SolutionsPT Goes Curling!

Deeside Ice Rink

Here at SolutionsPT we like to try new things, so whilst watching the game of curling at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, and inspired by the combined success of the British Women's and Men's teams, our Employee Action Team (EAT) decided to organise a group trip to the home of Welsh curling. 

If you haven't seen it played before, curling takes place on a 'sheet' of ice.  Two teams take turns to deliver (slide) stones down the ice attempting to get closer to the centre of the target or 'house' than their opponents. Each team consists of 4 players who deliver two stones each. 

The curling stones

Curling stones are made from granite and weigh about 20kg each. Curlers also 'sweep' the ice in front of their team's stone to melt the ice slightly - this helps the stone to travel further and can influence the direction. 

Excited to take part,  we traveled from our base in Manchester across the border into Wales and to the Deeside Leisure Centre - the closest venue for us to take part in curling tuition.  One of our customers, Paul from Syngenta also came along with us. 

Basics of the game 

Organised by the Welsh Curling Association, our 'Try Curling' session consisted of a light warm up, introduction to the game and learning how to sweep and deliver stones. 

All important safety was covered as well but the ice was deceptively easy to walk on, not slippery but with a pebbled effect on the surface. 

Delivering a stone 

Sweep the path of the stone

With expert tuition from the qualified coaches and club members, the group was up to speed in no time and a game commenced with great rivalry - yellow stones beating red stones 3 -2. 

Talking tactics

Curling is a fun and challenging game combining physical and mental skill. It's one of the few sports where all ages, genders and abilities can play together and against each other. For more information visit Try Curling Website for other venues. Thanks to the Welsh Curling Association for their time and putting together an enjoyable evening and to EAT for funding our social trip out. 

Watch the video of our resident sporting expert, James, delivering a near perfect stone: