All three local curling clubs have hosted drop-in clinics this month, allowing prospective newcomers a chance to try out the sport and giving returning players an opportunity to get some practice time ahead of the upcoming season.
Fort Rupert held its event last week with veteran John Maday giving a beginner's tutorial to newbies, explaining technique and scoring to the half-dozen who came out to try the sport.
Maday was joined by other regulars who then gave individual instruction before dividing up for a four-end mini-game to allow the beginners to put their skills into action.
The newcomers were unanimous in praising the opportunity to get on the ice. "It was good," said Ivory Daffurn of her first rink. "It's kind of like golf — but colder."
In Port McNeill, Broughton Curling Club members hosted their annual free clinic for three days last week. Veterans including Andy Quant, Don Riehl and Nick Russell helped guide newcomers, some of whom came on multiple nights.
There is still one more opportunity to get on the ice and give the sport a try. Port Alice has hosted a series of clinics this month, with one more left on the calendar.
Beginners are invited to join club members next Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. for a free session. For more information on the clinic see the Port Alice Curling Clubs' Facebook site.
All three clubs begin their season the first week of November, with the first bonspiel, the Fort Rupert-hosted Ladies Open, scheduled for November 15-17.
Maday also said that Fort Rupert planned to host Friday night drop-in curling at the Fort Rupert Club throughout the season. For more information see the Fort Rupert Curling Club's Facebook page.