Curling Clubs in Calgary and Area

WHERE: All the curling clubs in Calgary run junior programs. Junior curling programs are held with community, private or curling club facilities.

WHEN: The programs begin late September to early October and finish late February to mid March. The program dates vary from Tuesday to Friday after school to
during weekends, depending upon the club. The Saturday and Sunday programs are held in the mornings and afternoons depending upon ice availability in each
club. Registrations usually occur in September, but it is advisable to contact the club to verify their registration dates.

LOCATION: Location may be a major factor in your decision to choose a club.
Please refer to Curling Clubs for Curling Clubs and their locations.

FORMAT: The format for each program is similar and consists of instruction, skills development and game experience. The programs vary from one to two hours. The shorter (one hour) programs are suitable for young children and those who become cold very quickly. The maturity and size of your child can also be taken into consideration when registering in a program. "Lite Rocks" or miniature rocks are used in many of the clubs offering junior programs. These lighter weight rocks approximately one half the weight of a regular rock (20kg) are much easier for small children to use.

AGE: Most clubs will accept juvenile/junior curlers aged 8 - 18; check with each club for specific starting ages within their program.

EQUIPMENT: broom (brush), slider, gripper, clean shoes
The children will require a broom (brush), some clubs do have some available for use. Curleres will require a "slider" and a "gripper". The slider is a piece of Teflon or other
slippery material - it is used on one foot to slide. The gripper is a rubber shoe cover to grip the ice and provide stability during sweeping and walking on the ice.

Contact the club/and or program coordinator before purchasing equipment because some of the clubs do provide equipment.

CLOTHING: Special clothing is not required; but foot gear must be immaculately clean. A clean pair of shoes (never worn outdoors), a pair of gloves/mittens and warm clothing that allows unrestricted movement is required. Sweat pants and long sleeved shirt (such as a hoodie), or track suit work very well. Blue jeans or tight fitting trousers, or extra-long trousers are not advised. The curling environment is at freezing temperature.

COSTS: Vary form $65.00 to $120.00. Broom - $69.00 - $200.00 and will last for several years. A gripper (one for each shoe) and slider (only one is required) range from $16.00 - $20.00. These can be purchased at the curling club pro shop or Canadian Tire.