Curlingevents & More

Hi durfte ich, in einer Gruppe, einen Curling-​Kurs besuchen. Sehr sehr spassig :)) Unser Kurs dauerte den halben Tag, von 14:00 bis 17:30. In dieser Zeit haben wir gelernt, geübt und anschliessend auch eine kleine Olympiade veranstaltet.
Da der Spassfaktor natürlich auch wesentlich von der Gruppe und der eigenen Einstellung gegenüber Curling abhängt, bewerte ich nur die Lokalität und die Betreuung durch die Veranstalter Curlingevents & More.
Die Lokalität ist angemessen und hat die richtige Grösse. Neben der grossen Dolder Eisbahn steht die Curling Halle. Diese beseht aus 3 Curling Bahnen und einem Aufenthaltsraum mit einer kleinen Küche. Der Aufenthaltsraum ist angenehm warm, in der Halle mit den Curling Bahnen ist es allerdings eher erfrischend ;)) Aber das sollte jedem klar sein, schliesslich spielt man Curling auf Eis!
Die Betreuung der Instruktoren, allen voran Peter, war ausgezeichnet. Mit viel Witz und Freude bringt er einem das curlen bei, so dass es am Schluss sogar jenen Spass macht die Angst vor dem Eis haben :))
Wer also mal einen Event für den Verein oder die Firma planen muss, der ist hier Goldrichtig!

I had never been curling before, and didn’t know what to expect. I was a bit afraid of walking on ice.
My fears were quickly melted by Peter and the Curling events team who did a phenomenal job of introducing our group to the sport of Curling, and getting us comfortable with the ice and gradually building our confidence to play. We started with a brief introductory video, and then got quickly oriented to the ice and the different equipment and rules of the game. I quickly learned that Curling is like Bocce ball meets the Ice Capades featuring the star performers — Sweepers.
In previous experiences, owners and staff of facilities such as this would melt into the background, but Peter and his crew felt like part of the team. I really appreciated their ability to teach, encourage, and participate with us. I am not sure I would have had as much fun without Peter!
The best news, is that the ice is not really that slippery (as they spread droplets of water across the surface which then freeze to create friction). You actually have to wear a special Teflon shoe to glide along the ice as you throw the stone. The rink is indoor and there is a great area to hang out and eat or drink something, and watch others play if you don’t feel like it. They even have large screens that magnify the targets to make it easier to watch.
The centre is easily accessible via the Dolderbahn funicular (last stop). There is also a fantastic out door ice skating rink located outside!

Star #1: Super-​friendly staff who speak both German and English.
Star #2: All equipment is provided. Just wear warm layers and clean sneakers.
Star #3: Nice, warm restaurant area to hang out and take a break, or just watch all the action through the glass window.
Star #4: Located at the Dolder, so easily accessible via public transit with a nice view of the ice skating rink outside. (I liked watching the little kiddies holding onto their polar bears and penguins while learning how to skate.)
Star #5: Thorough instructional video in Scottish English with both German and English sub-​titles. See #1 for the super-​friendly staff who explained the game clearly and helped us with our technique during the game.
All-​in-​all, I was a bit skeptical to try this «mopping the ice game» for the first time… but I must say that I’m really glad I gave it a try. Curling was lots of fun, and it wasn’t dangerous at all when played properly. I could see this as a really good team event for work or something like that.
The only thing I would recommend is to wear lots of layers of warm clothes and bring gloves. It got kind of cold while on the ice.

«Chess on Ice»? I’m not sure, but I’ll certainly give you «croquet on ice» or «bocce on ice.»
Peter and the Curlingevents team did a great job of showing us around the ice, the teflon shoes, and the ever-​present brooms. There’s an open-​curling night in February (Sunday, 24 February 2013) — I might stop by for a little more sliding and brushing.
Best part: no hard falls. This is much easier than skating (even with the polar-​bear statues they use for kids at the neighboring ice rink).