For a beginner curler, the absolute essential equipment is warm, layered clothing for comfort and proper footwear—either specialized curling shoes with a slider or clean sneakers with a borrowed gripper. You’ll also need a curling broom to sweep and a stabilizer to help with balance while sliding. LCC provides brooms, stones (rocks), and stabilizers for beginners, so you can try the curling out before investing in your own gear.
What to wear:
- Warm, comfortable clothing: Layers are key, as you’ll be active on the ice.
- Warm socks: Essential for comfort and to help secure footwear.
- Gloves and an optional hat: To stay warm.
Footwear:
- Specialized curling shoes: These have a slider on one shoe and a gripper on the other.
- Alternatively, clean sneakers: You can often use clean running shoes with a separate, removable gripper on the slider shoe.
Essential gear for the game:
- Curling broom: Used for sweeping and balance on the ice.
- Stabilizer: A device that provides extra support for beginners while sliding and delivering the stone.
Gear to consider later:
- Curling broom heads: Available to swap onto your broom.
- Gloves with a grippy surface: Can provide better grip.
- Curling pants: Designed for comfort and ease of movement on the ice.
- Stopwatch: For timing your shots accurately.
- Knee pad: For protection during sliding.