Sweep Dreams

Think you need to go to Canada to learn how to curl? Think again.

The first sentence on the liability waiver at the Chicago Curling Club states, "I understand that curling is a sport played on ice — a hard and slippery surface." When I showed up for my Learn 2 Curl lesson hosted by the club in Northbrook, Ill., about the only thing I understood about this commonly misconstrued sport was the "ice" part.

Some might associate curling with our neighboring nation to the north — Canada. While 90 percent of worldwide curling participants are from Canada, as reported in The Seattle Times, the sport has gradually swept across the globe since it gained Olympic status in 1998. According to the Chicago Curling Club brochure, curling now has more than 1 million participants in 35 countries, including 20,000 in the U.S.

Founded in 1948, the Chicago Curling Club (CCC) is one of only three curling facilities in the greater Chicago area, and out of these three, the CCC is the only one devoted specifically to curling. During the curling season — November through March — the club offers Learn 2 Curl lessons for those who want to learn the game. Requiring only a pair of sneakers and as much balance as you can muster, the $20 lesson is taught by United States Curling Association (USCA) certified instructors.

Stan Slabas, a U.S. Curling Association certified curling instructor, explains proper technique to a Learn 2 Curl student. Photo by Elizabeth Noel.

Some compare curling to shuffleboard on ice, but according to Dave Haverick, the coordinator of Learn 2 Curl, it is much more like chess or billiards. Fortunately for me, speed and strength are not big factors in curling. Unfortunately for me, finesse and balance are. "It is all about technique," said Haverick. "It is about what kind of skill you have."

While curling, which began on the frozen rivers and lochs of Scotland in the 1500s, is too detailed to fully explain in 800 words or fewer, here are the basics: The aim of the sport is to slide the 42-pound granite stone across a 146-foot rink of pebbled ice and land it in the target, or "house." Two sweepers brush the ice to direct the stone or make it go farther without touching it. Each competitive game consists of 10 ends (which are like innings in baseball) while recreational games are usually eight ends. In each end, teams of four throw eight stones, with each participant throwing twice.

The term "curling" comes from the curl the stone will have based on the turn of the stone, which helps curlers determine where they want the stone to lie. Whichever team has the most stones closest to the center of the target after each end scores a point.

To throw the stone, participants wear a Teflon-bottomed shoe called a "slider" to glide across the ice. "What most beginners tend to do is push the stone," said instructor Stan Slabas. "But you're just supposed to let it go." Since letting go of the stone usually resulted in a complete loss of balance in my case, Slabas advised that the sliding foot be directly behind the stone. Of course, with the many different techniques and tips to remember, this simple task was not as easy as it looked.

The Learn 2 Curl lesson began with a short video giving some background on the sport and some light calisthenics. The instructors then split us into teams of four, taught us the basics of throwing the stone and sweeping and let us practice. Finally, our newly acquired skills — or lack thereof — were tested in a scrimmage against another team of newbies.

Of course for me, the lesson also had another prominent element — falling. "It's cold, it's slippery — sometimes that combination can be bad," warned Haverick. "But we have had no fatalities this year," he jokingly boasted. Though falling did not hurt, it did vex my persistent instructor who decided that I would be his "project" and fruitlessly attempted to make me fit for the 2014 Olympics.

For those who don't think that curling is a real workout, think again. The stretching and balance required to throw the stone could give a yoga class some competition. And as for cardio, in a game of eight ends the average person will sweep vigorously for two miles. 
While providing good exercise, curling could be the winter sport equivalent of tennis or golf.

"The sport can be enjoyed at any age," said Haverick. The age range of the participants, about 30 Chicagoland dwellers, varied greatly. I, a 21-year-old, was welcomed onto a team of 65-year-olds who had known each other for more than 20 years. 
Curling is a very social sport, created and known for its friendship and camaraderie. Before and after a match, opponents will shake hands and wish "Good curling" to one another.

Following the lesson at the CCC, we gathered in the social hall to mingle, snack and sip Labatt beer. This tradition, called "broomstacking," usually involves teams buying rounds for their opponents after a match and was probably where I displayed the most skill in the curling realm.

The Learn 2 Curl sessions for 2010 are currently fully booked. "It gets crazy this time of year, especially with the Olympics," said Jenny Hulk, who helped organize the event. But don't get discouraged, curling cravers. The club's Web site offers a waitlist option, and many other events throughout the year.

Closer Look writer Elizabeth Noel poses with curling instructor Stan Slabas. Photo by Elizabeth Noel.

Neither the U.S. men's or women's curling teams are expected to medal in Vancouver this year, but we can take comfort in the fact that my team of curling novices at Learn 2 Curl won 3-0 in our scrimmage against other first-timers. While some may not hold these accomplishments at quite the same level as the Olympics, I still think I have bragging rights. Although I doubt I will make an appearance in Sochi, Russia, in 2014, I did have two hours of fun and a new experience and I also got to meet many new curling buddies. Besides, there's always 2018, right?

Originally published in the Loyola Phoenix on February 24, 2010. Link here.