What Equipment Do I Need?
Proper equipment is important for safety! We strongly recommend that everyone wear a helmet and proper curling shoes.
Curling Shoes:
With Sliders and gripper , if throwing stones from the hack OR
Without Sliders (or gripper over slider), if using a Curling Stick to delivery the stones.
Outdoor shoes are not allowed on the ice. Some members wear running shoes that they only use for curling but we recommend a proper curling shoe as they grip the ice better.
Remember to purchase new grippers as soon as they show any sign of wear. Pieces of rubber are often found on the ice when members wear old ones, and this can create a danger to curlers and affect the path of a stone.
Helmet:
There are many good options for helmets. There are specialized Curling Helmets, however, many members wear bicycle or hockey helmets. It is important that the helmet does not come off and particularly protects the back of the head.
Gloves:
Gloves not only keep you warm but also keeps a good grip on your broom and stone.
Broom:
There are curling brooms at the club, but to be sure that you have one we recommend that you buy your own. There are many different styles available, it doesn't have to be the best! If you are new, ask members about their brooms any why they like them.
Straw brooms are not allowed on the ice surface.
Clothing:
Although there is no specific dress code, please keep warm but make sure that your clothing allows you to move freely and doesn't create any tripping hazards (e.g. scarves are not a good idea).
With Sliders and gripper , if throwing stones from the hack OR
Without Sliders (or gripper over slider), if using a Curling Stick to delivery the stones.
Outdoor shoes are not allowed on the ice. Some members wear running shoes that they only use for curling but we recommend a proper curling shoe as they grip the ice better.
Remember to purchase new grippers as soon as they show any sign of wear. Pieces of rubber are often found on the ice when members wear old ones, and this can create a danger to curlers and affect the path of a stone.
Helmet:
There are many good options for helmets. There are specialized Curling Helmets, however, many members wear bicycle or hockey helmets. It is important that the helmet does not come off and particularly protects the back of the head.
Gloves:
Gloves not only keep you warm but also keeps a good grip on your broom and stone.
Broom:
There are curling brooms at the club, but to be sure that you have one we recommend that you buy your own. There are many different styles available, it doesn't have to be the best! If you are new, ask members about their brooms any why they like them.
Straw brooms are not allowed on the ice surface.
Clothing:
Although there is no specific dress code, please keep warm but make sure that your clothing allows you to move freely and doesn't create any tripping hazards (e.g. scarves are not a good idea).
Where can I get it?
There are a few places that sell curling equipment. Real curling equipment can be purchased at a specialized Curling Store (e.g. Shot Rock, Barrie) but alternatives mentioned above can be purchased at most sports stores.
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and traditionally offers a good new curler package
175 Essa Rd., Barrie, ON L4N 3L2 705-734-3332
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705-725-0080
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Curling equipment can also be purchased from several on-line sources.
How can I increase my safety?
- Wear proper equipment
- Do not run on the ice
- Carefully step onto the ice
- Do not stand only on your slider foot (e.g. when getting up or moving a stone)
- Use a stabilizer or a curling stick if you are having trouble throwing a rock normally
- Stay well away from sweepers
- Sweepers, when waiting on the other team to play, stand on the line between the ice sheets near the middle of the rink and pay attention of what is happening on rinks beside you.
- When standing on the ice keep your broom vertical and do not swing it around.
- When moving stones, be very careful to not push them into someone's path or behind them.
