Here in Cambridge, your chance to try out curling is only a stone’s throw away. Frances McNaughton offers her spin on things
At the time of writing, Cambridge is home to the only ice rink in England where you can practise curling. So, when it comes to keeping the sport alive and kicking in the UK, it appears we’ve got an important role to play.
And it truly is an art. For those of you who have never tried curling before, it may seem like a straightforward notion; just push stones across some ice and hope they stay in the zone. But in fact it’s quite the opposite, as curling is a game that involves an incredible amount of precision, control and strategic thinking.
Every aspect requires careful consideration. The granite stones, although possessing no weight bias, are topped with handles that cause them to rotate when force is applied, meaning every move you make has to be treated as a gradually unfurling curve, rather than a straight, direct line. The ice itself – which at high-level championships is purposely manipulated to allow for optimum game conditions – can be sprayed with water to alter the impact of friction, or brushed vigorously to ensure momentum is not lost when a stone is in motion. And then, of course, you’ve got the players, whose job it is to stay cool as the game unfolds – making sure to direct play as much as possible, so as not to allow the opponent to gain a crucial advantage.
Before you get into any of that, though, you’ll need to learn the basics – and this is where the Cambridge Curling Club comes in. Started by professional curler John Brown, who boasts 54 years of experience on the ice, the organisation runs sessions every Thursday during the season (September through May), and invites all ages and experience levels to come along.
Curling involves an incredible amount of precision, control and strategic thinking
If it’s your first time, you’ll start by learning how not to fall over, slowly but surely building confidence, until you feel comfortable enough to give it your all. This involves trying out shoes designed for both grip and slip, as being able to slide over the surface is essential for effectively pushing off from the ‘hack’ (starting block) in order to direct the stones across the ice. And you’ll need to practise ‘throwing’ (sliding) the stones plenty too, to master the required skill and technique to execute a shot, as well as your own balance.
As you progress, you’ll be able to take part in actual games. Cambridge Ice Arena is well-equipped for curling sessions, with five separate lanes laid out for play. Each team is made up of four players, whose job it is to get as many stones into the ‘house’ (end zone) and as close to the ‘button’ (centre point) as possible. A standard game lasts ten ‘ends’, with the direction of play switching for each round. But this can vary, as occasionally it becomes statistically impossible to win before the ten ends are up, so teams may concede once they realise what they are up against.
One thing’s for sure: the more you get into the game, the more there is to learn. So, when it comes to trying out curling for yourself, the only thing you need is a sense of curiosity – along with a willingness to accept that some aspects of the game will always be out of your control.
Sessions commence on Thursday 23 September and continue weekly at 8pm (£15 per session). To find out more, visit the Cambridge Curling Facebook page, or email [email protected].
