Curling, while not officially Canada’s national sport, has proven itself to be a popular winter activity for young and old alike. Regardless of age or ability, curling offers many benefits; it’s an aerobic activity requiring more than 3 km of walking in a match, as well as all the sweeping. It also helps improve flexibility, strength, and balance and offers opportunities to socialize with others in the community.
With options to participate at many levels, beginner or casual, friendly bonspiels, or to even pursue one’s dream at provincials or nationals, curling offers something for everyone.
The Pointe-Claire Record sat down for a Q&A with France David, a local curling enthusiast, to learn more about the sport.
Q. France, even though it’s a hot September day, I know you are looking forward to curling soon. You and your husband, Bernard, have been members of the Pointe-Claire Curling Club for several years now. What is it you like most about it?
A. It’s true! Curling is a sport that both my husband and I can do together. The physical aspects like throwing the stone and sweeping keep us active in the winter, while the strategic aspect keeps our brains active. We are always learning something. Winter goes by much more quickly since we started to curl. There is also a social aspect to curling. The club has social events such as Christmas suppers with carolling and different evening meals, music, and events throughout the year.
Q. From my perspective, curling doesn’t seem like a very easy sport to get into. Do you need to buy special equipment? And I see older people playing it, does that mean you don’t have to be an athlete to curl?
A. The wonderful thing about curling is that the equipment needed is minimal and anybody can curl. As a couple, it was difficult to find a common sport for us. I have very little upper body strength which Bernard has, and he has very little flexibility, which I have. In curling he is a stronger sweeper than I am, but I am more flexible when throwing a stone. We both have strengths which help us curl.
The younger kids are like sponges and learn quickly, but I have seen people start curling after their retirement. Even people with back or knee issues can deliver the stone with a stick instead of lunging. The only equipment needed, which can be borrowed at the club, are curling shoes or a slider, a broom, and I would suggest a helmet.
Q. You mentioned that you find curling to be very sportsmanlike. Tell me more about that.
A. After a game the two teams sit together and chat. The winning team buys the losing team a drink, be it coffee, soft drink, or a beer, and the losing team reciprocates. The competitiveness stays on the ice. Some people actually bring snacks for after the game.
Curling is also a sport where the team that commits an infraction is the one that has to own up to it. An example would be if you touch a rock with your broom while sweeping, which isn’t allowed, you have to pull it out of play. The opposing team does not call out the player. By putting the responsibility on individuals to be more sportsmanlike, we actually are.
Q. What about young families? I heard that there is a Junior Program at the Pointe-Claire Curling Club.
A. Pointe-Claire has an amazing Junior Program. I have seen young players start when they were in elementary school just because it’s such a fun sport and many now compete at all levels of competitive curling. I see families come and watch the younger kids practice and many parents take up curling after watching their children learn.
Would you like to learn more about curling? The Pointe-Claire Curling Club is having an open house on September 28th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 250 Lanthier Ave. Find out more about the club at https://www.pointeclairecurling.com.