CINCINNATI — Curling events are captivating audiences as the Winter Olympics continue in Beijing. What some may not realize is curling is one Olympic sport almost anyone can try. However, it’s not as easy as it may look.

What You Need To Know

  • Curling is a popular team event at the quadrennial Winter Olympics

  • While it is a sport most anyone can play, mastering the sport takes a lot of practice

  • Cincinnati has a curling club that helps teach beginners how to curl

“What I tell new people is the Olympians have ruined it for the rest of us. They make it look easy,” said Jonathan Penney, president of the Cincinnati Curling Club.

The Cincinnati Curling Club is a nonprofit organization comprising volunteers.

“Ultimately, we all love the game so we all pitch in,” said Penney.

One stone at a time, the curling club seeks to brush their love for the game onto others through beginner learn to curl classes.

“There are a lot of people from different walks of life that come together to play the game,” said Penney. “There’s no titles on the ice so judges, lawyers, plumbers and politicians are all playing together out there.”

Penney says almost anyone can try curling, but as with anything, practice makes perfect.

“The biggest thing is to come in a little more humble,” said Penney. “It’s going to take you more than one class to get to the Olympics.”

The Cincinnati Curling Club offers several ‘learn to curl’ classes. Those wanting to learn more about how the game works before heading out on the ice can head to the curling club’s website for Curling 101.

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