Curling Equipment
Clothing
Ice rinks have to be cold; so dress warmly. Curling can occasionally be energetic so it makes sense to have layers you can add or remove depending upon how you feel. It is important to be comfortable as the game typically lasts 2 hours.
Footwear
Curling footwear is a complicated business. Curlers wear a sliding shoe and an non-sliding shoe and there are special shoes for the purpose. The sliding foot is normally the left foot for a right handed player and it is this foot that leads out of the hack when delivering a stone. Experienced curlers typically have shoes with a built in slider as these are fastest on the ice however it is possible to use a slip-on slider instead. You may notice curlers placing a slip-on gripper sole over a sliding sole after they have delivered their stones. This does two things, it protects the slider and it gives the player more grip on the ice. Some players are happy to play the entire game on both sliding and gripping shoes and others not. Shoes should be good fitting and warm with soft rubber soles. Special curling shoes are of course ideal but it is possible to use clean trainers. Curling shoes are an expensive commitment that you will want to make only once you have been hooked by the game but it is possible to make use of grippers and sliders over the soles of trainers. These can be bought and sometimes borrowed at rinks. People trying curling for the first time are often seen using bags on their feet as temporary sliders.
Curling shoes should be chosen carefully. Great expense isn't necessary and it's important you get shoes that match your ability. The more expensive shoes often have the thickest and therefore the fastest soles which might be too much for you if you are still learning the game. Grippers are a bit fiddly but a necessary way of protecting your slider. Make sure that your footwear is absolutely clean before stepping onto the ice.
Trousers
Curling trousers should be made from a stretch material or be loose enough allow all the movement that is necessary for the curling delivery.
Be warned that heavy trousers such as jeans are wholly unsuitable and you may end up damaging either yourself or your clothing!
Warm socks could help to keep your feet and legs warm if necessary.
You may see ladies in skirts and this is perfectly acceptable so long as adequate measures are taken against the cold!
Gloves, Scarves and Hats?
Gloves are worn frequently as they not only keep hands warm but offer grip whilst sweeping and delivering stones. The rest is at your discretion!
Brushes
There are a variety of brushes, crooks and sticks available to the curler and these are available to purchase at sports equipment retailers locally or on line. The beginner will be relieved to know that rinks usually provide a selection of brushes for use by any curler. Most experienced curlers prefer the look and feel of their own brush however it is an expensive outlay that may not be considered a necessary expense for the occasional curler.
Ice rinks have to be cold; so dress warmly. Curling can occasionally be energetic so it makes sense to have layers you can add or remove depending upon how you feel. It is important to be comfortable as the game typically lasts 2 hours.
Footwear
Curling footwear is a complicated business. Curlers wear a sliding shoe and an non-sliding shoe and there are special shoes for the purpose. The sliding foot is normally the left foot for a right handed player and it is this foot that leads out of the hack when delivering a stone. Experienced curlers typically have shoes with a built in slider as these are fastest on the ice however it is possible to use a slip-on slider instead. You may notice curlers placing a slip-on gripper sole over a sliding sole after they have delivered their stones. This does two things, it protects the slider and it gives the player more grip on the ice. Some players are happy to play the entire game on both sliding and gripping shoes and others not. Shoes should be good fitting and warm with soft rubber soles. Special curling shoes are of course ideal but it is possible to use clean trainers. Curling shoes are an expensive commitment that you will want to make only once you have been hooked by the game but it is possible to make use of grippers and sliders over the soles of trainers. These can be bought and sometimes borrowed at rinks. People trying curling for the first time are often seen using bags on their feet as temporary sliders.
Curling shoes should be chosen carefully. Great expense isn't necessary and it's important you get shoes that match your ability. The more expensive shoes often have the thickest and therefore the fastest soles which might be too much for you if you are still learning the game. Grippers are a bit fiddly but a necessary way of protecting your slider. Make sure that your footwear is absolutely clean before stepping onto the ice.
Trousers
Curling trousers should be made from a stretch material or be loose enough allow all the movement that is necessary for the curling delivery.
Be warned that heavy trousers such as jeans are wholly unsuitable and you may end up damaging either yourself or your clothing!
Warm socks could help to keep your feet and legs warm if necessary.
You may see ladies in skirts and this is perfectly acceptable so long as adequate measures are taken against the cold!
Gloves, Scarves and Hats?
Gloves are worn frequently as they not only keep hands warm but offer grip whilst sweeping and delivering stones. The rest is at your discretion!
Brushes
There are a variety of brushes, crooks and sticks available to the curler and these are available to purchase at sports equipment retailers locally or on line. The beginner will be relieved to know that rinks usually provide a selection of brushes for use by any curler. Most experienced curlers prefer the look and feel of their own brush however it is an expensive outlay that may not be considered a necessary expense for the occasional curler.