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The Right Gear
By Kim Perkins
The turkey has been cooked, the pumpkin pie has been eaten; it must be time to start curling. This week junior curling programs across the country will be opening their doors for the season. If you or your child are new to curling you are likely wondering what you really need.
Equipment wise, curling is one of the simplest sports to get started in. Most junior programs require that you dress in warm, light, layers. Younger children may wish to wear mitts and a hat but it is usually warm enough out on the ice without them, especially once you get moving.
Many junior programs now require that children who are Lite Rock age wear helmets. There is no special "curling helmet" that needs to be purchased. Any helmet will do; biking, climbing, skateboarding, etc. Curling isn't known for the contact injuries incurred in sports such as hockey but the ice is still hard and it's best to protect the head as much as possible.
The most important piece of equipment required for junior curling is footwear. However, unless the junior starts curling competitively or their feet stop growing it is not necessary to own actual curling shoes at junior age. A pair of good running shoes will do the job just fine.
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a pair of runners for curling.
- Make sure the shoes are never used outdoors. Curling ice is no fun to play on if it is dirty. Shoes track all kinds of debris onto the ice. This can hamper the game a great deal not only for the junior program but for everyone who curls afterwards.
- Make sure the runners purchased have a high rubber content. This will grip the ice better. Typically court shoes or skate shoes provide decent grip. If the sole of the shoe feels hard and made of stiff plastic the shoes will likely be too slippery.
- If you plan to use a pair of indoor running shoes you already own and it turns out they are too slippery do not despair. You can purchase a pair of slip on grippers at your curling club pro shop for less than $40. These slip right over the soles of the shoes and they'll ensure that the curlers will easily be able to stay on their feet.
- Avoid wearing boots on the ice at all costs. Boots are typically dirty and hard to get clean. They also lack the ankle flex needed for sliding out.
Some junior programs provide them, but one thing you may need to purchase is a slider. You just need one. You can either buy one that slips on with a strap securing it around the heel or you can buy one attached to a gripper. They are generally unifoot so you don't have to worry about finding a left-handed or right-handed one. You can measure for fit against the sole of whatever shoe will be worn on the ice. Sliders typically cost about $20.
The last thing you might need is a broom. Most junior programs provide these but kids love to have their own. It's okay to wait and see if the junior takes to the game before purchasing. Curling brooms make great Christmas presents. The most expensive broom is not necessary. A simple, beginner broom will do. Ask in your pro shop for advice on which broom is suitable.
Now you're set with all you need to start junior curling. As you can see the equipment will likely cost less than $100, maybe even less than $50. So revel in this recession-friendly sport and get out on the ice for some serious fun!
Kim Perkins is the Head Curling Professional at the Calgary Winter Club. She has been teaching juniors and adults how to curl for 20 years. Kim is also the author of a children's book about curling called, The Adventures of Trefor the Curling Rock. Visit her website www.trefor.ca for more information.
