This evening I tried out one of Canada's national sports (I'm assuming), curling. Maybe you've watched it on tv specifically for the Olympics. Or, if you're in Canada, maybe you've noticed Curling Clubs around towns. Interestingly, I can distinctly recall two occasions where a Curling Club was used as a venue for an event I attended. One was MxPx's first Eastern Canadian concert in Collingwood in 1996 (that we hosted!) and the other was a YWAM conference in Ottawa where we were fed at a Curling Club. But maybe like me, you still really had no idea what it's all about. I've tried to figure it out by watching it and I remember my friend's mom trying to explain it to me when I was about 14, but I have always found myself confused by it. Hearing certain curling lingo like "skip", "rock", "go hard, hard!" and seeing these people sweeping like maniacs on ice!
A couple weeks ago, I got an email in my Laurier account from the school inviting students to come out and learn how to curl for $10. What caught my eye, was this tag: "Think curling is boring? Consider this: curling is now considered "winter's golf" and many companies host curling bonspiels for their employees. Come out and learn how to play this sport that is quickly gaining popularity in the professional world."
I decided to go for it and it was a lot of fun! Now I know even more lingo: "double take out", "hog line", "sheet", "burning the rock", "hack", "blank end", the list goes on! It's like another language!
I think I'd like to do it again! Now if it's really like golf, one should be able to rent equipment and go to the Club. Hmm...We'll see. At least I know how to watch the sport and stuff. I certainly need more practice.
Isn't it interesting how both curling and golf have origins in Scotland? I have origins in Scotland.
Anyway, if anyone wants more info on this interesting game, here's some links:
Canadian Curling Association
Curling Basics
