Have you ever wanted to learn to curl? Maybe you've tried a single day program and are ready for more? This is the program for you!

We believe that it is never too late for learn a new skill, so we have created a comprehensive program designed specifically for participants over the age of 18 to learn how to curl.

This program takes place over 8 weeks and covers the A-Z of curling in detail. Each 1.5 hour lesson covers a different curling skill. By the end of this program you'll have the skills necessary to join a beginner or recreational league or event! Our lead instructor, Sarah, has taught this program 8 times from start to finish and believes that she has developed a program that gives all participants the best chance for success in the sport.

The program is a mix of both off ice lessons and on ice practice of learned skills. A basic outline of the 8 weeks is provided below along with all lesson plans, presentations, drills, and worksheets.

Week One - Welcome and Introduction

An introduction to curling. This week will begin with an off ice presentation dealing with safety, equipment, and the curling slide. Following the off ice presentation, all participants will be taken onto the ice surface to learn about the parts of the ice and give their curling slide a go!

Week One Presentation

Week One Lesson Plans

Week One Drills

Week Two - Sliding, Line of Delivery, and Turns

This is a big week! We'll practice our slides first. Once those are perfected, we'll learn how slide in different directions. Finally, we'll introduce the two curling turns.

Week Two Lesson Plans

Week Two Drills

Week Three - Grip, Release, Rotation, and Draw Weight

Building on the basic discussion about turns from the week before, we'll talk more specifically about rock rotation and why it is important to the game. Once we have our turns figured, we'll practice throwing rocks full length and see who can get theirs closest to the button!

Week Three Lesson Plans

Week Three Drills

Week Four - Sweeping and Rock Management

Hurry hard! This is the part everyone is eager to try - sweeping! You'll learn why and when to sweep, proper techniques, and some tips and tricks to be the best sweeper you can be. We'll also chat about managing a rock down the ice as a sweeper.

Week Four Lesson Plans

Week Four Drills

Week Five - Take Out Weight

Now that we can slide and throw proper turns, let's learn how to throw it hard! We'll work on getting comfortable pushing out of the hack at high speeds so that we can get lots of power down the sheet.

Week Five Lesson Plans

Week Five Handouts

Week Five Drills

Week Six - Line Calling and Ice Reading

Curling is often referred to as "Chess on Ice" - this week we'll start to learn why. We'll start with an off ice presentation discussing how a player should watch a rock down the ice to judge its movement. It's a tough concept, but we'll get you there!

Week Six Presentation

Week Six Lesson Plans

Week Six Drills

Week Seven - Basic Strategy and Gameplay

Let's learn how to call shots! We'll start off ice with a presentation about basic curling strategy then head onto the ice to practice the skills we learn.

Week Seven Presentation

Week Seven Lesson Plans

Week Seven Drills

Week Eight - Ettiquette and Gameplay

The last day. Congratulations! You made it. Out final lesson will begin off ice with a presentation about curling rules and ettiquette. We'll end our final lesson with a short game to give you the chance to put to use all the skills you have learned.

Week Eight Presentation

Week Eight Lesson Plans

Week Eight Drills

Please visit our website's resources page for all lesson plans, presentations, handouts, drills, and other curling resources.

Fall Program Dates:

Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Nov. 2, Nov. 9, Nov. 16, Nov. 23, Nov. 30, Dec. 7

Each lesson is 1 1/2 hours

Winter Program Dates:

Jan. 11, Jan. 18, Jan. 25, Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 15, Feb. 22, Mar. 1

Each lesson is 1 1/2 hours. 

All curling equipment will be provided for participants. If you have your own, feel free to bring it along! Otherwise, all you are responsible for is proper clothing (warm and stretchy) and clean, indoor running shoes. Please note: outdoor shoes - particularly those worn out in the snow and ice - will not be premitted on curling ice. The Avonair Curling Club does not have rental shoes available, so if inappropriate shoes are brought, the participant may not be allowed on the ice surface.

Helmets are not required, but are always encouraged at each participant's discretion.

Gloves and hats are encouraged - just please avoid clothing with loose fuzz or sparkles.

We look forward to meeting you and teaching you all about our wonderful sport!