Curling at the RA
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Welcome to the RA Curling Club - the home club of the RA's new Curling Centre of Excellence - featuring five (5) sheets of arena ice and new rocks. This year marks our 65th anniversary season.
The RA Curling Club (RACC) is proud to offer curling for all ages and skill levels, from novice to competitive, and proud to integrate wheelchair curlers with able-bodied curlers. Our wide range of leagues, running both daytime and evening, include regular four-person fixed team and draw curling, men's and women's and open leagues, and several Doubles leagues. This season we are excited to add a daytime Stick Curling league and a weekday Youth league. If you are new to our Club or new in the area, our volunteer convenors and Club Council members will help you select a league and find a team. The Club also hosts a number of fun, social events throughout the season, and all members are welcome to participate. Don't know how to curl? Then sign up for our 10-week Adult Learn-To-Curl program - we offer a daytime course as well as an evening one, both given by trained instructors. This season we are excited to launch our new 10-week instructional Learn to Curl – Wheelchair Curling. Have a youth interested in learning how to curl, or one who already knows how but wants to get more game time? The RA’s Youth Curling has something for you. New or novice curlers ages 8 to 17, or those still looking for instruction and coaching, can join our Youth Instructional Program on Saturday morning. Youth aged 13 to 17 who have a few years' experience can join our new Youth League on Tuesday at 5pm. This Tuesday league does not provide any instruction and is all about game play. If they are interested and meet the league participation criteria, they can choose to register for both.We also offer an instructional Youth Program which runs the whole season on Saturday mornings. Join us! We have something for everyone! RA Curling In the News
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Interested in renting the Curling Ice?
The RA Curling Centre of Excellence offers five sheets of arena-style curling ice. To book or to inquire about availability, please call Quinton Gittens at 613-733-5100 (206) or send an email to sportrentals@racentre.com.
Hot Shots Curling Camp coming to the RA's Curling Centre Excellence in September 2023. Read more... |
Join the RA Curling Club
Full Season: October 11 - December 21, 2022 and January 3 - April 22, 2023
Mid-season: January 3 - April 22, 2023 – Mid-season rates available
The RA Curling Club (RACC) has instituted new membership options and a new registration process for the 2022-2023 season. Members are welcome to join the Club by purchasing the membership that best suits their needs and customizing their playing experience by registering for only the league(s) in which they want to curl. No league requires registration in another league as a condition of joining the league.
Please refer to the league options chart below for the complete list of daytime and evening leagues and their assigned fee category (A, B, C & D). A description of each league may be viewed by clicking on the Daytime & Evening League Information bar (below).
Mid-season: January 3 - April 22, 2023 – Mid-season rates available
The RA Curling Club (RACC) has instituted new membership options and a new registration process for the 2022-2023 season. Members are welcome to join the Club by purchasing the membership that best suits their needs and customizing their playing experience by registering for only the league(s) in which they want to curl. No league requires registration in another league as a condition of joining the league.
Please refer to the league options chart below for the complete list of daytime and evening leagues and their assigned fee category (A, B, C & D). A description of each league may be viewed by clicking on the Daytime & Evening League Information bar (below).
When you join an RA Club you are joining our not-for-profit Association. Active Club Members enjoy the benefits and privileges of an Association Membership for the duration of their Club membership.
To find out more about the membership and program options available to you, please use the tabs in this section.
To find out more about the membership and program options available to you, please use the tabs in this section.
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Membership & League Options
Mid-season: January 3 - April 22, 2023
UNLIMITED membership (4 or more leagues) Mid-season Fee: $430 – No additional league fees apply. A mid-season capital levy of $12.50 (non-taxable) is added to each membership This membership option is for those playing in four (4) or more leagues. Upon joining the Club, you will be required to register for each league in which you curl. All fees are listed before taxes. Taxes will be added where applicable. MULTI-LEAGUE membership (2 or 3 leagues)
Mid-season Fee: $201.50 PLUS the fee for each league in which you curl A mid-season capital levy of $12.50 (non-taxable) is added to each membership This membership option is for those playing in two (2) or three (3) leagues. Upon joining the Club, you will be required to register for each league in which you curl (the following league fees apply). All fees are listed before taxes. Taxes will be added where applicable. Mid-season League fees:
SINGLE-LEAGUE membership (1 league)
Mid-season Fee: $135 PLUS the fee for the single league in which you curl A mid-season capital levy of $12.50 (non-taxable) is added to each membership This membership option is for those playing in a single league. Upon joining the Club, you will be required to register for the league in which you curl (the following league fees apply). All fees are listed before taxes. Taxes will be added where applicable. Mid-season League fees:
STUDENT membership
Full time students (18 years and over with valid student ID) receive a 20% discount on the above membership and league fees. (This does not apply to the capital levy fee.) LEAGUE OPTIONS & CATEGORIES
Note: No league requires registration in another league as a condition of joining the league.
Daytime League Information
DAYTIME LEAGUES Open Doubles Leagues Monday 9:00 am and NEW! Thursday 1:00 pm Category C Doubles was added to our daytime leagues on Monday last season, and due to its popularity we have now added a second daytime Doubles league on Thursday. The leagues are an open format, where the team members can be two men, or two women, or one of each gender. If you are captivated by its pace, format, and strategy, give doubles a try. The Monday league focus is more recreational. Fixed teams are welcome as are individuals looking to find partners. The convenors will help match-up the latter. For the new Thursday league, teams are fixed for the season. Please note: If you are interested in playing in both Doubles leagues, you must sign up and pay for the two leagues. Monday Convenor: Pippa Sellers (email: pippa.sellers.racc@gmail.com) Thursday Convenor: Greg Kresko (email: greg.kresko@gmail.com) Men's Fixed League Mondays 11:00 am and 1:00 pm Category B This league is made up of regular “fixed” teams assembled by a skip. Members of the Fixed League teams remain with their team for the duration of the season. The league is generally divided into A and B divisions. Games are played on Mondays at 11:00 am or 1:00 pm. Convenor: Greg Kresko (email: greg.kresko@gmail.com) Women's Draw League Mondays 1:00 pm; Tuesdays 9:00 am; Wednesdays 1:00 pm; Thursdays 9:00 am Category B The daytime Women’s Draw League offers the opportunity for members to curl more than once at different times/days during the week for the one draw league fee. The season is divided into four sessions. For each session, members can sign up to play in different draw days and time slots. League capacity is set so that members are guaranteed an average of at least 1.5 games per week over the season. The draw teams are set up by a committee based on an assessment of an individual’s ability, and with the goal to ensure a reasonably balanced slate of teams. Convenor: Phyllis Odenbach Sutton (email: podenbac.curling@gmail.com) Men's Draw League Tuesdays 11:00 am and Thursdays 11:00 am Category B Members of the daytime Men’s Draw League enjoy the opportunity to play up to two draw games during the week. Games are typically scheduled at 11:00 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays (although, depending on league numbers, some teams on a rotational basis may be required to play at a different time). Draw teams are composed based on individual ability to provide some balance among the teams and to ensure each team is competitive. New teams are drawn up approximately every 4 to 6 weeks. The goal is to make it enjoyable for everyone and ensure that the emphasis remains on recreation. Convenors: Graydon Paulin (email: graydonp@sympatico.ca) and Bob Elliott (email: bob1elliott@gmail.com) NEW! Stick Curling League Tuesdays 1:00 pm / Tuesdays 2:00 pm Category D Stick curling is becoming more and more popular across the country. Teams consist of 2 stick curlers (standing or in a wheelchair). Any gender combination is welcome (e.g., 2 men, 2 women, or 1 of each). The game is a fast-paced 6 ends, with 6 rocks thrown by each team per end, and takes only an hour to play. And there is NO sweeping by any player. From one end to the next, the players on a team alternate between delivering the rocks and calling the shots, otherwise, the game format generally follows that of a regular curling game. The Stick curling league presents a great opportunity to hone both your strategy and execution skills. The time slot is 1:00 pm, with the possibility of an overflow at 2:00 pm. (Note: the league is not instructional; some experience in delivering with a stick is required.) Convenor: Diane Burgess (email: burged@rogers.com) NEW! Open Fixed League Wednesdays 11:00 am Category B The Open Fixed Daytime League format is by team entry, but don’t let that scare you – if you don’t have a team, we’ll help you find one. There are no restrictions on team composition, other than the team members staying together throughout the season. The league welcomes curlers of all levels, and if the numbers warrant will be divided into A and B divisions. Convenor: Cynthia Gray (email: cynthia.gray.racc@gmail.com) Open Draw League Fridays 9:00 am Category B The daytime Open Draw League offers all curlers a friendly and relaxed environment to sharpen their skills. While scores are kept during the games, no league standings are maintained. Teams are drawn as often as weekly, to encourage interaction among members who typically have a range of experience and skill. Convenor: Dawn Warner (email: rafriamcurl@gmail.com) Women's Fixed League Fridays 1:00 pm (FULL) Category B Women’s Friday Fixed teams stay together for the season. It generally begins with a round robin session, after which the teams are grouped into divisions based on their round robin standing. The games are scheduled at 1:00 pm on Fridays. However, should there be a need for overflow games, some sheets have been reserved at 9:00 am Friday mornings. Convenor: Louise Howe (email: mlhowe@rogers.com) DEVELOPMENT LEAGUES Mondays 5:30 pm and Wednesdays 9:00 am (half-season: begins January 2023) These leagues, inaugurated in 2019, are specifically designed for graduates of the Learn-To-Curl Program and for other front-end curlers seeking more experience. They are open to players in their first three years of curling or to those who wish to gain more experience by playing “up” a position or two. Each week includes practice drills, and a short game with on-ice instructors helping with strategy. Off-ice lectures on specific topics (e.g., strategy or angles of deflection) are also included. Sign-up can be as an individual, or in groups of two, three, or four people wishing to play together. Evening Convenor: Paul Armstrong (paul.armstrong.racc@gmail.com) Daytime Convenors: Doug Murphy (kodiakcrew@gmail.com) and Leslie Behnia (l_behnia@hotmail.com) Registration for the development leagues will open in late-Fall. Stay tuned for details. Evening League Information
EVENING LEAGUES Open Draw Leagues Mondays 7:30 pm (FULL) and Wednesdays 7:00 pm (FULL) Category A The Club has two evening open draw leagues, each offering new curlers a friendly environment to develop their technique while the experienced curlers sharpen their skills. Members sign up individually and are placed on a team by the convenor for a six-week draw. Every six weeks, the process starts again. Though members indicate their preferred position (lead, second, third, skip), the convenor makes the ultimate decision on a player's position based on abilities and an effort to balance the teams. Please note: If you are interested in playing in both draw leagues, you must sign up and pay for the two leagues. Monday Convenor: Elaine MacKeen (email: elaine.mackeen.curling@hotmail.com) Wednesday Convenor: Lloyd Foote (email: lloyd.foote@rogers.com) Open Fixed League Tuesdays 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm Category A The Tuesday Open Fixed League is for teams who wish to play together for the full curling season. Teams are divided into divisions based on prior wins and losses. After each round, the teams with the better W-L records will bubble up to the higher levels, so that generally teams will play against opponents of similar skills. Games are scheduled for 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Most games will be played at 7:00 pm; the number of 9:00 pm games played by each team will depend on the number of teams that register for the league. The convenor will try to ensure that everyone plays the same number of 9:00 pm games. If you are a single or couple that want to play but don't have a team of four, the convenor will help you find a team. Convenor: Paul Armstrong (email: paul.armstrong.racc@gmail.com) Open Doubles Leagues Wednesdays 9:00 pm (FULL) and Sundays (recreational) 6:00 pm - with overflow at 4:30pm Category C Evening Doubles has been steadily growing since its inception at the Club in 2016. We offer two league options. Both are open format, where the team can be two men, or two women, or one of each gender. The Wednesday league is more competitive, with fixed teams throughout the season and a record of wins/losses/standing kept. The Sunday league is more recreational, and no record is kept of wins, losses, or standings. If you are captivated by the pace, format and strategy, give doubles a try. You will be hooked! Don’t have a partner? The convenors will help you find one. Wednesday Convenor: Margo Burgess (email: margo.burgess.racc@gmail.com) Sunday Convenor: Pippa Sellers (email: pippa.sellers.racc@gmail.com) Women's Fixed League Thursdays 7:00 pm Category A The Women’s Fixed League welcomes new and returning members for good curling, competition and camaraderie. All skill levels are welcome. The format is generally a team entry. However, if you are a group of two looking for two others to form a team, or a threesome looking for a fourth, or that fourth solo individual, we will try to help you find a team. Convenor: Team Gilmour (email: rathurspmcurl@gmail.com) After-Hours Open Fixed League Thursdays 9:00 pm Category B The After-Hours League operates in an open fixed league format. Since games always get underway at 9:00 pm, we offer membership in this league at a reduced rate compared to our other evening four-person-team leagues. Convenor: John Buchko (email: johnbuchko@yahoo.ca) Friday Recreational Open Fixed League Fridays 7:00pm - with overflow at 9:00pm Category A The Friday Evening Recreational league is just for you. Friday nights are all about having fun! There are no rules about the number of male or female players. We don’t keep track of wins and losses or standings. The league is about having well-played games, encouraging each other, and enjoying friendly company afterwards. Convenor: Greg Kresko (email: greg.kresko@gmail.com) DEVELOPMENT LEAGUES Mondays 5:30 pm and Wednesdays 9:00 am (half-season: begins January 2023) See information on the Development Program below ADULT INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS
ADULT Learn-To-Curl
The RA Curling Club offers a popular 10-week instructional program. Participants can select either a course in the evening (Mondays at 5:30 pm) or in the daytime (Wednesdays at 9 am). The purpose of the program is to allow new and almost-new curlers to have fun while gaining an appreciation for the fundamentals of the game. Under the watchful guidance of our fully-trained instructors, participants will learn the no-lift forward slide delivery**, proper sweeping techniques, and basic strategy. The program is based on a curriculum developed by Curling Canada and is open to everyone aged 18 and up. Here's your chance to learn to curl with fellow rookies, to develop your skills in a no-pressure environment, and to have fun! In order to keep the instructor to student ratio low, space is extremely limited. Sign up early to avoid disappointment. The next step for many graduates of the Learn-To-Curl program is to enroll in the Development Leagues, which run January through April in the same weekly time slots, at an additional fee. These leagues, focused on game play with continued instruction and on-ice coaching, are ideally suited to recent Learn-To-Curl graduates. **Please note: Because the Learn-To-Curl program is focused on teaching the classic no-lift forward-slide delivery, those seeking to enroll in this program should have some ability to bend their knees, squat at least partially, and then rise comfortably unaided to a standing position. EVENING LEARN-TO-CURL PROGRAM Stay tuned for information about future sessions DAYTIME LEARN-TO-CURL PROGRAM Stay tuned for information about future sessions WHEELCHAIR Learn-To-Curl
We are excited to launch our new 10-week instructional program dedicated to the sport of wheelchair curling. This program is the first of its kind in the Ottawa region and is offered in partnership with the Ottawa Valley Curling Association (OVCA). Thank you OVCA for you support in this new initiative!
Did you know? The RA is the only curling club in Ottawa that integrates wheelchair curlers with able-bodied curlers in league play. You can find out more about our various leagues in the Membership & League Options section above and read the RA’s commitment to creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity here. About the program The purpose of “Learn Wheelchair Curling” is to have fun while gaining an appreciation for the fundamentals of curling. Guided by fully-trained instructors, coaches and supported by curling club volunteers, participants will explore the strategies of the game and learn to deliver a rock from a stationary wheelchair. The program is based on a curriculum developed by Curling Canada. After completing the program, wheelchair curlers can continue to develop their skills throughout the curling season by joining various leagues at the RA Curling Club – days or evenings or both. Prerequisites for this program are as followed:
Wheelchair Learn-to-Curl is not currently running. Please see below for Wheelchair Programs running this Winter (Wheelchair Try it and Wheelchair Drop-in Days). IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: 
Development Program (winter 2023)
This program, inaugurated in 2019, is specifically designed for graduates of the Learn-To-Curl Program and for other front-end curlers seeking more experience. It is open to players in their first three years of curling or to those who wish to gain more experience by playing “up” a position or two. The first 8-10 weeks of the program include practice drills, off-ice lectures on specific topics (e.g., strategy or angles of deflection), and a short game with on-ice instructors helping with strategy. The last few weeks are focused largely on game play. Sign-up can be as an individual, or in groups of two, three, or four people wishing to play together. EVENING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Stay tuned for next seasons information. DAYTIME DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Stay tuned for next seasons information. FEES RA Members: $290 Non-members: $310 RACC single league members: $230 RACC multi-league members: $170 RACC unlimited members: $50 Evening Convenor: Paul Armstrong (paul.armstrong.racc@gmail.com) Daytime Convenors: Doug Murphy (kodiakcrew@gmail.com) and Leslie Behnia (l_behnia@hotmail.com) YOUTH PROGRAMS
YOUTH INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM (Ages 8 to 17)
Saturdays 9:00 am to 11:00 am, begins October 22, 2022 - FULL The RA Youth Curling program welcomes new and returning curlers from the ages of 8 to 17. The focus is on having fun while learning the fundamentals of the game in a relaxed environment. Our program is based on a curriculum developed by CurlON and is delivered by trained instructors. The Fall portion of the program focuses on instruction for novice curlers, and reviewing skills and continued training for returning intermediate/advanced curlers. Coaching continues for all levels throughout the Winter session, with an emphasis on drills to advance curling skills followed by game play. To keep the student-to-instructor ratio low, space is limited. Register early to avoid disappointment. Coordinator: Margo Burgess (margo.burgess.racc@gmail.com) FEES RA Member: $155 Non-member: $175 New! YOUTH LEAGUE (12-17 years of age)
Mid-season: January 3 - April 18, 2023 This season the Curling Club is introducing a Youth League for intermediate and advanced curlers, 12 to 17 years old, looking for more time on the ice and to further hone their skills. The league is focused on recreational game play and is NOT instructional. Interested youth should ideally have a minimum of two years curling experience in an instructional setting. Youth can join as a team or as individuals. We will either find a team for individuals, or each week make up teams. Games will mostly be regular four-person team play, but Doubles will also likely be included. Tuesdays 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm January 3 - April 18, 2023 Mid-season FEES RA Member: $80 Non-member: $100 Convenor: Margo Burgess (margo.burgess.racc@gmail.com) NEW – WHEELCHAIR PROGRAMS
try wheelchair Curling
There are currently no Try Wheelchair Curling events scheduled, stay tuned for more information or check out the Drop-In Days below!
The event will start with a 20-minute classroom session to share the basics of the game. From there, we’ll move to the curling ice where our experienced instructors will demonstrate how to throw a rock from a stationary wheelchair, using a delivery stick. Then it’s your turn! You’ll have lots of opportunity to throw some rocks and get a feel for the game. Our knowledgeable coaches will provide real-time feedback and answer your questions. What you need to know
For more information please call our Member Services desk at 613-733-5100. Drop-in Days
No matter what your level of skill or experience, the RA’s wheelchair curling drop-in program has something for you! Wheelchair Curling Drop-in Days will be held at the RA Centre most Saturdays, from mid-January to the beginning of April, for one hour from 1:00 - 2:00pm. How it works You choose the day(s) you want to drop in. You register in advance, either online or in person at the East Member Services desk. When you register, you will be asked about your prior experience with wheelchair curling, this will help tailor the session(s) to suit your needs. Instructors and volunteers will be on hand to provide guidance and advice. New to wheelchair curling? No problem! After receiving a brief overview of the game, you can try delivering rocks from your wheelchair using a delivery stick, coached by experienced wheelchair curlers. What you need to know
FEES $35+HST per session - RA Member/Non RA member Drop in Sessions – Saturdays 1:00pm to 2:00pm There are no more drop-in day scheduled this season. Stay tuned for next seasons schedule. For more information please call our Member Services desk at 613-733-5100. Click here to download PDF. |
