Open Houses

If you have ever wanted to try curling you have come to the right place. The Granite Curling Club has several open houses throughout the year - come on out and give it a try. Our instructors will provide you with a great introduction to the sport.

The cost is $15 per person or $40 for a family. The club will be open to the public on the dates below. Please make sure to arrive no later than 90 minutes before the end of the open house or we may not have room for you.

Answers to many common questions can be found below.

Schedule

No Open Houses Scheduled - please check back in the fall.

When can I come out and try curling?

We're sorry to say that we have no further open houses scheduled before we thaw out in June. We expect to have more open houses in late September or early October 2010. Please check back in August for next season's open house schedule.

Throughout the curling season, we hold open houses from time to time when the ice is not in use for Bonspiels, clinics or other events. Check the online calendar for upcoming open houses or the list on the schedule page.

At the beginning of the curling season, we hold larger open houses before League play begins. At the end of the season, we often hold additional open houses or beginner clinics.

Please make sure you arrive no later than 90 minutes before the end of the open house if you would like to get on the ice.

What should I wear?

Wear loose fitting pants, and a sweatshirt. You should dress in layers - it can be chilly on the ice, but you heat up quickly once you start playing and sweeping. Bring clean flat-soled comfortable shoes. (Tennis shoes or sneakers work well. Running shoes that are wide work less well.)

How much does it cost?

$15.00 per person, with a $40 maximum per family.

Is there a waiver to sign? Are there any age limits? Can kids or teens curl?

All curlers are required to sign a waiver before going on the ice. Waivers will be provided at the club, or you can save time by downloading the waiver, then print and sign it, and bring it with you. Curlers under 18 years of age must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian before going on the ice. If a parent isn't coming to the event, you can download the waiver, then print and sign it, and send it with the child.

Typically, kids need to be 8 years old to have a chance of getting a rock into play. On the ice, an adult should accompany children under 10.

Can I bring a group?

Groups will not be signed in or allowed on the ice until all group members have arrived at the club. For the shortest wait, please make sure your group all arrives at the same time. If we are very busy we may have to restrict access to the club to only guests who are not expecting further group members.

If you are planning on a group of 15 or more, you should really consider a rental. This way, you can ensure that you all learn and curl together, and you have use of the lounge for food and socializing.

If you want to bring a group to try curling, please email the Open House Coordinator and let us know how many you intend to bring so we can be sure to have enough instructors on hand.

What happens at an Open House?

The Open House process goes something like this:

• You arrive, sign a waiver and pay $15 ($40 family max).
• Depending on how busy we are, you may have to go upstairs and wait for your group to be called.
• We clean your shoes and fit rubber grippers on them to protect our ice surface.
• Your instructors lead you through some stretches, safety guidelines, and information about the game.
• A group of 8 - 20 people goes out on the ice for some curling instruction and play.
• Once your lesson is done, you can visit us upstairs for snacks and to learn more about curling and our club.

We have 5 sheets of ice, so we can optimally accommodate around 40 people at any given time.  If we are very busy, we may have larger groups or less time on the ice. 

Generally you will be on the ice for 1-2 hours which includes instruction and a small game. If we are very busy, you may have to wait up to 2 hours to get on the ice.

What is the difference between an Open House and Practice Ice?

Open Houses are held at selected times during the curling season, and are open to the public. If ice is available, club members can curl at no charge, but open house guests have priority for ice time.

Practice Ice (and any unused open ice) time is for club members to practice or play pick-up games.

Can I just come and watch?

Yes. You can watch the action through windows overlooking the ice sheets. There are plenty of warm comfortable seats and friendly people are available to answer your questions and explain the game. There is no charge if you just come to watch.

OK! That was fun! How can I play more?

You're always welcome to attend more open houses! A few of our leagues may still be able to add you to their roster now or in January. We will also have a summer league starting in mid-April that will be open to everyone.

I am a Granite Curling Club member. How can I help?

We need volunteers to help as greeters, shoe cleaners and instructors. If you would like to help at one of the upcoming open houses, please email the Open House Coordinator. Many thanks.