new curling members can obtain full refunds of their membership fees by November 1, and 2/3 refunds by December 1.

Yes, guests may curl up to 3 times per season (and each member may bring in 3 guests).

At 440 O'Connor Street, opposite the YMCA/YWCA and with ready access to and from the Queensway. For details (including near-by parking and hotels), see our Maps & Parking page.

Last modified: April 25, 2007, 3:43 pm