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.
About the Program
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 Handouts
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 Drills
Week Three - Draw Weight and Sweeping
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 Four - Rock Management and Weight Control
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 Drills
Week Four Handouts
Week Five - 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 Five Handouts
Week Six - 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 Six Handouts
Week Seven - Etiquitte and Gameplay
This lesson will begin off ice with a presentation about curling rules and etiquitte. 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 Seven Handouts
Week Eight - Gameplay
The last day. Congratulations! You made it. Let's finish by playing a game to let you demonstrate your new curling skills.
Please visit our website's resources page for all lesson plans, presentations, handouts, drills, and other curling resources.
When are the Lessons?
All lessons will take place on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:00 pm.
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.
How Much?
The cost for the Adult Learn to Curl Program is $200.00 + GST Per Participant. All Learn to Curl Program participants are also required to pay a $13.00 Membership Fee.
To register for the program, please see our Registration Information Page and/or reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 780-477-2427.
Who Can Join?
Anyone! Anyone and everyone over the age of 18.
We have designed our programs specifically for people over the age of 18 years. If you have a child that is interested in learning to curl alongside you, please reach out to us via email or phone and we will do everything we can to accommodate.
Curling has also made many improvements in the last couple of decades to broaden the accessibility of the sport. If crouching down and sliding seems impossible, stick curling is an option. This keeps the participant upright at all times. The Avonair Curling Club is also the home club to the Edmonton Rocks Wheelchair League.
What do I Need to Bring?
The Avonair will provide all curling equipment required for the lesson. All participants are responsible for bringing clean, indoor running shoes and appropriate clothing. The best clothing is long, stretchy pants of some kind (tights, sweatpants, track pants etc) and layers on top. While the temperature in the rink is not arctic, it is an ice rink and can get cold. It's far better to have the layers and not need them, than the other way around.
Gloves and hats are permitted, but please ensure that any gloves do not have fuzz or sparkles that will fall onto the ice during the lesson.
Helmets are not mandatory for participants over the age of 12, but are always encouraged at each participant's discretion.
If you do have your own curling equipment, please feel free to bring it along! We will teach you how to use it safely.
Please note: Clean shoes are mandatory. It is extremely important that shoes worn outside in the snow, water, and gravel not come on to our curling ice. If a participant comes to a lesson with inappropriate shoes, it is likely that they will be unable to participate on the ice.
Where are we Located?
10607 Princess Elizabeth Avenue NW, Edmonton - in the Kingsway Mall Parking Lot
Conveniently we are directly across from the NAIT LRT Station if you choose to take public transit. If you do drive, we have plenty of parking outside our facility.
We hope that we have convinced you to come out and give us a chance! See you on the ice!
If you have more questions for us, please feel free to reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 780-477-2427.
We look forward to meeting you and teaching you all about our wonderful sport!
