With the emergence of doubles curling around the world, Cranbrook is jumping on board with a doubles league of its own.
Doubles curling is a faster version of the original game and requires only two players.
“This way you can come to meet people, we have spares and we have people dropping in all the time,” said Sue Trombley, chair of the new league.
The 2018 Winter Olympics saw the introduction of mixed doubles curling, where Canada’s Kaitlyn Lawes and John Morris won the gold medal.
The Cranbrook league started in October and currently has six teams. They meet up on Friday nights at 7 p.m.
For this league, the pairs do not have to be mixed (one male and one female).
According to Curling Canada, at a competitive level, each game is scheduled for eight ends, but can be shortened in a club experience of five-six ends. The scoring is the same as in a regular game of curling.
The major difference in doubles curling is the placement of two stones in the house — one per team — prior to the action. These are set before the beginning of each end, and they are eligible to be counted in the scoring.
A clinic on how to curl doubles is going to be held Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Cranbrook Curling Centre.
There will be four qualified coaches at the clinic to answer any questions.
“It’s open to anybody. Anybody that’s never curled before, people who curled in high school or haven’t picked it up in a while and people who are new to town,” said Trombley.
People coming out don’t need curling shoes, but should bring a clean pair of running shoes. Brooms and sliders will be provided.
There is a $10 cost to non-curling members, but that is for the insurance to get onto the ice.
“I feel this clinic will open up doors for people. For people who are just coming into town and don’t have a chance to get to know enough people to put together a four-person team,” said Trombley.
Curling is for everyone of all ages, and Trombley wants people to come to the clinic and experience what doubles curling is really about.
“It’s an inexpensive, healthy way for good exercise, good cardio and you meet people. You don’t need to know a lot of people. [It’s] something to do in the winter time and have fun,” she said.
Curlers don’t need to be with a pair, the club will help to pair people for teams if needed.
“If you’re brand-new we will mix you with a person who has experience, so we aren’t putting two inexperienced people together. We are just trying to grow the league,” said Trombley.
For more information about doubles curing and the clinic contact Sue Trombley at (250)-919-4691 or suetrombley53@gmail.com.
jessica.dempsey@cranbrooktownsman.com
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