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Forty pounds of fun

By Laurie Arellano, 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs / Published April 02, 2010

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MINOT, N.D. -- It's been called chess on ice. It's also been likened to shuffleboard and bowling and it's described as both highly competitive and highly social. However it is portrayed, Airmen and family members of all ages and skill have an opportunity to participate in a uniquely northern-tier sport by trying out curling.

"It's a very family-friendly event," said Mark Hildahl, Minot Curling Club instructor. "You can choose your level of competitiveness."

For those local to Minot AFB, the Minot Curling Club is the place to take a lesson or get on a team to participate in leagues.

"We have members as young as 13 all the way up to 82," Mr. Hildahl said.

Hildahl said curling has very low startup costs, because no special clothes or equipment are required to get started. While members may eventually choose to buy team uniforms and shoes, they're not necessary for recreational curling.

"Many of our recreational players wear street clothes and regular soft-soled shoes," he said. "And loaner equipment is available here."

Hildahl said one of the unique aspects of curling is that games are very social activities, and there is a high level of sportsmanship during games.

"It's very much like golf in that respect," he said.

The Minot Curling Club offers lessons to beginners or even those who are just curious what it's all about. They also have opportunities to join teams. For those who want to take it beyond recreation, Hildahl said it can be a very competitive game.

"It's all about strategy," said Hidahl. "You're always thinking about where you want to position the rocks, what types of shots you are going to want to make."

A game consists of two teams of four players who each take turns sliding eight, 40-pound granite stones down the ice towards a target. Each person both throws and sweeps and the winner of the game is determined by which team had the most rocks closest to the center of a circular targets at both ends of the ice.

Hildahl said he tells people it doesn't take long to understand curling, but it takes a long time to be really good at it.

"You have to think three or four moves ahead," said Mr. Hildahl.

Airman 1st Class Aaron Wainwright, 5th Bomb Wing photographer, took a lesson to see what curling was about. He said learning the basics of the sport was very interesting.

"Before we went out on the ice, I had the impression curling was a pretty simple sport," said Airman Wainwright.

After trying his hand at throwing some stones across the ice, however, he had a different view on the sport.

"Curling proved to be more difficult than it appears," Airman Wainwright said. "It requires coordination and you must be precise."

Airman Wainwright's instructor, Ron Anderson, Minot Curling Club league chairman, said a typical lesson will last about 45 minutes.

"We'll show you the basics and let you get a feel for it," Anderson said.

During the curling season, which runs November to March, Minot Curling Club's league tournaments, funspiels and outings take place locally at the State Fairgrounds. In addition, there are a number of bonspiels, or curling tournaments, locally and throughout the region. The club hosts teams from across the United States and Canada. The 100-plus member-strong curling club meets Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, as well as for special events on the weekends. Hildahl said lessons are available to everyone who is interested in learning more, and families or groups may form their own four-person team, or join a team at the club.

"There's something for everyone."
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