Curling at Palau de Gel
Location and contact
Originally started in the Middle Ages in Scotland, curling is a precision and team sport. It was incorporated into the Olympics in 1988 and since then, it has become a very popular sport in many parts of the world, especially in Canada, United States and northern Europe.
How to play:
Curling is a simple sport to play as a family, because there are no limits of age or physical condition; everyone can play and the rules are very simple.
This activity is played on an ice rink with two teams (sweepers), eight 20 kg granite stones, and a “broom” or “brush” with synthetic or carbon fibres, depending on each person’s personal preference.
Each team will have 4 players: the “Lead” who will launch the first 2 stones and will sweep the next 6, the second and third, who will launch the 2nd and 4th and 5th and 6th stones, respectively, and sweep the rest. Finally, the “skip”, or captain, is who decides the strategy: where to aim the throws and when to sweep, and also how to do the last two throws.
The game consists of teams throwing the stone, sliding it and helping it gain speed by sweeping the brooms against the ground, until it reaches the target. Once inside, it is called an “end”. Each game consists of a total of 8 “ends”.
One detail worth mentioning is that it is very important that no broom touches the stone, otherwise the play will be disqualified. You must have calm nerves!
Playing material:
Synthetic fibre brooms or brushes, gloves, comfortable athletic clothing, special footwear with a slippery Teflon sole, called a “slider”, and all protections provided by the centre.
It doesn’t end here...
You can complement your fun by having dinner right there.
Come practice curling at Palau de Gel!