Perhaps you’ve only ever seen Curling during the Olympics, or maybe you’re from one of the few places in the world where you’ve had a chance to curl before – either way, it’s easy to get involved in curling in Düsseldorf, home to Germany’s oldest curling club.
League Organizer of the Düsseldorf Curling Club, Alexander Wilhelm is here to give us a bit more information on how to get involved and why we should all consider spending a little time on the rink!
Unlike many historic traditions in Germany, curling has actually only been played here since 1961, although its origins date back to medieval Scotland. From there, where it is still popular, it spread to other countries, in particular, Canada, which today boasts the most players worldwide. As such, a number of the club members in Düsseldorf are English speakers from Canada, the UK, and other places.
If you’re also keen on ice skating, we have a list of skating rinks around Düsseldorf too!
So, here’s how to get involved in Curling in Düsseldorf
If you’re still in need of some warm winter gear for the ice rink, Decathlon is one of the cities best shops for affordable sportswear (you can shop online as well). You don’t need much sportswear when joining curling, so make sure you check with the club before to see what you may need.
What you need to know
Although it may sound like hurling an almost twenty kilo (44-pound) rock down a 45m (145 ft) long sheet of ice would require feats of strength, the rock glides quite easily and curling is not very physically demanding such that almost anyone can play – though you can get in a good workout when sweeping.
Players aged 12 and up can join the club in Düsseldorf and be playing games against people of all ages with very little training.
There is a fair bit of strategy involved as well, which needs to be adapted to the changing ice conditions at the Brehmstrasse ice rink where the club plays. Practices and games are held every Tuesday from 8:00-10 PM and Sundays from 7:30-9:30 PM during the season, which runs from September to April.
Sign me up
To try curling, the club offers periodic beginner courses. Registration is required as spaces are limited – this can be done by e-mailing myself, Alexander Wilhelm.
All you need are running shoes and some comfortable pants; the club provides stones, brooms, and a “slider” that helps you glide down the ice. The courses are free for students (school, university or those in apprenticeships) and only 10€ for others.
During the two-hour session, you’ll learn the basic techniques (explained for you in English) and compete in your first game!
For those who have curled before, just contact the club and you can have several trial sessions before committing to a membership, which, at 120€/year is fairly inexpensive – children and students are always free of charge.
For more details, please visit the website of the Düsseldorf Curling Club.
Spectators welcome
It’s not as much fun as trying it yourself, but it is a good chance to see curling live in action is at the Radschläger Tournament which the club hosts every year, attracting a total of 12 teams from places near and far such as Cologne, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
This year’s tournament took place on February 11th and 12th at the Brehmstrasse rink, with games on Saturday from 1-3 pm and 4-6 pm and on Sunday from 8:45 am until 10:45 am & 11:15 am until 13:15 pm. The entrance for spectators is free.
Looking forward to seeing you on the ice!
Cheers, Alexander Wilhelm
Looking to join another sports team? We have the full guide to sports teams right here on Life in Düsseldorf!
