Getting a true taster of the curler’s sporting life

Oct 24 2008 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

NEVER mind the clocks going forward, I can always tell that winter's on its way when my colleagues shut down their computers early doors on a Monday afternoon, and the newsroom begins to smell powerfully of Ibuleve.

Furtive loo trips where they change into a motley collection of v-necked jumpers and padded breeks, coupled with earnest conversations about bad backs and the relative merits of chiropractors are another dead giveaway that Perthshire's curling season is well and truly underway.

So in the spirit of "if you can't beat them join them" I thought I would see what all the fuss was about and signed up for a taster session at Dewars, organised by Area Curling Development Officer, Claire Milne.

I have to say that I wasn't expecting a big turn-out on a Monday evening, but that was my mistake!

There must have been 30-odd ‘newbie’ curlers waiting to sign up.

And another surprise was the type of people packed into the bar at Dewars ... all ages, shapes, sizes and levels of fitness.

Claire was joined by fellow experts Mhairi (who coached my group) and Lynne, the latter an Olympic-standard player.

What other sport could a novice like me expect that level of tuition – and for free?

From what I could work out from Claire's pre-match spiel, curling is basically bowls on ice … but with less old people, blazers and grey pleated skirts.

But before we were allowed loose on the white stuff, we were divided into three groups to master the small matter of the curling "crouch".

No problemo, I foolishly thought, as Mhairi launched her stone down the rink with her leg trailing gracefully behind her beautifully-arranged crouch.

Now I can ski black runs and mogul fields – I’m even relatively competent on ice-skates, skateboards and surfboards – but could I manage the elusive curling crouch? Could I diddly!

While the rest of my group took to the ice like leopard seals after penguins I struggled to get my head round the four-point mantra – one foot in front of the other, bum in the air, stone pulled back, then twist and release.

But with EXTREMELY patient tuition, I eventually managed to release the stone without making a total plum of myself, although I suspect it will be quite a while before I can do the traily-leg-thing without gouging a trench with my chin.

Crouch mastered, and Mhairi decided to risk a game, but not before giving us a few pointers on curling etiquette.

"Before every match you always shake hands with your opponents and wish them a 'good game' … even if you don't mean it!" she joked.

Well I say "joked" but judging from the gleam in her eye, there is a reason Scottish women are so good at curling, and it’s not down to an easy-going disposition!

Pep talk delivered, and our group spent the rest of the hugely enjoyable taster session taking turns to deliver, sweep (VERY hard work) and skip, before retiring to the bar to sample some of the Perthshire curling scene’s legendary hospitality.

What I like most about curling is the inclusiveness of the sport.

It doesn’t matter what sex, age, or level of fitness you are...you can still have a go. I even saw a lad take to the ice in his wheelchair, which says it all!

Dewars runs taster sessions, beginners courses and an Improver League. Watch the PA for details or email claire@royalcaledoniancurlingclub.org