Young aspiring curlers get an opportunity to learn the skills of skipping, sweeping and hitting the button during the Kids Rock program at the Howe Sound Curling Club starting Wednesday (Oct. 13).
The program features eight on-ice sessions consisting of, among a myriad of lessons, game play, warm-ups and technique.
According to Kids Rock coach Eleanor Bowcock, the sessions are all about introducing kids to the sport and helping them learn the nuances of the game.
"We take all skill levels but a lot of our students are new to the game," she said. "We help teach the kids the basics of throwing, sweeping, team positioning and etiquette."
The program can also serve as a good refresher course for kids looking to get back on the ice for the first time this season.
"We've had kids who keep coming back year after year," she said. "Often times we will split into separate groups with more experienced players working on a different sheet of ice."
The classes start off by getting kids familiar with the basics of curling and then moving onto specific skill development and game strategy.
Bowcock said instructors like to end every on-ice session with mini-games to emphasize the fun and competitive nature of curling.
Bowcock and Jo-Anne Otto are the main coaches and are certified by Curling Canada. Bowcock said the kids are well supervised as they usually have a number of teachers or supervisors for each maximum class of 24.
The club provides all the equipment but it is recommended to bring warm clothing, gloves or mitts and stretchy pants, if possible. The club also would like kids to bring a clean extra pair of shoes, which are to only be used on the ice.
Kids must be at least eight years of age and no older than 14. Teenagers interested in the sport can join the club's Friday night league for young adults.
The cost of the eight sessions is $32 and they take place from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays until December 1 at the Howe Sound Curling Club. There will be another session of Kids Rock classes beginning in the New Year.
Those who wish to register can do so in person at the front desk of the 麻豆社国产Valley Golf Club. For more information, contact the curling club at 604-898-9521 extension five.
