Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine Winter Clubs feature: Revelstoke Curling Club

This story is part of a feature that first appeared in print in Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine’s December 2021 issue. Read the entire e-edition here:

Revelstoke’s winter clubs are pillars of the community. No matter how you choose to slip, slide or shred on the snow and ice, there’s a group of volunteers and enthusiasts ready to welcome you in.

For our Revelstoke Winter Clubs feature, we invited local winter sports activity clubs and club-like organizations to share an update on their activities, tell us about what they have planned this season, and let potential new members know how to get involved.

Here is what the Revelstoke Curling Club had to tell us:

Club members painting the ice for a new season. Photo: Deborah Munroe/Revelstoke Curling Club.

Revelstoke Curling Club

Established: 1899

Members: 93

Q: What are the main activities of the Revelstoke Curling Club?

A: The club (in some form or other) has been around since Nov 18, 1899! The main activity of the club is league play four nights a week during the winter.

Up to eight teams compete on a set night each week for bragging rights at the end of the season. League nights usually begin in October and end in March (with a break for Christmas). They are friendly but competitive, with some teams having been together for many years.

We also rent the facility (both the ice sheets and bar area) to local businesses/organizations for private events. We usually host a Grade 7 school program introducing students to the game of curling at a young age … in the hopes they will still be curling for years to come.

The club is predominantly active during the winter months, but maintenance to the ice and bar areas is often needed during the summer, and the board of directors continue to meet year-round for planning purposes. We also provide use of the facility free of charge for Community Connections for their Special Olympics program and work with other non-profits in the community for access to the curling club. The Revelstoke Curling Club provides all the equipment needed for groups to use the facility and instruction as needed.

Q: What is new with the Revelstoke Curling Club over the past year?

A: This past year (including last winter) has been a challenge for everyone.

We only managed three weeks of curling last winter before the second Covid-19 wave brought most things to an abrupt halt. This year we are more hopeful for a full league season. This year we are introducing a new league on Tuesday nights. This is stick curling and has two people per team. There is no sweeping and the rock is pushed down the ice using a stick, similar to shuffle board.

For people that would like to participate in curling but aren’t able to deliver a rock in the traditional manner, this is for them. (Because let’s face it, knee and hip issues shouldn’t stop you getting out on the ice!) For more information on stick curling contact Gary Resvick at 250-837-2959.

Q: What activities or events does Revelstoke Curling Club have planned for the 2021-22 winter season?

A: Sadly, the pandemic has put a temporary stop to our very popular Friday night drop-in curling, which was always busy with people visiting in the winter. We do hope to resume this in future years.

For this year, we are planning our annual Open Bonspiel at the beginning of March. Teams from both Revelstoke and out of town compete over a weekend – firstly in a round-robin style, and then in a knockout competition to determine the winners. Games are often very close with the last rock sometimes deciding the outcome!

Q: How can potential new members get involved with your club?

A: New members may get involved with the club by joining any of our four evening leagues. There is no need to join as part of a team – we can usually find a spot on an existing team for you. All equipment needed to curl is supplied by the club so cost is minimal. We are always happy to have volunteers to help with duties around the club. Anyone interested in finding out more can see our contact information on Facebook or email the club at [email protected]. If you are looking to rent the facility for an
event, please contact Steven Hui at 250-837-4294.