So, this weekend I attended an open house at the nearby Granite Curling Club. According to the website, it's the only dedicated curling facility on the U.S. West Coast.
I had seen curling on television before. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation -- which is carried on local cable -- dedicates much of its weekend sports coverage to curling when its in season. (And doesn't conflict with Hockey Night in Canada, eh?)
It looks incredibly easy. Just like shuffleboard on ice, right? Not quite.
After getting my introduction to the game, I played two ends with a team. There are four members to each team. The object is to get your rock closest to the center and cluster as many other rocks around it while preventing the opponents from getting closer. Kind of like bocce.
I spent much of my time sweeping, but every player has to throw two stones per end. I did a pretty good job keeping my stones in play and only fell once on broom duty. But, long story short, I hurt. My lower back hurt a little immediately after the event and the next morning, my shoulders were screaming.
But, it was great fun and I was surpised at the number of college age people involved. After the open house, I went up to the lounge and there were at least 20 twenty-somethings there. (And this is a members only establishment.) So, I think I'm gonna join a league after the holidays.
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/31/60282390_76ce4370fa.jpg)
If you're ever in Seattle and want to throw a rock or two, check out the Granite Curling Club (http://www.curlingseattle.org).
And I thought Golf was an odd game?? But hey, you make do with what's available, and sometimes it becomes a national pastime. Glad you enjoyed it though.
I do have to ask, did ya do it nekkid? :wink:
Quote from: Mr442 on October 16, 2007, 11:03:22 AM
I do have to ask, did ya do it nekkid? :wink:
Coed naked curling? Sounds interesting, but I'm sure there would have to be waivers signed releasing the club from any liability of injuries caused by frostbite or hypothermia.
I'm glad to know that curling isn't just something that bored Alaskans do. We have a curling club in Fairbanks. I never even heard of curling before I moved here. :rolleyes: