Watch: The intricacies of Curling [video]
Curling or “The Roaring Game” is one of the fan-favorite sports to watch during the Winter Olympics. Find out how exactly Curling works down here:
With the Winter Olympics in full swing, the world is admiring the different Winter Olympic sports. There are a bunch of different sports at the Winter Olympics, but it looks like Curling is definitely a fan-favorite.
Why do I love curling so much? #winterolympics
— Robbie Robertson (@r0bbier0berts0n) February 12, 2018
Does anyone else really love watching curling at the #Olympics? #Pyeonchang2018
— Travis Allen ?? (@TravisAllen02) February 10, 2018
If you don’t know exactly how Curling works, this guide will help you appreciate the sport even more.
Love watching curling and not knowing what’s actually happening. I’m just rooting for someone to get the rock in the middle.
— Chris Kuchefski (@ChrispyK_127) February 13, 2018
What is Curling?
According to the official Olympics website, Curling is a team sport played by two teams or four players on a rectangular sheet of ice. It’s nickname, “The Roaring Game” originates from the rumbling sound the 44-pound (19,96 kg) granite stones make when they travel across the ice.
What tools do you need in Curling?
A Broom or a brush:
There are reportedly two types of broom. The most common is a brush or “push broom”. The other is a corn/straw/Canadian broom, which, with long bristles, looks much like a normal broom.
Ice, of course:
For indoor tournaments the artificially created ice has its surface sprinkled with water droplets which freeze into tiny bumps on the surface. Called “pebbled ice”, this surface helps the stone’s grip and leads to more consistent curling.
Rink:
The rink is 42.07m long and 4.28m wide with a target – or house – at either end.
Shoes:
Special curling shoes are common; shoes should grip the ice well. While shooting, extremely slippery surfaces such as Teflon are used on the sliding foot. Some are built into the shoes and others are strapped on over the shoes.
Rock:
Also known as a stone, a curling rock is made of rare, dense granite that is quarried on Scotland’s Ailsa Craig. Each rock weighs 19.1 kg and is polished.
