Rock stars
Or, why is it called curling?
By Janet May
Terms like sheet, button, and throwing the rock make it sound exotic, but curling is an accessible sport in Powell River. The first rocks were thrown here in 1953, at the old Willingdon Arena. Today, curlers meet in an old timbered building that was originally the Cranberry roller-skating arena. The aging structure and ice plant are a challenge for the Powell River Curling Club, but its biggest challenge is building up the youth membership. "We want to pass on our passion for the game," says club president, Marlene Hall.
Marlene is an enthusiastic proponent for curling. When she was a young mom in Nelson, BC, her husband came home one evening saying, "I have signed us up for something fun this weekend." It was a two-day "fun-spiel" at the local rink. Their team lost only one game and made it to the finals. "After five games, I didn't want to curl anymore." Marlene remembers, "But I sucked it up and played on, and we won the B event." Marlene and her husband, Ted Hall, haven't missed a year of curling since then. When their two sons became involved in junior teams, Marlene and Ted started coaching and travelling to bonspiels around the province.
"Every game is different," says Marlene. "Even when beginners are playing against intermediates there can be an upset. The game is not over until the last rock stops."
Strategy, co-operation, and a bit of luck keep the players' minds off all the exercise that they get. Curlers aim to slide their rocks near the bull's eye--the button--at the end of the ice sheet. One trick of the game is a slight twist to the rock when releasing the handle. As the 40-pound rock slows down, this rotation begins to curl its progress, and it can slip around other rocks or strike those that are blocked. This "curl" is the name of the game.
In this highly social sport, no put-downs, or cheers at the opposition's bad shots, are allowed. "The friendships are the most important part of the sport," Marlene contends. While there is competition, as in the 2010 Olympics, curling is primarily a social game. "And one that you can play from age six to 96."
Chalyla Pagani has been playing since she was nine. In high school she enjoyed competing on Vancouver Island. Now she plays once a week in the Super League because she finds it fun to get together. "Curling is not stressful." she says, "When I get in the hack, I focus on visualizing my shot, and it clears my mind."
The sheets are open from mid-September until March, and there are leagues for men, women, mixed couples, and a seniors' drop-in session. The club subsidizes its junior league (ages six to 20) and a school program that introduces students to the game during physical education.
The Powell River club holds four Learn to Curl evenings in September for beginners, past players, and people who have never curled before. This year, Learn to Curl welcomes players from 7 to 9 pm, from Monday, September 27, to Thursday, September 30. Marlene encourages people to wear comfortable clothing, bring clean running shoes for the ice, and come out and try it.
For more information about the club or the Learn to Curl program, call Marlene at 604-483-2322, or the Powell River Curling Club at 604-483-9551 or visit www.powellrivercurling.com.
