Announcements:

  • NEW! Learn to Curl 3-Lesson Course starts 10 October: Learn more here.
  • Beginners Night Season Opener: 26 September. Buy Tickets here.
  • Members Season Opening night kicks-off on 3 October 2024. Member registration is open. Register here. 
  • 2024-2025 Season runs from 3 Oct 2024-27 March 2025. 

Novice Bonspiel at Preston, February 2023

by Tom Carter A team from Cambridge Curling Club entered the Preston Novice Bonspiel 2023, held at the Flower Bowl over three days in early February, with opponents made up from Preston CC players allocated into teams a few days earlier and a nomadic team from the...

About Cambridge Curling

We are a fairly new club, starting at the end of 2019 and having our first season cut short due to covid. 

Despite this, we have a fantastic member base of all abilities, which is ever-growing thanks partly to the beginner sessions we run every week. 

We’ve continued to expand the club to include regular social events, and an in-club league and have sent teams to compete at Bonspiels too. 

We welcome members of all abilities and offer wheelchair curling. 

Home ice

We are based at the Cambridge Ice Arena and meet there Thursday evenings. The ice arena is on Newmarket Road by the Newmarket Road Park & Ride and has free parking.

 

Want to Join The Cambridge Curling Club?

To join you must have one of the following:
1) Attended one  of our Try Curling beginner sessions.

2) Attended our Learn to Curl 3-Lesson Course.

3) Have previous curling experience with another club.

4) Are an active member of the ECA.

If you have one of the above, you can become a member
If not, register for a beginner session (these sessions sell out quickly; check back regularly for more)

 

Members: Do you need more ice fees?

Members only: If you used all your ice fees, you can purchase more in packs of 4, 6, 8, or 10. You can pay by bank transfer using the account details on the membership form with Name and IceFees as reference.

 

BEGINNERS CURLING

We offer two paths for beginners. Anyone interested in trying curling can choose one or both of these paths. No previous experience is necessary. We welcome players aged 11* years and over.


Note: Participating in either of these two options is a pre-requisite to become a member of Cambridge Curling.

*Under 18s must be accompanied by a playing parent or adult guardian) 

Try Curling Session

Our Try Curling Sessions is a fun and casual single-sessions curling experience. This session is open to anyone.

The 2-hour session includes:

  • Curling kit (broom, grippers, sliders, safety hats/headbands)
  • A coach to teach you how to sweep and throw a stone and the basic game rules – just enough to get you playing
  • Time to play with your fellow beginner teammates

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the session for your induction and kit.

Learn to Curl Course

Take to the ice and learn to curl with our 3-week course!

With Cambridge Ice Arena one of two places in England to experience the unique sport of curling, our comprehensive course is designed to transform you from a beginner into a confident player.  The course is open to anyone interested in learning how to curl, including those who have already attended a Try Curling Session. 

By the end of the course, and with the guidance of our qualified coaches, you will have covered:

  • Ice safety, learning essential techniques to sensibly and confidently navigate the ice.
  • Curling fundamentals, mastering the basic rules and strategies that govern the game.
  • The art of sweeping, understanding why and how we do it
  • Stone Delivery, throwing with precision and control.
  • The Role of the Skip, focusing on game strategy and team leadership.

The course includes:

  • Three, instructor-led, 2-hour lessons to develop your curling skills, understand the game and play with confidence
  • Curling kit (broom, grippers, sliders, safety hats/headbands)
  • 1 Free Ice Fee if you register as a member of Cambridge Curling upon completing the course.

Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the session for your induction and kit.

Note: we require a minimum of 6 participants to run the course.

CLUB RULES & REGS*

*These may be updated at any time. Updates will be communicated to members.

Club Member Code of Conduct
  • Members are expected to abide by the Spirit of Curling Etiquette.  (See section below.)
  • Members are expected to abide by the ECA #CurlClean anti-doping policy associated with Clean Sport and the UK Anti-doping rules.
  • Members are to actively participate in pre-curling set-up and/or post-curling clear-up. We are a self-run club and expect all our members to arrive early or stay after to assist with this.
  • We have a zero tolerance for verbal or non-verbal abuse or harassment toward any club member or arena staff member.
Curling Etiquette: The Spirit of Curling

The Spirit of Curling is a commonly used term in the sport. It refers to the respect curlers show, not only to one another but also to the sport itself. It is encapsulated by the saying that a curler would rather lose than win unfairly.
Etiquette
We all want to have fun on the Ice but so that the game is fun & fair for everyone here are some simple ways in which we can all enjoy the game.

  1. Be on time; arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the game. If you are unable to make your game, let your skip know as far in advance as possible so that he/she can find a replacement player.
  2. Clean your shoes.
  3. Every curling game begins with a friendly handshake to both teammates and opponents. Opposing leads toss a coin to determine who gets the hammer.
  4. Be ready to throw your stone immediately after your opponent’s stone has been delivered. This will speed up the game and make it possible to play the full 8 ends each week.
  5. Clean your stone before every shot.
  6. You should not disturb a player in the hack or during their delivery. (The leads of the opposing team should be at the hog line to the side of the ice
  7. Stay out of the way of opposing sweepers. Do not cross the ice in front of a player who is about to throw their stone.
  8. Sweepers should be alert and ready to sweep immediately if called upon and they should stay with the stone all the way to the house, sweeping or not.
  9. When in the house, skips and thirds should keep their brooms behind them and stand still while opponents are throwing.
  10. Leads and seconds should never be standing at the back of the far house while the opposition is throwing their stone. They should stand on the sideline between the hog lines.
  11. No one should deliberately delay the game.
  12. If you touched (burnt) the stone while it is in motion, you should be the first one to declare so. Do not stop the burnt moving stone. Let it come to rest and let the skips decide on the placement of rocks.
  13. If you accidentally move a stone in the house, say so immediately so the opposing skip may put the stone back in a spot where he/she is satisfied (as close to the original spot as possible).
  14. If a measure of a stone is required, the opposing thirds should be the only curlers in the house until the measure is completed.
  15. If a ruling of any kind is required during the game, ask the Umpire for a ruling. If the Umpire is not available, ask an experienced skip for a ruling.
  16. Try to keep the spirit of good sportsmanship during the game by congratulating people on good shots.
  17. Every curling game ends with a friendly handshake to both opponents and teammates. The winning team usually buys drinks for the opposition team. The opposing team usually returns the favour gesture and offers to buy a second drink. Usually, skips buy skips a drink, thirds buy thirds a drink etc.
  18. Experienced curlers will make every effort to help new curlers with deliveries, sweeping and explaining the rules of the game. Remember try not to spend too much time talking about strategy to keep the game moving.
  19. The final etiquette in curling is to HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME!
Curling Safety Rules

Like with all sports and activities, there are risks involved in curling.  We strongly recommend wearing protective headgear and we provide these on-site. You can also purchase your own from any major curling supplies shop.

Ice is slippy (and very hard) and curling stones are heavy (20kg each) and so there are a number of safety rules which you must follow these Curling Safety Rules:

  • Never lift the stones off the ice.
  • Do not send a stone in the direction of anybody whose back is towards you.
  • If you see a stone heading towards somebody who is not looking shout ICE loudly.
  • If you hear the shout of ICE make sure that it is not directed at you.
  • If you need to stop a moving stone do this with brush not feet.
  • Move stones with brush or hands on the handle.
  • Do not swing your brush around wildly.
  • Do not cross in front of anyone who is about to throw.
  • Do not throw unless your path is clear.
  • Do not run on the ice.
  • If you fall over stand up on the gripper foot first.

 

 

Attendance & Cancellation Policies
  • Member attendance registration closes at 19:00 the Sunday before the Thursday Curling Session.
  • Member cancellation policy applies as follows:
    • A late cancellation is any cancellation after the weekly registration closes on Sundays at 19:00.
    • Late cancellations will result in forfeiting of your ice fees.
    • If your spot is taken by another participant,  your ice fees will be carried forward for future use.
    • No shows will automatically forfeit their ice fees.   
  • Beginners/Learn to Curl participant ticket and cancellation policy applies as follows:
    • Tickets are non-refundable.
    • Tickets are transferable: if you can no longer attend, you can transfer your ticket(s) to another person(s) up to 48 hours before your curling date. You must notify the club by email of any transfers or changes 48 hours before your curling date by email to: curlingcambridge@gmail.com.
ECA Membership Information

The 2024-2025 membership rates for the ECA are as follows:

  • Full member £30
    A Full Member will have one vote at the Annual General Meeting or an Extraordinary General Meeting and may participate in ECA Championships, if eligible under the criteria in ECA Policy 11 (International Team Selection Policy).
  • Associate* member £15
    An Associate* Member will not have a vote at the Annual General Meeting or an Extraordinary General Meeting and may not participate in ECA Championships but may represent England at the 4 Nations or in other friendly international matches or National competitions.
  • Junior Full member £15
    A Junior (Full or Associate*) Member, under the age of 21 on the 30th June before the start of a season, will pay 50% of the appropriate subscription.
  • Junior Associate* member £7.50
    A Junior (Full or Associate*) Member, under the age of 21 on the 30th June before the start of a season, will pay 50% of the appropriate subscription.
  • School Child £2
    Full and Associate* Members under the age of 18 on the 30th June before the start of a season, and in full time education, will pay a School Member subscription as set by the Annual General Meeting unless they wish to participate in an ECA Championship (except the ECA Schools Championship) in which case they will be regarded as Junior Full Members and therefore required to pay the appropriate subscription.

*Associate Members can participate in the Inter-Club and Duncan Stewart competitions.

CAMBRIDGE CURLING FAQs

Beginners

How much does it cost?

A beginner sessions cost £22.50 + the Eventbrite £2.58 booking fee. Your beginner sessions run Thursdays from 20:15-22:15.

Please arrive 15 minutes before the session starts.

How do I book?

Visit & follow our Eventbrite page to buy tickets and to be notified of new sessions. We open up beginner sessions regularly. Note: Tickets sell out fast.

Who can participate?

Anyone aged 11 and up. No experience is necessary. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Are children allowed?

Children 11 years and up are welcome. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

What can I expect at the beginner session?

In these group sessions, your coach will teach you the basic skills you need to start playing. You will also have time to play.

How long is the session?

We have the ice from 20:15-22:15. Sessions last approximately 2 hours. At the end of the session, we all help put away all the equipment.

 

Do I need to bring anything?

All the equipment is provided. Bring some water.

Do I need to any equipment?

All the equipment is provided:
Grippers (to wear over your shoes), brooms/brushes, protective head gear, and, of course, the stones/rocks.

How do I dress?

Wear layers, it’s cold in the arena. 
Dress in comfortable clothing that you can move freely in (joggers or leggings will do fine).
Flat, clean* shoes, like trainers. 
Warm socks.
A hat and gloves are nice to have.

*Please wear clean shoes to avoid getting any debris on the ice.

What type of shoes do I need?

Flat, comfortable and clean* shoes. We recommend trainers. 
We provide grippers to wear around your shoes to allow you to walk on the ice.

*Please wear clean shoes to avoid getting any debris on the ice.

Do I need to know how to skate?

No. There is no skating in curling.

Do I need to be physically fit?

Curling is open to all levels. There are no specific fitness requirements.

What happens after the beginner session?

After you attend a beginner session you have the opportunity to join the curling club as a member. Use the registration form to join.

The form contains most of the information you need. If you have any questions, reach out via our contact us form or email us.


If you aren’t interested in a membership, then you can book beginner sessions using Eventbrite.

 

Why join? What are the benefits?

You can attend curling without having to pre-book. You can also join our intra-club friend curling league.

How do I book more sessions?

Join as a club member using our Registration Form
Use Eventbrite to book more beginner sessions.

When can I book a beginner session? Why are they sold out?

Beginner sessions have limited spaces and sell out quickly. We open up new sessions when possible and sometimes some spaces free up. Check back regularly, follow us on Eventbrite, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for updates.

How long is the curling season?

We typically curl from September/October through March/April, depending on member demand.  

Members

How much does it cost to become a member?

The membership fees* for the season are as follows:
Seniors (21 years & over): £50 -£65
Juniors (under 21 years on 30 June): £20-£25

*includes membership to the English Curling Association.

How do I join?

To join the 2022-2023 Season, fill out our Registration form.

Who can join?

Anyone 11 years and older who has attended a beginner session or has other curling experience.

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Can children join & play?

Children 11 years and up who have attended a beginner session or have other curling experience can join. 

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

What are Ice Fees?

This is the weekly fee members pay to attend a curling session. It costs £15 for each session you attend. You can buy these in packs of 4, 6, 8 or 10 and you can buy more when you run out.

How do I book ice fees?

When you join as a member, you can purchase ice fees at that time. If you need more ice fees throughout the season, use the Ice Fee Purchase Form to buy them. Please contact us if you need access to this form.

Do I have to attend every week?

You decide how often you want to play. If you run out of ice fees you can purchase more. We have a members spreadsheet calendar to track attendance and ask that you fill it out and keep it up to date. Please contact us if you need access to this spreadsheet.

If you are part of the league, then please ensure you attend the nights that your team is scheduled to play. 

What's included in the Associate Membership?

Associate Member

This includes – Associate Membership of the English Curling Association (ECA) – you will

not have a vote at the Annual General Meeting or an Extraordinary General Meeting and may not participate in ECA Championships but may represent England at the 4 Nations or in other friendly international matches or National competitions.

+ Option to join the league

+ Curling Club Socials

What membership should I get?

Most members choose the Associate Membership.

Members: Do you need more ice fees?

Members only: If you used all your ice fees, you can purchase more in packs of 4, 6, 8, or 10. You can pay by bank transfer using the account details on the membership form with Name and IceFees as reference.

 

Partners & Resources

English Curling Association

The English Curling Association (ECA) is the national governing body of the sport of curling in England. It is a member of both The World Curling Federation and British Curling.

The ECA aims to support, promote and develop the sport of curling in England; to unite curlers throughout England in the brotherhood of curling; to regulate the affairs of its members; and to represent its members on International Confederations. 

Cambridge Curling is a member of  ECA.

World Curling Academy

The World Curling Academy is a partnership between the World Curling Federation and the World Academy of Sport. Together they aim to provide education and certification for all aspects of the sport as well as providing resources to develop and grow curling locally and globally.

Here you can find courses (e.g. rules & regulations (this one is free) or to become a coach) and resources.

contact us

There are many ways to get in touch with us and to stay in touch with us.

9 + 4 =

If you want to share your love of curling and our club, don't forget to mention us and to

#cambridgecurling

Email

curlingcambridge@gmail.com

Beginner Sessions via EventBrite

Register for a beginner session here.

Cambridge Ice Arena

Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8AA, UK