Science of Curling

view of length of sheet from second story viewing room

Curling is a winter sport played on an indoor ice surface about 142 feet long and 14 feet wide called a 'sheet'. At each end of the ice surface there is a circular target area 12 feet in diameter called the "house". The object for each 4 person team is to deliver (slide) 40 lb. curling 'stones' from one end of the ice surface to the other. The team whose stone is closest to the center of the house (the tee) will score a point (or more if they have more than one stone that is closer to the tee).

Curling is a strategic game. Your team must position their stones so that they are protected from the opponent's attempts to remove them from the house, while trying to remain close to the tee to score points. As the name of the game implies as well as what makes curling so unique, the stones will curl (i.e. move in an arc) as they travel down the ice surface. This curling action allow a team to draw or hide their stone behind other stones. Each team must be able to "read" the ice to know what will happen to the stone as it is slides down the ice. The team members can help the stone slide further or reduce the curling action by "sweeping" the ice surface.

Each player delivers two stones, alternating shots with the opposing team. Once all sixteen stones are delivered an 'end' is completed and the team whose stones are closest to the center of the house scores a point for each stone. This process is repeated by delivering the stones back to the other end. There are typically 6 to 8 ends in a game lasting an 1.5 to 2 hours. The team with the most points wins the game.

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Curling Links (Add, update or Report Below)

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Curling has some unique properties that cannot be duplicated away from the rink.

When:If you have a group of kids interested in creating a project involving curling. Contact us and we will try to help.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your proposal. We curl on Sundays but we may be able to help on a school day.


Check out the links to the right and see a number of projects done both in the classroom and on the rink by students.

"Excerpts for Dragon Fly Link to the Right"...
Experiments you can try.
  • * Find a smooth flat floor space in school, such as in the gym or cafeteria. Make "curling rocks" out of plastic food containers (like Tupperware). Attach a handle to the lid, like a curling rock has, so you can slide the container along the floor and give it a spin at the same time. Now, a curling rock that spins clockwise veers (or, curls) to the right; one that spins counterclockwise veers left. Do these containers curl just like curling rocks on ice?
  • * Try an experiment with another object that spins... a flying disc. Most of us throw with our right hand, which gives the disc a clockwise spin. Try to find a way to throw it so it spins counterclockwise. What differences do you see in the disc's flight? Does it tend to veer one way or the other, depending on the spin? Is there no difference at all?

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Location/Contact

5940 NW Waukomis Drive,
Kansas City, Missouri 64151

Club Phone 816-659-6061
Club Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Club Fax 816-523-2345
Mailing Address
18 West 59th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64113

Test your Curling Knowledge --- What is (a) ...

Shot

The stone that is nearest the tee during the play of an end (also known as shot rock). It may also refer to the playing of a stone (i.e., making a shot).

Cost of Curling

$20/person
$15/person (under 18)
For New Curlers
One 1.5hr match
Foundation to play a match
⊕ space dependent
⊕ offered throughout the year



Saturdays ~ 7:00pm
Sunday ~ 9:00am
or join our email list.
Play or Practice
$20-$25/person
$15-$20/per. (under 18)
Previous Experience
One 1.5hr match
Learn match play, strategy
⊕ space dependent
⊕ offered throughout the year
Saturdays ~ 7:00pm
Sunday ~ 9:00am
or join our email list.
League
$120/person
$100/person (under 18)
New or Experienced
Six 1.5hr matches *
Develop your skills

⊕ guarenteed spot
⊕sub in other league(s) at no charge
Saturdays ~ 7:00pm
Sunday ~ 9:00am
or join our email list.
Winter Season
$300-$340/person
$300/person (under 18)
New or Experienced
Twenty 1.5hr matchess
well rounded approach to the sport
⊕ guarenteed spot
⊕sub in other league(s) at no charge
⊕ Free Broom ($40 value) to new curler
Saturdays ~ 7:00pm
Sunday ~ 9:00am
or join our email list.
Small Group Rental
$120/group
6-10 people
One Curling Sheet
One 1.5hr session
Birthday party
Friends, Family
available only when we curl on a space available basis
Saturdays ~ 7:00pm
Sunday ~ 9:00am
Large Group Rental
$350/hour
$275/hour (not-for-profit))
30-50 people
Entire rink/5 curling sheets
Churches
Office Teamwork,
Offered anytime the facility has ice available.
Offered anytime the facility has ice available.