Curling's great tradition began in the 16th century Scotland where it was originally played outdoors on frozen ponds and lochs.
The earliest curling equipment included stones formed by nature, each one unique. These stones often curved or curled as they slid down the ice, hence the name "curling". Brooms were used to clear snow from the path of the stones.
The game is extremely complex even though it is based around a very simple idea. Slide a stone down a sheet of ice and have it stop as close to the center of a set of rings (called the house), the problem being that your opponents will do everything tactically to stop you from achieving this goal. So, the game contains elements of great skill, strategy, finesse, exertion and endeavor and we promise you that the perception of a slow-paced game is just that, a perception.
Fairness is an important part of the game and you will not be surprised if your opponent will point out to you that you that they have broken the rules so just to make sure that no advantage is given.
Scottish immigrants brought the game with them to North America in the 18th century where it spread across the northern US and Canada. By 1855 curling clubs flourished in New York City, Detroit, Milwaukee and Portage, Wisconsin. The Orchard Lake Curling Club was the first club established in the United States in 1832 and the club curled on Lake St. Clair. Sadly, it is no longer in operation. The Detroit Curling Club was established in 1885. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin club is the oldest continuously operating club is the United States; it was formed in 1845.Our Club provides ice time and instruction to help members learn and hone their skills. We do this in a comfortable, friendly social environment. One can become a good curler very quickly with these resources, but a person plays for years before developing the magical finesse for a consistent champion. Curling challenges your body and your mind, and you grow to love it.
A skip standing in the house
The club has three ways for people to learn how to curl.
You can sign up for a Community Education Class. These classes last for about five weeks and are offered several times during the curling season. This is a very good way to learn the skills of the game and the rules without a long term commitment.
If you have group of eight (8), sixteen (16) people or more that want to curl then you should consider renting the ice or a portion of it. For very a reasonable cost per person your group will receive instruction and be allowed to curl for the length of time you rent the ice - typically 2 to 3 hours.
You can always join the club directly and get on a league after attending a weekend intro to curling clinic.
If you just want to stop in the club and watch, that is fine too. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to visit the club just about every evening of the week. If you do visit, do not be bashful about stopping anyone to ask the questions that will surely come up after you watch just a few minutes of a game.To learn about the game of curling visit:
