The Saugeen Times

Lightweight curling rocks good
for Little Rockers league
By Liz Dadson

Sports

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Tiffany Ertel (R), Junior program co-ordinator, works with the "Little Rockers" at the Kincardine Curling Club Sunday afternoon

The Little Rockers learn what it's like to slide along the ice with brooms in their hands

The Kincardine Junior Curling league, the "Little Rockers," is up and running and now has its own lightweight curling rocks.

Tiffany Ertel, Junior program co-ordinator, welcomed a crowd of Little Rockers, ages six to 18, to the first session Sunday afternoon at the Kincardine Curling Club.

She works with the youngsters who are brand new to curling, while her colleague, David Plourde, works with the more experienced Junior members.

For many, it's the first time they've even stepped on the curling ice and found it very slippery. Then add the equipment: a slider on one shoe, a broom, and the curling rocks, and there's a lot to learn, says Ertel.

The new Junior rocks are the same size as regular curling rocks, but they are half the weight, coming in at 22 pounds instead of 44 pounds. That makes a huge difference when some of the Junior curlers weigh only about 45 pounds.

All equipment is provided for the Junior curlers, says Ertel. They must bring a clean pair of rubber-soled shoes for use on the ice (skateboard shoes work well) and wear warm, comfortable clothing.

"This year, we will again be using the Skill Award program," says Ertel. "The Juniors also have the opportunity to participate in bonspiels."

She urges parents to volunteer with the Juniors either on or off the ice.

The program runs every Sunday, 1-3 p.m., until the end of March.