FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Curling is now played in over 100 countries throughout the world. In our community, it is played at our club beside the high school on Gustavus Street. Curlers are known for being friendly and sociable and we in Port Elgin like to think we uphold that reputation. In fact, our tag line is FUN! FITNESS! FRIENDSHIP!
Do I need any experience?
Absolutely not. You can join an seven week Learn to Curl program at the beginning of the season if you’d like. However, if you just want to dive into a league, there are lots of us who will give you a hand and teach you on the fly.
Can I give it a shot before I commit?
Yes, there will be an Open House on Saturday October 25th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. We invite you to join us, take to the ice and throw some rocks. Unable to make Saturday, then drop in from 6:30 to 8:30 on Wednesday or Thursday – the 23rd and 24th. Regular curling starts on Monday Oct. 27th.
Can I take lessons?
We offer a Learn to Curl program from 6:30 to 8:00 on Wednesday evenings, starting October 29th. Our instructors will equip you with the fundamentals, regardless of age, aptitude, or degree of competitiveness. The program costs $165, includes 6 weeks of instruction on and off the ice, game experience, and inclusion in the league of your choice for the rest of the season.
Can I play on a team with my friends and colleagues?
There are various leagues, both daytime and evening, that cater to different interests, levels of competitiveness, and time commitments. You can join as an individual, a couple or as a team.
Do I have to show up each week? I also go south every year??
We accommodate shifts and travel. Though a game usually requires four players on each team, many teams are comprised of five or more players. They work out a schedule amongst themselves that accommodates shifts and travel. Don’t have such a group? Talk to us, we’ll introduce you to others looking to put such a team together.
What does it cost?
Fees for individual members are geared to your circumstances and the amount you wish to play. The season is divided into three “draws”. You may play in one, two or the full season. The following are basic fees, including HST.
Multiple leagues: Full Season $510.00; Two Draws $385.00; One Draw $225.00
One League: Full Season $390.00; Two Draws $310.00; Single Draw $185.00
Youth - Full Season $178.00; Two Draws $130.00; Single Draw $75
Junior - Full Season $80.00
Learn to Curl (6 weeks) $165.00
FIRST TIME MEMBERS: There is a $60 discount on multiple or one league membership for Adults and $16 for Youth registered to play in Adult Leagues.
Are there established leagues I can join? Also, can I just participate when I want?
There are various leagues and time slots:
1) Open Social - A good place to get started. By “Open,” we mean a team may be made up of any combination of males and females. By “Social,” we mean it is made up of seasoned and new curlers - individuals, couples, groups – and not terribly competitive. The Open Social time slot is Tuesday evening.
2) “Pay as you play” afternoon curling from 1:00 to 3:00 Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Social and open to all.
3) Skip’s Choice – a somewhat competitive open league on Thursday evening. A little experience is recommended.
4) Doubles – Wednesday evening. You need a bit of experience for this one.
5) Ladies league – Monday afternoons
6) Men’s League – Monday evenings
7) Junior (ages 8-13) – Sunday 1:00 to 3:30
8) Friday evenings and weekends see us host group rentals, fun special events (ie black light curling), parties, and bonspiels. Weekend events provide an opportunity to participate outside of a scheduled commitment.
How do I join?
You can do it a few ways. A simple option is to go to the club website and follow the instructions to complete the registration form. This online registration will be open from September 15th through October 26th. Alternatively, drop in and see us at the Open Houses Wednesday and Thursday October 22 and 23 (6:30 - 8:30) and Saturday October 25th (10 am to 2 pm) and we’ll sign you up. If you have any questions, call or email one of the contacts below – we’ll walk you through it.
Can I join at other times of the year?
Yes, you can join at anytime in the season. Just send a message to our Membership Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We’ll help you to register and into a schedule that accommodates you.
What do I bring to play?
Curling is played on ice and involves some stretching. A warm sweater or jacket, gloves, and warm stretchy pants will keep you comfortable. Wear clean athletic shoes. In the early going, we’ll provide brushes and grippers for your feet.
Are there any age or ability limitations?
Curling is a highly accessible sport. It is played by ages six to ninety, those with good knees and bad knees, and with any description of ability and disability. The “stick”, a device used to throw the rock from the standing position, has allowed many to stay in the game, or to engage and be proficient at the game, despite physical impediments.
Can I hold an event at the club – for example with my friends, company, family?
In a word, yes. The club may be rented for such occasions. A curling bonspiel (these are often called a funspiel) is a great team building exercise for a company or a novel way to celebrate a birthday or other family occasion. We have a lounge, kitchen and bar. Talk to us and we’ll work out the details.
Who do I contact for more information?
Web site – www.portelgincurlingclub.com
Kelly Johnson: 905-317-6535 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Doug Flowers: 519-386-2323 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Adel Middleton: 519-270-9024 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
