The sport of curling has been around for centuries, and over the last several years, New Hampshire’s community of curlers has found more ways to spin their stones.
From advanced leagues to free “learn to curl” clinics, anyone with a desire to partake can find the right option, especially if they are willing to drive a ways.
With the men’s Olympic gold medal game on Saturday, and the women’s on Sunday, it’s not too late to catch a little curling fever across the state.
The Lakes Region Curling Association, founded in 2014, curls on Sundays at the Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center in Wolfeboro. For beginners interested in learning more, the Association will host a learn-to-curl clinic on Feb. 25. For more information, visit lakescurlingnh.org
Based in Conway, the Mount Washington Valley Curling Club’s season runs from mid-September through April. Their home-base at the Ham Arena hosts games Wednesday evenings. For more information, visit mwvcurlingclub.org.
The Plymouth Rocks Curling Club curls nearly year-round, offering three distinct curling seasons at the Plymouth State University Ice Arena. In March, the club will welcome newcomers to two free learn-to-curl open houses. For more information, visit plymouth.edu/campus-life/ice-arena/curling.
At the Nashua Country Club, the Merrimack Valley Curling Club is one of the older leagues in the state and the moisture and temperature controlled ice is open to members and their guests.
Soles glide over the pebbled surface. The skip yells above the faint sliding sound, “Hold that line!”
Inside, spectators lounge and watch the action comfortably with food, drinks and cameras overlooking the circle, also called the house.
The club currently boasts around 120 members and hosts curls every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. For more information, visit mvcurling.com.
Credit: ALEXANDER RAPP / Monitor
