Curling Open House

[austin5string]

So, as I mentioned in another thread, I went to an open house hosted by the Lonestar Curling Club here in Austin on Sunday morning.  They were prepared for 150-200 people and had over 400 show up, thanks to the Olympic coverage, a news spot and an article in the local weekly "what's going on in Austin" mag, The Chronicle.  The club itself only has 35 members, and I think they only had about 20 there to facilitate - given the circumstances, they did an outstanding job. 

They had 5 sheets set up (they normally only run 4), and put 100 people on the ice at a time, groups of 10 at each end.  Only on the ice for about 20-25 minutes per group, so it was a very brief "this is curling" intro, followed by everyone getting to try throwing a few and sweeping some.  Given there were groups at both ends, we obviously weren't throwing full length.

I knew it would be pretty limited in what we got to do, so I signed up for a 4 week instructional "mini league" that will take place in April/May for a little more dedicated learning (32 people max).

A few observations:

1) As with pretty much any professional caliber sport - it's a LOT harder than it looks!  I knew this would be the case, and it was quickly confirmed.  I got to throw 4 or 5 times, and by the 5th, I was feeling a little more comfortable with it.  Mostly just balance and coordinating the slide - I think I should improve quickly in the more focused mini-league.

2) Joe Generic arena ice is a TON heavier than dedicated, million-dollar, curling ice..  With lesser skills, and lesser quality ice, the game will likely not be nearly as much of a finesse sport..

3) It's really fun!  Even with the limited exposure, I really had a good time, and I'm anxious for the mini-league to start up.  If that goes well, I'll consider joining the regular league.

4) I don't think I'll be ready to compete at the Olympics by 2014.

This is not my blog, but just to see some pics and someone's writeup of the openhouse, you can check it out here:   http://konagod.blogspot.com/2010/02/austin-rocks-on-ice.html


~A5S

[Detroitdad]

nice report sir. Good Luck!!!!!!!

[Wedge Rock]

I organized two Bonspiels at the Detroit Curling Club...  It was alotta fun.  Some friends suggested we do it again, but with the Olympics, I wanna stay away from that place for a few months...

[austin5string]

I organized two Bonspiels at the Detroit Curling Club...  It was alotta fun.  Some friends suggested we do it again, but with the Olympics, I wanna stay away from that place for a few months...

Nice... Unfortunately I don't think Austin could sustain the demand to have an actual curling facility.. The ice quality is one thing that concerns me - I tend to be a bit picky, and it might bug me.. Similar to how I get annoyed shooting pool on a table that's not perfectly level, or has lousy felt..  I think it should still be fun, though..

[LuckyDog Poker Art]

I'm surprised by the turnout but I was also surprised by how addicting watching curling on tv became.  I can share your sense of wanting to try it out and I'm glad you not only went to the open house but decided to join a mini league in the months ahead.  How cool!

[Squiggly]

Nice... Unfortunately I don't think Austin could sustain the demand to have an actual curling facility..

Up here curling is quite huge. My small city of 150,000 sustains a 12-sheet facility, and it is extremely busy.
Almost every small town has a curling facility as well has hockey rink. For example, Midway, population +/- 1000, even has two curling sheets and a hockey rink.

[austin5string]

Nice... Unfortunately I don't think Austin could sustain the demand to have an actual curling facility..

Up here curling is quite huge. My small city of 150,000 sustains a 12-sheet facility, and it is extremely busy.
Almost every small town has a curling facility as well has hockey rink. For example, Midway, population +/- 1000, even has two curling sheets and a hockey rink.

Wow, that's crazy..  I think the biggest problem here is people tend to be the warm-weather type - you see winter coats start coming out when it gets into the 50's.. Texans try to talk a tough game, but when it comes to cold, they're a bunch of pansies.. If I end up really enjoying it, I'll have to take a field trip to a real facility sometime..

[Detroitdad]

any updates to this hobby? Pro yet?

[Wedge Rock]

AzCat just went curling Sunday night...

[austin5string]

any updates to this hobby? Pro yet?

Certainly not anywhere near pro.. hehe.. But still, without question, the most fun hobby I've ever had.  Going to a bonspiel in Dallas at the end of this month w/ a few folks (not my regular team).  We will lose badly, but it will be fun.