Great Final Shot

Such a close call...a draw to the 4 foot for 3 and the WIN! Unfortunately, it was against me. I played with a new team last night against the team I usually with. The smack talk was intense!

It was a close game every end, we traded 2 points back and forth every end...great shots by everyone. I am not sure how the other sheets were, but we had about 6 feet of curl. The rocks really moved...it was fun to watch (sometimes frustrating because we missed some easy shots). We had the option of making similar shots to Martin or Bernard...I repeat, we had the option, no always the ability.

I think we are at the point of being able to coach ourselves a little, for example "I know what i did wrong there." As we are progressing though, I think that more help in strategy is needed. Not just strategy from shot to shot, but more so how to set up an end, when to start with high or low guards or when to start an end with putting rocks directly into the house.

On another note, I had the chance to spare in the Wed night cash league, played lead on one of our instructor's team. I felt quit confident until I stepped out on the ice. Then the pressure of not wanting to miss a shot, hearing people call of numbers for draw time measured in tenths of a second. Way to precise and advanced for me. Then I threw my first rock...i was asked to take out a rock in the house. It should have been easy...nope i missed. It was like throwing an air-ball from the foul line. It took me a few ends to gather myself I managed to threw a couple of good stones and we pulled out a victory. I can hardly wait to another chance.

Robyn - for next time, waving your broom around from 110 feet away...I interpreted as takeout, not a guard. If that is what you wanted...it was a good takeout. Sorry!

Last note: Huge day for Canada....4 medals!!!!!

Battle of the Thirds

After a challenge issued by Kristina 5 days ago...I answered! A glorious 6-3 victory. Sorry Kristina your new broom and curling kilt were no match for my new broom, shoes and white belt. I think if we went to the stats I might edge you out there too...not that I think there is a game-breaking difference between 68% and 71%.

I thought we were going to be in trouble going down 1 in the first end and not being able to judge the ice in the second end. It seemed that the ice turned to slush...literally 'stopping' our rocks half way down the ice. A rock that looked fast or "heavy" after a delivery, we were sweeping hard to to get it across the hog line.



Tactically we played strong, when we finally got in front on the score board, we were to protect our stones and made the other team attempt difficult shots. Seems very elemental, but executing it doesn't always work!

I learned a couple of valuable lessons: a slower rock spin the more it curls and don't tell Glenn to throw "take out weight" - even in full sprint we couldn't keep up.

Some worthy notes:

I have got to make mention of Norway's pants in the first game against Canada. GORGEOUS. I am a supporter of relaxing rules of the traditional plain combination of black pants and plain black shoes. I have bright white shoes and wear pants that are a little more like the Norwegians (not as clown-like)...I am such a rebel. It is nice to see it on the international stage. Join the revolution!

Check this out...

http://sports.yahoo.com/video/player/woly/Curling/18182615#woly/Curling/18182615

Back To Form

It was a more successful outing last night. We had consistency, quality shot making plus good calls from our skip...all added up to WIN WIN WIN! 8 - 4, maybe? I find it odd that I generally don't know the actual final score of most of the games we play. I am generally very competitive by nature, but now get so involved in the whether we are making good shots or understanding the strategy, I forget about the score. Well,
I know if we are winning or losing just not by how much. Maybe its the start of a midlife thing or maybe a Paradigm shift.

There are lots of discussions on the ice during the other games of ice conditions, the weight of shots and general curling lingo. In contrast, when we started I heard someone say "oh look, this is played on ice, I didn't know that". Our group of 32 has come a long way. GREAT JOB!

I finally bought my own broom and registered for a bonspiel. I think we will have 4 teams from our club challenging other clubs in Ottawa. I am fairly certain that TSN will not pick up any of the games...too bad, there will be lots of drama!

Sorry Luc, but I have to mention that last shot of the night. Our instructors have used the words like balance, square your shoulders, clean release when pushing out of the hack. Not once do I remember "the sprawling superman".

BTW - Anna, I still think the hack weight, come around hit would have been the better call. Drawing to the button didn't allow for a good Plan B - something we rely on with most of our shots. As I remember we went with a draw and they scored 2....just saying! :)

AND I have something fancy for next weeks game...it's a suprise!

If Your Going To Lose, Lose BIG!

What a bad night for us!!! Sameer was able to exact his revenge for the beating we gave him last week.

I reluctantly announce the score was 9-1. Even more reluctant to say 6 out of the 9 points they got we had the hammer. Not sure if it was because the ice was impossible to read or there were mexican steroids at work...or maybe it was this guy who distracted me:



I am not even sure what to to say about it...so I am looking to others to add some comments! PLEASE HELP

Another Victory

First, I have to congratulate the Ottawa Curling Club crew of Rachel Homan, Emma Miskew, Laura Crocker and Lynn Kreviazuk (Rachel and Lynn two of our instructors).

Great news for our program...there is going to be a curling bonspiel for the different first year curlers in the city in April, 4 or 5 clubs. A real chance to showcase our talents and a chance for our instructors to compare their coaching abilities....bragging rights are at stake. There is only room for 16 teams to take part and there are at least 3 teams from our club wanting to take part.

It was a good showing for our team...Ashley, Daniel and Rob. Right out of the gates we (I think) seemed to be in control of the game and stuck to the game plan. Both teams did a good job of trying different and making shots to force better shots from the others. We all managed to make some great shots...we just made them a few more times.


At the start I had some balance issues, fell flat on my face when I threw my first rock. Since I started throwing with a broom and not the stabilizer I have been struggling. Went back to the stabilizer in the middle of the game and issues seemed to be resolved. It's a lot easier and less to think about. Thanks for the advice Kiley!

Nothing really funny happened in our game....anyone else?

Glen's triumphant return

Missing for 6 weeks, Glen made his return and we lumped him into skipping. For the second week in a row it was a emotional struggle, add some communication confusion and my ability to make the shots - it was a recipe for near disaster.

Being able to read the ice - I was a non believer at the onset of my so-called curling career. NOT ANY MORE...one way is faster than the other, the rock does curl differently depending the line you choose and you have to know when it runs straight. As I am told, only more experience on the ice will make it better. Unfortunately, with so much of my time taken up with work and other stuff, not sure when I can find the time. Maybe I'll try to convince my boss to let me take a couple of days off each week, shouldn't be difficult considering who I work for...not holding my breath!

We were not the poster kids of fast play last night....25 min an end. We struggled to keep play moving only because we (both teams) over thought and over analyzed each shot. Something that I think most of the teams need to work on. We should get faster with time.

Now getting to the action ...there were 2 incidents or plays last night that were extremely noteworthy. First, the Big Fall - not to make fun but to point out the danger this sport posses - Glen was sliding down the sheet to prepare for his shot when I called out his name. When he started to look around to acknowledge me, his feet and head changed positions....feet went up - head went down. I lost my balance laughing...maybe I can make a little fun as it was my first reaction ...then concern.

The second incident involved the greatest cross house double takeout by Rob. Ashley and I can take 2% of the credit for sweeping. It was the "TSN turning point." It was a beautifully poetic motion. We erupted in celebration....so loud that the other games stopped and took notice. The only think I can compare it to is a great shot by a first time golfer that they talk about for the next year and the one that gets them back on the course. Superb!

Rob did turn to me and told me the secret of making the shot..."keep your eyes closed the entire time."

Ohhhh, I forgot.....we won too! Beers on us.

Almost the greatest comeback in the history of Tues nights

It was a tough night of curling. We started with hope and confidence. By the end of the first end, they stole 3 and we were stunned!

Our initial tactic was simple....through up a guard or two and get some stones the house. What a disaster! We couldn't figure out how fast the ice was or how much it was going to curl. Not to mention Cameron and his team threw some great shots.

I went straight for the bar....I can't even remember the 2nd end, but I am sure they got another point. Then they got 2 more in the 3rd or forth. SH@#!!!! Losing 6-0 just like that.

However, in the 5 end our tactic changed - through everything into the house and try to sort it out later. It worked. I was looking at scoring 5 if I could draw around 2 guards and hold it in house. Unfortunately, I rubbed the guard and it touched Daniel's foot then came to rest inside the 12foot, we were credited 3...it started our comeback. Our spirits lifted. We blanked 6th end....leaving all the marbles on the table for the final end (we only had time to play 7 ends).

Still trying to get as many rocks in the house as possible. We filled the house and the front was filled with guards. We were counting 4 and I had two attempts to put up a guard. I, of course, missed...but only just. I ended up knocking one of their stones in, we are now looking at 3. It looks like we are going to tie. Not bad, down 6-0, we were looking at 6-6...there was no way Cameron was going to pull off anything with his last shot.

WRONG - Another great shot Cameron...my congratulations. It came to rest inside 2 of my 4 stones.

Final score 6-5....almost the greatest comeback in the history of Tues night league!

2010...a new beginning

Happy New Year everyone.

We started off things right this year, new diet, more exercise and more curling.

Maybe I'll start the diet next week, need a couple of weeks off cause I'm sore from working out....more curling - got it covered!

Now that we are playing full games, I am much more excited making the 30min trek from my house to downtown Ottawa. Fighting the snow, traffic and idiot drivers, I found myself yelling HURRY! to a car in front of me because I was running a little late. I wanted to sweep him right off the road, the jerk.

It is great now, playing games! We get to choose our position (lead, 2nd etc) by putting a little peg with our name on it in the position we want to play which is linked to a sheet and rock color. So, all the teams are random. Our team didn't fair too well, we lost. Don't want to bore you with the excuses either. It is becoming easier to see a separation in the skill levels of individuals now. Understanding of game tactics, how much a rock curls, and possibly the most important...being able to control your throwing weight.

On a slightly different note: We (CCA) had a camera crew come this past week to shoot some curling footage for an upcoming YouTube commercial for the StartCurling.ca , HurryHard! commercials (check it out startcurling.ca) you may have seen on television. There will be a contest asking people to send in their own Hurry or Hard video. As soon as it is posted, I will send out the link. (sorry Anna, I wish you could have made it)

After the crew had left, I was asked to play for a team in an actual league of experienced curlers...thrilled at first, nervous the rest of the time. Will my teammates think 'oh great he has to throw again' or 'he sucks'. In fact it was the opposite, they were understanding and accepting that I was a beginner and may not be as accurate in my shots. Thanks for the help Lisa, Darren, and Robyn!!!!!

Sweeping, I had no problems. As the lead, my job was to mainly throw guards. I made a few, threw a couple through the house and hogged one (must have picked something on the ice). I even made a couple of take outs that were supposed to be guards...maybe the skip called it wrong. However, I made enough of positive impression that I now on the spare list....a polite way of being asked to play when the team has no one else.....BUT I'M THERE!

Should I buy my own broom? Hmmmmmm

Paul

Week 8 - All Game...little instruction

After 8 incredible weeks of drills and instruction, we played our first full evening of games. Everyone appeared to be very excited. Our instructors stepped back to see what we could do. Of course, they didn't stray far as we needed lots of help with the strategy and shot selection.

It was difficult for me to pay attention to the other sheets and how the other games were going but from what I did see, people seem pretty eager to put on their 'game faces' to show off their skills. It is great to see us, as a group, be so excited about and focused on good technique - a good release - proper wait - sweeping hard; yet still have huge smiles whether a good outcome was achieved or not.


With us now starting to play games we can hopefully start learning the strategy side, not say we aren't going to still work on the physical skills. But I think the real fun will be when a team begins to plan their shots and execute them with some consistancy.


Even though we are not yet really keeping tabs, my competitive side is starting to take over....I am 2-0 for the little games we've played (just for the record).


Quote of the Night

"I just did a double takeout....it wasn't what the skip called and wasn't what I was aiming at, but it was so cool"


I would love to get some feedback from others especially from our instructors of our progress. Looking forward to the XMAS dinner in a couple of weeks!



What do you think?

Weeks 5,6,7 - Completed 2 full ends

Sorry, I have been away for the past couple of weeks with work but was back in full form last night.

We did a quick review of the past 2 weeks (which I missed), 'delivery line' and 'throwing at the broom'. What I thought as a pretty simple movement of sliding a rock down the ice, has now become quit technical and complicated. Repetition and some muscle memory will definitely compensate for that. Instructor Lisa, had a pretty difficult task of balancing the group, now ranging from people who are still in their infancy of learning the skills and the keener's who are now going out 3 or 4 times week to practice begging to starting playing full ends. Lisa made us do a some practice throws, throwing in turns and out turns (fancy names for turn left or turn right) and offer great critiques and guidance....then let us divide into 2 teams, chatted about basic game strategy and some etiquette (www.startcurling.ca/etiquetteRules.html), finally gave us the thumbs up!

Rob and I immediately started talking about strategy and taunting a couple of members of the other team...the game was on (only playing 2 ends)! It was great seeing the learned/limited skills put into game situation....everyone concentrated on proper technique or at least attempted to. Although not always succeeding, everyone was positive and encouraging. Remember if you point your shoulder, hips and toe at the target, you will end up at the target!

We started strategizing (pretending like we knew what we were doing), rocks were thrown, people swept, we yelled "hurry hard", just like the TV commercials (http://www.startcurling.ca/)

Our team did not have last rock in the first end (a disadvantage) and we gave up 1 point on a couple of almost made shots. Lisa was great at helping us formulate strategy...it is very much like chess, thinking about the current and future positioning of stones. What a mess we would have made without her help.

We were down 1 going into the second end. After gaining some confidence, there were some really great shots....WE LOOKED LIKE CURLERS! Rob's 'guards', David's 'double takeout' and I had 'draw to the button' then had to make a 'take out' and have my stone stay in the 8foot to get 2 points and win the game. I'm still fired up!

After, we all meet in the lounge recapping each shot like we were WWII vets talking of past glory. Classic!

Quote of the Night
"forget draw weight, I'm taking out as many rocks out as I can, I love they way it sounds"

Thought of the Night
If you lose, you can blame the skip for making bad calls...sorry but it's true

Paul

week 4 - draw vs takeout weight

Hello everyone. sorry I am a day late with this one. Feeling quit sick yesterday.

I think it is a good time to add a video link to a simple breakdown of what curling is and some terms of reference....please watch

www.youtube.com/watch?vrmI_306U12k

This week was fun. We had our first session concentrating on throwing rocks down the sheet. As always we did some review and practice slides watched a few demonstrations and off we went.

Lynn Kreviazuk, this weeks instructor and Lead of Ontario's Provincial Jr champions team, went over the "rock back foot back, park, rock forward foot forward" routine. I am finding it easier when I'm not too mechanical in my thought process about the delivery.

Revelation of the Day - do what feels comfortable for you, then make small tweeks so that you are working on the correct technique.

Feeling quit comfortable with my delivery, I attempted to throw a couple of rocks down the sheet with the correct force (weight in curling terms) so they stopped anywhere in the rings (house). First attempt I was short of the hog line. This is like shooting a free throw in basketball and coming up 3 feet short. Next rock, I pushed much harder out of the hack....my rock made it over the hog line....YEAAA, through the house....NOOOO.... and took flight off the hack at the other end....OHHHH @#$%!!. This would be like a free throw going over the backboard and hitting the TSN camera. Not such a good start for me. I needed to regroup, watch others make the same mistakes. I felt better. I threw about 15 more rocks ...about half made it remotely close to where I wanted. Overall, felt pretty good with a 50% record.

We were supposed to be working on figuring out how much weight it takes to throw a draw (putting a rock in the house) and the weight it takes to throw a takeout (removing rocks in the house). As is stands now, one is throwing it harder than the other. I just can't do it properly. Once I can figure out what draw weight is, I think it is going to be easier to judge the weight of other shots. The only way that is going to happen is if I throw a lot more rocks....trial and error.

Safety Note of the Day - Keep your weight on your gripper foot and ALWAYS step off the ice with your slider first.

One the other instructors out it best...."You can only improve!"

Week 3 - Delivery Techniques

I have to apologize that there is no video or pix....camera broke in my bag on the way.

Last night started the same as the other 2 weeks. We gathered in the viewing area for a few minutes of stretching and warming up. After the crack of joints and moan of unwilling muscles we were off to cool our sliders. We got right into practicing out deliveries. Seemed like I lost some the comfort level I had from the week before, but after a few basic refreshers about balance and foot position my confidence returned.

Our instructor, Erin Morrisey, former Jr National player and Western University Skip, lead us through a series of new techniques that focused on shifting our weight when in the hack. She explained that if we could get a comfortable rhythm of "rock back weight back, pause, rock forward weight forward" our deliveries would become more powerful and consistent. I thought I was 'ok' at it til I starting chanting, first aloud (like a few other people around me), then in my head. After a few more practice slides using either a stabilizer or another rock to help with balance, we were challenged to slide with a broom in our non-sliding hand. What a disaster. BRING BACK MY STABILIZER. They did. It's turning into my childhood blankie.

Erin pointed out a couple small issues with the alignment of my sliding foot and rock, but I generally had pretty good technique. It seems that I am hanging the rock a little to the right which forces me to either pitch my upper body more left or lean too much on the rock. balance balance balance and more practice of course.

My new curling buddy, Glenn and I will be meeting this Friday to practice.

Anyone out there know a technique to help straighten me out?

Week 2 - our first real deliveries

Hi Everyone,

What a great night, we got to start throwing rocks like real curlers. Noticed I used the word 'like' and not the phrase 'same as'. I am a long way from that. Lisa, our instructor for the night, was great. She described the techniques for delivering rocks, demoed, then we practiced. The one-on-one teaching is invaluable!

Our group, on sheet 1 consisted of a few younger pups like me and few seasoned people. There were 4 other groups on other sheets going through the same drills. We all joked about who would be the first to fall and have to wear a helmet for the rest of the evening. Luckily, fear of the helmet and pain kept us upright for the nearly an hour of progressive balancing and sliding drills. Watching the other groups...several minor falls were echoed with laughter and "Can I try that again?". As we went through the drills, we were using 2 stabilizers to slide out of the hack, Lisa asked to lift out throwing hand to prove we had the proper balance. After a couple people made their attempts, our group got a little over confident so we started lifting both hands or did some other variations of what we were asked to do. Finally it happened. A gentlemen, who was fairly technically sound to this point (an obvious x-curler) dazzled us with a baton-like twirl move with the stabilizer....we cheered. When he stood up to relish in the awe of us, his adoring fans, he went ass-over-tea-kettle. Both legs left the ice and stabilizers went flying. After a second of panic, 3 instructors sprinting over to check him and him trying to get back to his feet before pretending that no one saw..... we all split a gut! Wish I got it on video.

Here are a few videos of the progress.

My first night of curling

So last night was the inaugural night of curling. First thing I have to say is people were so friendly.

When I arrived, I was greeted, fitted for a pair of specialized curling shoes, ushered into the lounge and introduced to a couple of other newbies. After a few minutes of meeting and greeting, about 30 of us (ages 20's to 50's) gathered on the top floor for a short 45min overview of the basics of the ice, curling etiquette and meeting our instructors. THEN out on the ice we went....

We started slow...good thing it is surprisingly hard to stand on a slider. We were asked to slide around a little, bent down in the ready position and tried to extend into a lunge....my only thought was 'Bambi on ice'. Half of us fell.....everybody laughed. We got a chance to practice a few more times then tried sweeping. Finally we got to practice pushing out of the hack in an attempt to do a proper curling slide. We had instructors with us giving individual help and pointers. There were many falls and lots of laughs but no injuries other than a little pride and some bruised knees.

A couple of quick points: its harder than it looks and this is going to get me better shape. Ottawa Curling Club is a great building and the people are fabulous.

Such a fun night!!!!!!

Can't wait til next Tuesday

I am starting to curl...

I started working with the Canadian Curling Association in November of 2008...ironically, I do not curl. Fortunately, my position requires no background as player, I do however, have many hours of experience watching it on TV as a screaming fan. After a year under my belt with the organization and being up close and personal with some of the worlds best players, not to mention the average jo - curler...I too want to play! So, I am starting the "Getting Started" program offered the Ottawa Curling Club (check your local club for a similar program for new curlers). http://www.ottawacurlingclub.com/

My intent of this blog is to try to document my progress over the next few months. I hope to provide a place for others to share their stories, their insights and helpful info. Who knows maybe others will be motivated to give it a try.

I will update every Wednesday, starting Oct 14, 2009....but feel free to add stuff at any time.

If you are a seasoned player PLEASE give some advise on rules and etiquette...we will appreciate it.

Please sign up, follow along, add content, give advise...