Aiming to get some brooms into the hands of beginners the Sydney Curling Club welcomes the general public to push themselves out of the hack for the first time alongside regular club members on one of three Fun Nights being held January 29th, February 26th and March 26th.
A “Fun Night” is simply an evening where anyone interested in Curling is made to feel welcome at the club. Club members in attendance are always ready and willing to give free instruction to people who want to try their hand at the sport in a relaxed atmosphere where having fun and meeting new people are the main goals.
The curling action begins at 7pm with music starting at 8pm and ending around midnight. Music is provided by a DJ or a live entertainer.
Darren Power, a new convert to the sport after a “Fun Night” held earlier in the season, described the experience as “right on the button”:
“The facility has a comfortable feel,” says Power. “After a few rounds on the ice hanging out by the fire is a great way to warm up with a nice scotch. If you are one of those people who gets cold easily you might want to throw a couple extra layers on, it gets a bit chilly in the rink. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Curling itself was a lot of fun. Followed the next day by some achy muscles that you never knew existed.”
Anybody who’s watched it on TV probably feels like they know curling, 
but seeing and doing are two different things. “It’s easy to learn the rules but the technique is a little tougher than it looks,” Power admits. “But after an evening of curling, anyone with a knack for sport can become competent or even good. Still it’s a lot of fun even if you’re new. Mobility on the ice is tricky. Keeping balance with one foot and trying to push off with the other while trying to sweep takes a bit of getting used to. It also takes a while to get the hang of throwing a rock with accuracy. It’s kind of like bowling but on ice.”
Power says first-timers shouldn’t feel intimated or worried about not being able to do it it. “There was an experienced facilitator to help those new to the sport. They were helpful and enthusiastic instructors. They showed us how to throw a rock without falling on your butt as well as the proper way to shuffle along the ice while sweeping – the two biggest aspects of the game.”
And it really is a sport for just about anyone. “People of all ages who enjoy a relaxed and slow paced sport would like curling,” Power explains. “It is not an overly active sport which makes it fun for anyone no matter what your physical condition. I really liked the added atmosphere from the live music. Some light sport and tunes made it a very interesting evening.”
“It is also a very social sport,” he concludes. “There is a bit of standing around which gives you the opportunity to chat with team mates and opponents. Having a brew or two after, or during, the game adds to social aspect as well. A good opportunity to meet new people and have a lot of fun in the process.”
