The Parksville Curling Club are hosting a series of learn to curl events Friday and Saturday, offering free lessons to those interested in trying the sport. (submitted photo/Parksville Curling Club)

By Alex Rawnsley

to the house

Free sessions in Parksville helping curb sharp curling learning curve

Jan 24, 2025 | 5:35 AM

PARKSVILLE — If you’ve ever wanted to use the hammer to push past a guard and draw to the button, now is your opportunity.

The Parksville Curling Club are hosting free sessions Friday, Jan. 24 and Saturday, Jan. 25 at their facility on Corfield St., where those who have never, or barely, curled can come out and give the sport a try.

Stephen Ewashkiw, club manager, told NanaimoNewsNOW trained coaches will help quickly develop confident stone sliders.

“There’s a really steep learning curve in curling but it’s a really fun learning curve and within 30 minutes people will be making shots like they’re at the Brier or the Scotties.”

Sessions begin at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, then again at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday.

reuse & recycle

Returning local 'repair cafe' has focus on fixing rather than rubbish

32m ago

safety improvements

Lane closures scheduled to install highway barriers near Cathedral Grove

3h ago

to the house

Free sessions in Parksville helping curb sharp curling learning curve

7h ago

The club’s bar and lounge will be open Friday evening, while coffee, tea and snacks will be offered Saturday morning.

Ewashkiw admitted stepping onto the pebbled ice for the first time can be intimidating, but they’ll have all the equipment available to ensure a fun, safe time for all.

Sessions will include some basic techniques, rules and lots of hands-on experience.

Ewashkiw said the biggest hurdle is pushing off the blocks and sliding that first rock down the ice.

“A lot of people are used to ice skating, but the big difference is in ice skating you’ve got a blade that helps you go in a particular direction, but in curling you’ve got a piece of teflon under your foot and it’ll go whatever direction your muscles will allow it to go. Part of that learning curve is getting your muscles to wake up.”

He said it only takes a few slides before people figure it all out.

Those unable to make the slide due to physical limitations will have plenty of options too.

The sport has adapted over recent years to ensure it remains inclusive for all, according to Ewashkiw.

“We even have curling at the club for people who are sight impaired, we have this thing called stick curling now where you don’t have to get down into the lunge and you use a stick and walk down the ice with that…that’s made the sport something people can do who can’t get down into a deep lunge.”

No pre-registration is required, with participants just asked to bring themselves and some warm clothing.

The club is also offering paid learn-to-curl sessions beginning in early February.

Full details are available on the club’s website.

Local news. Delivered. Free. Subscribe to our daily news wrap and get our top local stories delivered to your email inbox every evening.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook