Grab your loudest pants and a broom and head to Marietta. It’s time to learn to curl.
Invented in Scotland in the 16th century, the sport involves sliding a granite stone down a narrow strip of ice, guided by sweepers until it reaches the target area.
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If this sounds cool to you, Peachtree Curling Association will teach you how to play. The introductory class will "focus on the fundamentals of delivery and sweeping and cover basic game strategy. By the end of the class, students will have experienced the thrill of delivering stones and sweeping stones the length of the ice," the event's Facebook page states.
After a quick overview of the sport and doing some stretching exercises, your instructor will teach you a variety of throwing and sweeping techniques used in a typical game. You’ll then divide into teams for a friendly game.
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All equipment will be provided, but the instructors recommend wearing warm, loose fitting clothing — including gloves and thick socks — and sneakers with thick soles.
Curling has grown in popularity in the past decade. During the 2018 Winter Olympics, the U.S.-Sweden men's curling final delivered 1.6 million viewers on NBCSN, the network's second largest audience in a late night time slot.
Helping put the sport in the spotlight has been the Norwegian men’s team, which is famous for their attire. The team’s pants even have a Facebook page.
Classes are held each Friday and Saturday into March. Cost is $29 per person.
If you decide you want more than just an introduction to curling, there are 201 level classes available. And if you get hooked, you can join a team and compete in a league.
DETAILS
Curling 101
7-8:30 p.m. Fridays, 1:30-3 p.m. Saturdays
Peachtree Curling Association: 4880 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068
(Rink is behind the Kroger shopping center, at the back of the Marietta Ice Center)
$29 per person
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