Curling 101
Curling offers various styles of play to accommodate individuals of different health and fitness levels. Read on to find out the alternatives for Curlers with cranky knees, sore backs, aging or other problems so they can continue to enjoy the greatest game on ice.
Find out about traditional curling techniques. Despite the changing times, Central Otago remains one of the few places in the world where the traditional ‘crampit’ style of curling is still cherished and practiced.
And finally, watch a short video that will explain some of the curling terms that you might find useful.
Types of Indoor Curling
HACK CURLING
The main style of indoor curling is Hack Curling as played at national and international competitions and the Winter Olympics. Hack curling is mainly played on indoor ice.
HACK CURLING
The main style of indoor curling is Hack Curling as played at national and international competitions and the Winter Olympics. Hack curling is mainly played on indoor ice.
CRAMPET CURLING
For crampet curling you remain stationary while you deliver the stone from a crouched position.
CRAMPET CURLING
For crampet curling you remain stationary while you deliver the stone from a crouched position.
STICK CURLING
In stick curling you stand upright and deliver the stone with the push of a stick.
STICK CURLING
In stick curling you stand upright and deliver the stone with the push of a stick.
WHEELCHAIR CURLING
In wheelchair curling you deliver the stone with a stick from your chair.
WHEELCHAIR CURLING
In wheelchair curling you deliver the stone with a stick from your chair.
Outdoor Curling - The Roaring Game
The quintessential Central Otago winter sport
Crampet curling is the traditional form of outdoor curling dating back centuries to its origins in Scotland. Curling started in Central Otago in the 1860’s with the arrival of the Scots who came to the area for gold. Central Otago is now one of only a handful of places in the world where crampet curling is still played.
Iceinline Central hosts some of the region’s major crampet curling tournaments, including the Macraes Trophy, over May and June each year on the outdoor rink.
Manorburn 1st & 2nd in the 2022 Macraes final >
2012 Bonspiel on the Idaburn Dam
One of the last countries in the world where traditional 'crampit' style of curling is still played
Crampet curling is traditionally played on frozen ponds, dams and lakes. Central Otago curling clubs still play on natural ice when the winter conditions permit and, if the conditions are right, a Bonspiel is called where curlers from all over New Zealand rush to Central Otago to compete in this very special event.
Curling in Central Otago has a long history going all the way back to the gold fields in the 1860’s. Central Otago clubs still crampet curl outdoors keeping the tradition alive.
Watch the video and find out why they call it ‘The Roaring Game’.
Stewart McKnight (past President of NZ Curling Association) and others demonstrate the traditional Scottish sport of curling at the frozen Naseby dam, Nasby, Maniototo, Central Otago, August 2006. McKnight discusses the traditions of the game and talks us through a casual match of crampit curling in progress; interviewed by Lucinda Blackley, recorded by Mike O’Neill
Source: Te Papa
Curling Terms
A bit bamboozled by all the strange curling terminology?
Here’s a quick 3 minute guide of what the most common terms mean.
Learn a few of these and sound like a pro when you come down to have a go at Alexandra Indoor Curling Rink.
