EQUIPMENT:
First-time Curlers: No special
equipment is necessary to begin curling, but please come prepared as follows:
Wear warm
but loose clothing. Many curlers wear thermal underwear beneath loose pants
(like sweat pants), a turtleneck or shirt, covered with a sweatshirt or sweater.
Layering is a good idea, since you may be cold at first but the activity will
soon warm you up.
Please watch your clothing for
shedding. This shedding drops on to the ice and affects your
rocks if they travel over what was shed on to the ice.
Your
shoes must be very clean. Plan to wear
one pair of shoes on the way to the club, and change shoes just before going on
the ice. We do this in order to keep the ice free of particles that may
interfere with movement of the stones. Bring a pair of shoes with a good
gripping sole; athletic shoes usually work well for most people. Make sure the
soles are clean and free of dirt. Heavy socks will also help to keep your feet
warm and lightweight gloves will keep your hands warm.
Safety First
General Comments on curling equipment
These thoughts on curling equipment are
from Randy
Hrechka a Certified Ice Technician and curler in
Ontario.
Clothing -
Pants - something that is
loose fitting and gives when your sliding.
Sweaters - Different
varieties available, make sure that it breaths and allows
for movement.
Jackets - again a wide
variety and also you need it to be flexible with your
movements. Sweepers usually peel these off after the first
end!
Please watch your clothing for
shedding. This shedding drops on to the ice and affects your
rocks if they travel over what was shed on to the ice.
Gloves - fantastic
selection and come in varying degrees of warmth and
comfort.
Shoes -
Proper fit is important
and comfort. Don't settle for a pair that just about fits,
you'll regret it later! First time buying a pair? Here's
what to look for;
Gripper
should be the crepe type and
stay away from the gripper that has the pebbles (less
gripping power).
Slider - Teflon
Thin
for first timers on ice. You
can upgrade to a faster slider later. Better still don't
get a slider with your shoe and buy a half or full slip on
slider.
Medium
for more experienced
players
Thick
for experienced
players who have the need for speed!
Brick Slider
pretty well for everyone except
maybe for first timers.
Stainless Steel
the mother of sliders...hold on
to your hat when sliding with this one
Price
- There is a wide variety of
shoes out there so shop around to find the one that fits
your budget.
Be sure to check your
grippers for wear & tear..worn grippers can lose tiny
pieces on the ice!
Cool
down your Stainless Steel sliders
before going on the ice! They melt the pebble and create
flat spots when you don't cool it down!
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Brooms -
Everyone today uses the push broom and
they come in many different styles and shapes. For those of
you die hards that still have corn brooms the availability
is definitely dwindling. Remember that their are two
different handles, one for men (thick) and one for women
(thin). Brooms like shoes are a matter of personal
preference so ask to borrow your fellow curlers broom to
try out. Curlers rarely mind to help others.
PUSH BROOMS
Hog Hair - Soft bristles and in my
opinion not the best but if you like the way the hair bends
and flair's out then by all means buy it if you like it!
Horse Hair - Stiff bristles and
better than hog and is very effective for sweeping.
Synthetic - made with cordua cloth
and this one I definitely do like! I feel that this one is
the most effective broom that I have tried to date.
Drawback for some curlers is that you should maintain the
head to achieve full effectiveness and could be costly if
you don't re-cover your own.
Sizes of Heads -
6 inch - most ladies use this one because
of the overall weight of the broom
8 inch - the standard for curlers and the
most popular by far
10 inch - for the power sweepers who feel
what they have is inadequate.
To Angle or Not To Angle? - (just
had to get some Shakespeare in)
If you sweep on both sides you will need
an angled broom. Angled brooms get you in closer to the
rock. Some are static angles and others are adjustable
angles. Personal preference will dictate this so shop
around.
Crooked Handles - possibly someone
could enlighten me on this one? I've never used it and
don't know what it's advantages are? I do know that when
they first came out some teams at the Scotts and Brier were
using them but now I don't see them using these handles.
Price could be a factor?
Corn Brooms - Thank GOD
for technology!
Rink Rats - Hey look at me, I'm
sweeping and making a ton of noise!
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