Curling sessions to return to the RIA

The Rhinelander Ice Arena, located at 2021 E Timber Drive in Rhinelander, will host “Learn To Curl” sessions Oct. 15, 21, 22 and 29, and Nov. 5 and 19.

“The game, so popular on TV during the Olympics, is played throughout Wisconsin,” Rhinelander Curling Club spokesperson Terri Gleason stand in a press release. “Learn to curls in April filled up within a week and we will be offering even more options to learn to curl this year.”

This learn to curl is open to all ages and abilities. You will learn to slide out of the “hack” (starting block), release a stone, sweep the stone down the ice, strategy and scoring, curling etiquette and the history of the game.

Participants will need to bring clean tennis shoes to change into and wear on the ice, and dress in comfortable warm clothing and gloves. Kids under 12 need to bring a helmet.

Seniors or others who find sliding difficult will be taught how to deliver a stone using a push stick.

After having a great time on the ice, the group will retire to the warming room where it will “broom stack,” enjoying beverages and snacks.

“Don’t worry, all these special curling terms will also be taught during this Learn To Curl,” Gleason, said. “The volunteers teaching you have over 100 years of combined experience and are of all levels and have competed in world events and national events. They are seniors, high-performance athletes and club curlers.”

Additionally, the club announced on Facebook that it host an informational open house at the RIA at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. 

Dates and sign up can be found on the website RhinelanderCurling.org.