Curling: Chess on Ice

Courtney Taylor

Cariboo Advisor

Some people may look at curling and see a sport that can come across as somewhat boring, but when you take a closer look what you find might surprise you.

The Williams Lake Curling Club held an open house last Saturday encouraging lakecity residents to come out and try the sport for themselves to see what it’s all about.

Laura Ball has been curling for the past 15 years and was recently brought on as a coordinator, a position she says she is excited about.

“I love to curl and any opportunity to expand the club is great,” said Ball.

For Ball, the sport has become a family affair with her two daughters Jessica and Michelle curling for the past six or so years at the club with her.

The girls say they love the challenge of the sport, and though it may look easy not everybody can pick it up.

“I like that (curling) is laid back, but that there is a challenge to it,” says Michelle.

Their mom compares the game to chess and says it’s a sport for kids who like a challenge.

“It’s a strategic game of trying to (oust) your opposition,” said Ball.

For newcomers to the sport it can be a little intimidating with all the experienced players seeming to talk in another language between getting into the ‘hack,’ calling for a ‘chip,’ and all the yelling of ‘hard’ or ‘hurry.’ But the Ball girls reassure everyone that once they get the hang of it, curling is a lot more fun than it looks on television.

For long time curler John Shepard, it’s all about the comradery of the game that he loves the most.

“It doesn’t look like a whole lot of fun, but when you get on the ice it is a lot of fun with the social aspect added in,” says Shepard.

Shepard has been curling for 40 years, sponsoring ice for the last six years plus she currently curls with three different leagues.

She said the open house was about showing off the sport to newcomers, and Bert Cons had the pleasure of doing just that. He showed 13-year-old Devon Hill the basics.

“We got some curlers out today, and if we can keep them interested like they are today, then they’ll do pretty good,” says Cons.

Cons says curling is a great winter sport for all ages.

Ball says in Williams Lake more kids play hockey, but she’s hoping she can convert some to at least come try curling.

“I love curling and I think everyone should at least try it,” says Ball. “You wont know if you like until you get out and try.”