Mama Went Curling

There have always been things on my to-do list. No, not the list that includes things like laundry and groceries. I’m talking about that secret, daydream, butterfly inducing list that you keep tucked away in hopes of crossing things off of it ‘one day.’

So, when a neighbor suggested gathering a group for curling (one of the things on my secret list), I knew ‘one day’ had arrived.

After seeing curling in the Olympics, I’ve wanted to give it a try. Thankfully, there’s a local, reasonably priced way to try it out. The Wauwatosa Curling Club occasionally offers sessions for first-timers who want to get a feel for what curling is all about.

As the day approached, I had no idea what to expect. No worries, the Club had me covered. They sent out a detailed email with an instructional curling video, suggestions for temperature appropriate clothing, etc.

The air temperature on the ice is about 40 degrees, so they recommend that you dress in flexible layers, which I did. For me, fleece-lined leggings, a thermal long sleeve, sweatshirt, vest, thick socks, and light gloves were just right. While I know curling can be a good workout, I didn’t break a sweat.

The ice isn’t ‘slippery’ per se. It can certainly sneak up on you, as some people did wipe out unexpectedly. Bring a separate pair of CLEAN, soft-soled shoes. I wore my tennis shoes, which I cleaned beforehand to not leave dirt all over the ice.

As with most sports, curling comes with its own language, requirements, and strategies. We began class with the basics, learning who the players are, their roles, and the equipment. Once we’d covered that, we started to play.

It was a no-pressure kind of curling game with our instructors telling us where to aim, when to sweep, and how to keep score. We went back and forth on the ice a total of four times. My team won, and I did a half-way decent job.

One of the best things about curling is the sportsmanship. You’re not supposed to cheer when the other team misses a shot (whoops). Curling games begin and end with a handshake. After the play is done, socializing with the other team is encouraged if not expected. (The Club has a super-club like downstairs area perfectly set for socializing.)

I highly recommend giving curling a try. If I didn’t have kids and had more disposable income, I would seriously consider joining the Wauwatosa Curling Club. Until then, I’ll settle with adding it to my ‘one-day’ list.

What’s on your ‘one-day’ list?