Kinross Curling Rink

Easter Pairs 2012

2012-02-22T23:32:00.004Z

Our annual Easter Pairs competition will this year take place over Saturday 31st March - Sunday 1st April.

We are looking for a full compliment of 16 teams, all of which will be guaranteed at least 4 games.

If we get 16 confirmed entries, the cost per team will be about £25 for the weekend.

It's a fun competition, suitable for all ages & abilities, so if you'd like to play, please get your entry to us as soon as possible: All we need at this stage is your name & e-mail address (to keep you informed about all the important information & fixtures).

To enter please contact us by:

E-mailing: curling@green-hotel.com

Phoning: 01577 863467 (ask for the curling rink)

Or see the ice staff while you're at the rink.

A guide to frost heave

2012-02-20T01:12:00.009Z

Around mid-January every season, our curling rink becomes affected by frost heave, which causes the playing surface to become uneven and difficult to play. While a few clever curlers will understand what has happened to the playing conditions, and be able to read funny lines where the stones behave oddly; many other curlers will be oblivious to the frost heave problem, and simply blame the ice man.

(Frost Heave Explained - diagram 4).

As frost heave can be found at ice rinks & cold storage facilities internationally, but is difficult to research & learn about, Steven & Andy decided to create some simple diagrams that would explain to curlers, ice technicians, and other interested parties:

- Exactly what frost heave is,

- How frost heave forms,

- How frost heave develops to affect the playing surface,

- What the icemen need to do to regularly counter frost heave,

- And what frost heave can ultimately do (if ignored & allowed to grow continuously).

The images have been on our facebook page for a few weeks now, and gained quite a bit of interest from around the world.

You can view our full "Frost Heave Explained" photo album on facebook by clicking here.

Hopefully the images will be of interest: If so, please comment with any questions or remarks, feel free to share the album with friends, and if you'd enjoy getting more news, hints/tips for your game, and reading/seeing more behind-the-scenes stuff, please do 'like' the Kinross Curling Rink facebook page (if you've not done so already).

National Virtual Club Bonspiel 2012

2012-01-28T03:24:00.005Z

Kinross is delighted to announce that it will be hosting the 2012 National Virtual Club Bonspiel on Saturday 10th March 2012 commencing at 9am. The event is supported by the Royal Caledonian Curling Club and the main event sponsors are Ailsa Craig Jewellery.

16 Virtual Club teams from across Scotland will be playing to win the title, and Kinross will be defending the title (as won at Lockerbie last year).

The competition organising committee would welcome help on the day from any club members willing to assist with umpiring, measuring and general organisation. Lunch and drinks will be provided! Please contact Kinross Virtual Club President, Stuart Brand, if you are able to help - ssjjbb13@yahoo.co.uk

Some entry spaces are still available for Royal Club affiliated Virtual Club members: For entry requirements and forms please contact Christine Jones - christine.jones@inbox.com

Try Curling in January

2011-12-01T18:35:00.007Z

Following the success of our previous free Try Curling events, we are pleased to announce another date for early in the New Year:

Saturday 7th January 2011

12 noon - 2:15pm

FREE

Open to everyone aged 8 years and older, Try Curling events have been successfully implemented at ice rinks around the country to help introduce new people to our sport in a fun environment with like-minded others.

All of our previous Try Curling sessions have been fully-booked in advance, and received much positive feedback. Multiple participants have gone on to take-up the sport in a more active role, either joining one of our 3-day Beginners Courses, or playing with the Kinross Curling Development Club (KCDC).

Whether you are just curious about the sport, are looking for a new hobby, or want an enthralling way to keep-fit in the New Year, this free Try Curling event will provide you with the perfect no-obligation introduction to the sport.

If you'd like to attend our next free Try Curling event, on Saturday 7th January, please contact the Kinross Area Curling Development Officer, David Jones, by e-mailing kinrossdev@royalcaledoniancurlingclub.org

Hogmanay Pairs - Entries wanted

2011-11-29T18:10:00.005Z

Our annual Hogmanay Pairs competition runs this year on the weekend of the 17th/18th December. The first 24 teams to enter will play in a triple-knockout system, which guarantees all teams at least 3 games.

At stake are two places for the finalists to represent Kinross at the National Pairs Finals later this season.

We are already accepting entries, and would prefer to have all 24 teams in place by the end of November. If you've not already got your name down, please contact the rink staff by phone, e-mail, or in person, as soon as possible.

The season so far...

2011-10-23T19:12:00.006+01:00

The 2011/12 season at Kinross is very nearly a full month old - where's the time going?!

We've rather neglected this website, but if you've been following us on facebook you'll be aware that we've already hosted several successful events, including: The RCCC Adult Camp (24th/25th Sept), the Kinross Junior Curling Classic (7th-9th Oct), and the Kinross Wheelchair Curling International Invitational (18th-20th Oct).

To get this site updated, here's a wee summary of each event...

The RCCC Adult Camp, held throughout the first weekend of our season, saw an enthusiastic group of curlers from around the country refine their skills on our new ice with 5 RCCC coaches.

From balance & delivery, to accuracy & angles, via sweeping techniques, split-timing, & equipment insights, participants found ways to improve their game - and overall had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend.

We have lots of photos, but when they make their way online, we don't yet know!

The annual Kinross Junior Curling Classic was held for a 21st time a fortnight ago.

16 boys rinks & 8 girls rinks entered the competition, including former champion Jay McWilliam - whose rink represented Scotland at the 2011 World Junior Curling Championships.

McWilliam may have been strong pre-tournament favourites, but it was in fact Duncan Menzies' Forfar rink that were crowned champions: While Lesley Young completed a remarkable weekend for Forfar by winning the girls tournament.

We created a separate website specifically to cover the Junior Classic: It contained all the relevant pre-competition information (rinks, fixtures, past winners, etc), and was regularly updated throughout the weekend with news, scorelines, and photos. If you want to check it out click here.

Finally, we've very recently (on Thursday in fact) crowned Konstantin Kurokhtin's Russian rink as winners of the Kinross Wheelchair Curling International Invitational.

10 rinks from around the world contested the three-day mid-week event, including 3 Scottish teams, 2 teams from Canada & Russia, and 1 team each from Norway, Switzerland, and Latvia: These rinks included 2011 World Championship gold medalist Jim Armstrong (Canada 1), Silver medalist Aileen Nelson (Scotland 1), and bronze medalist Rune Lorentsen (Norway - who won here last year).

A full report, and some photos, from the tournament can be read on the Green Hotel's website by clicking here.

That's all the news for now.

If you want to see many more photos from these events, 'like' the Kinross Curling Rink facebook page and it'll keep you very up-to-date.

Junior Classic website

2011-10-02T00:28:00.008+01:00

Next weekend we are hosting the 21st annual Kinross Junior Curling Classic, and in a bid to keep everyone updated during the course of the competition we have launched a new Junior Classic website.

The Kinross Junior Classic has been contested every year since 1990, and has seen many of Scotland's top junior teams competing. A quick glance at the list of previous winners will reveal many well-known names, including: 2x World Champion Euan Byers, 2x Winter Olympic curler Kelly Wood, and 2011 World Junior Curling Champion Anna Sloan. Last years winners were John Penny (who went on to skip Scotland at the 2011 World Junior Curling Championships), and Lauren Gray (who won gold at the 2011 Winter Universiade games as vice-skip for Anna Sloan).

This year we will have 16 boys teams (in 4 groups), and 8 girls teams (in 2 groups), contesting over the opening two days (Friday afternoon/evening, and all day Saturday) for a place in the quarter-finals, which kick-off at 9am on Sunday and leads towards the final at 4:45pm.

Full details of the 2011 competition (including rinks, rules, and fixtures), can be found on our new Kinross Junior Curling Classic website at: http://kinrossjuniorclassic.blogspot.com/

...The website will feature regular updates over the course of the weekend, including news, photos, and results: And we will try to provide a live(ish) online scoring system for those of you that can't be at the rink personally to spectate.

Try Curling success

2011-09-20T21:37:00.006+01:00

Last night we welcomed almost 70 visitors onto our brand new ice for the first free Try Curling session of the year. The large numbers were a welcome surprise, and we hope that some of those new faces will soon become regulars.

Next up we have a 3-day Beginners Course, costing £50, which is aimed at new curlers and will give plenty of on-ice confidence for the season ahead: Coaches will guide attendees through all aspects of the sport, so that everyone will have a good understanding of the rules, tactics, and techniques used in club curling.

3-day Beginners Course:

Saturday 1st October, 14:30 - 17:30

Sunday 2nd October 14:30 - 17:30

Saturday 15th October 11:45 - 14:45

£50

If you'd like to attend our Beginners Course, please contact the Kinross Area Curling Development Officer, David Jones, by e-mailing kinrossdev@royalcaledoniancurlingclub.org and he'll send you a booking form.

Beyond the Beginners Course, you may want to consider joining the Virtual Club, which is designed to introduce new curlers to regular sessions of coaching and games: You will play with people of similar experience (alongside experienced coaches to assist where required), and you won't feel as much (if any) of the pressures that you may feel in full competitive matches.

2011/12 season now open!

2011-09-20T21:21:00.005+01:00

Our 2011/12 season opened yesterday, following a very busy 5-week ice installation process by the Ice Technicians.

If you have not done so already, why not visit the Kinross Curling Rink facebook page, where you can both view a series of photos dedicated to the pre-season set-up & also read interesting notes about how the ice is constructed, painted, and prepared for curling... There may be a few educational surprises awaiting!

Try Curling night & Beginners Course

2011-08-15T21:19:00.009+01:00

Kinross' new curling season starts in about a months time, and with it we have scheduled another Try Curling night and a 3-day Beginners Course.

Try Curling night:

Monday 19th September, 19:45 - 21:45

Free

Devised by the Royal Caledonian Curling Club following the growing public interest that was generated by the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Try Curling nights have successfully been held at rinks across the country to let everyone sample the sport in a fun environment with other curious members of the public.
Last season we hosted several Try Curling sessions, all of which were fully-booked and thoroughly enjoyed.
If you'd like to attend our first Try Curling session of the 2011/12 season, please contact the Kinross Area Curling Development Officer, David Jones, by e-mailing kinrossdev@royalcaledoniancurlingclub.org and he'll send you a booking form.

3-day Beginners Course:

Saturday 1st October, 14:30 - 17:30

Sunday 2nd October 14:30 - 17:30

Saturday 15th October 11:45 - 14:45

£50

Aimed at new curlers, this 3-day course will give you plenty of on-ice confidence for the season ahead.

Coaches will guide attendees through all aspects of the sport, so that everyone will have a good understanding of the rules, tactics, and techniques used in club curling.

Following the Beginners Course, you may want to consider joining the Virtual Club, which is designed to give new curlers regular sessions of both coaching and games, so that you can play purely for fun - with none of the pressures that you may find in club curling/competitions.

Adult Curling Camp 2011

2011-05-20T22:44:00.002+01:00

Adult Curling Camp:

Fri 23rd - Sun 25th September,

Kinross Curling Rink.

The Adult Curling Camp provides an avenue for curlers of all levels and abilities to receive coaching at the start of the season in a relaxed, sociable environment.

The weekend offers adult curlers the opportunity to enhance their own game, meet new people, and have fun. A variety of classroom and on-ice sessions are catered to the group's needs. Sessions cover delivery basics, weight control, sweeping, angles, tactics and split timing, as well as a number of other areas.

This year's Adult Camp will take place from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th September at Kinross Curling Rink.

Further information can be found on the Royal Club website here; you can download an application form by clicking here; and for more information please e-mail: sheila@royalcaledoniancurlingclub.org

KCS 10th Anniversary Party

2011-05-11T18:46:00.001+01:00

It's been 1 month since Kinross Curling Rink started it's summer off-season. So with 4 months to go until our next season starts, let's look back at Kinross Curling School's 10th Anniversary Party, which helped bring the season to a successful close on Sunday 10 April 2011.

Our specially-created Elite Team (Michelle Silvera, Sheila Swan, Rhona Martin, and Debbie Knox - above) were here to help celebrate the big day, and brought the event to an exciting conclusion by playing two challenge matches against 8 very lucky guests in the late afternoon.

Throughout the day we had various fun curling challenges across all 4 sheets of ice, with the eventual winner of each contest getting a chance to play in one of the aforementioned Elite matches...

On Sheet A was a "Golf Ball Challenge", where participants attempted to throw (or deliver) a golf ball from the hack at one end of the ice towards a curling stone on the button at the opposite end of the ice - with the golf ball finishing closest to the stone being the winner. It wasn't as easy as it sounds (and in some cases looked rather dangerous) but luckily a number of golfers were on hand to manage any stray balls!

RCCC Development Manager, Judith McFarlane, demonstrates the Golf Ball Challenge.

Sheet B was a Draw Shot Challenge with a difference. Participants first had to deliver a curling stone to the button using their normal delivery, with the finishing distance from the button getting measured. The stone was removed from play, and participants attempted their second shot: However this second shot had to be made with a wrong handed/footed delivery (ie: If they normally throw with their right hand while sliding with their left foot, they now had to throw with their left hand while sliding with their right foot)! The distance from the button was again measured, and the aggregate distance was their final score.

Jamie Stevenson struggles to get up after a wrong-footed sliding delivery.

Sheet C had a Cue delivery challenge where, similar to sheet B, participants had to use a cue to deliver a stone to the button with their left hand for one shot and their right hand for the other. Setting a very impressive early gauntlet was special-guest photographer Bob Cowan (of Skip Cottage Curling), who showed tremendous skill in placing both his left and right handed cue deliveries directly onto the button in the first attempt of the day!

After 2 perfect shots, Bob Cowan's cue is sent to the umpires for inspection.

Sheet D was a Draw Shot Challenge on unpebbled ice! This meant that the ice was cut completely flat, with no pebble to help the stones glide/curl smoothly down the sheet of ice. [Under this scenario a stone thrown with normal draw weight would barely pass the near hogline while also curling like crazy - so lots more weight is needed]. As you can expect, this led to all sorts of amusing results, with various delivery techniques and outcomes being fully tested.

Jim Stevenson attempts to deliver on unpebbled ice.

The emphasis of the day was fun for all the family, which meant that even the very young were allowed onto the ice for a bit of curling-related fun.

Is this the next Eve Muirhead?

Elsewhere, some of the Kinross Juniors had fun trying to emulate the 360 spinning delivery of Canadian skip Jeff Stoughton, as can be seen in this YouTube video from the 2009 Tim Horton's Brier.

Grant attempting a 360 spinning delivery.

The day finished with two Challengers VS Elite Team matches. Both games were played as normal, but the results were based upon alternative scoring methods that were selected at random after the end was played. As a consequence of these alternative scoring methods, the first team of Challengers stole the win, but in game 2 the Elite team got their own back and won the series on overall points scored.

2002 Winter Olympic gold medalist Rhona Martin during the Challengers VS Elite match.

The day was enjoyed by almost everyone (we won't mention what the Juniors did to Iceman Craig), and the event raised over £600 for charity. Well done everyone!

To read Bob Cowan's review of the day, visit the relevant article on his Skip Cottage Curling blog by clicking here.

Yoga For Curlers this summer

2011-04-28T15:53:00.005+01:00

Do you need to keep in shape for the start of next season?

If so, would you like to try a free yoga class developed specifically for curlers around the Kinross area?

Simpli Yoga have recently developed a class for curlers, and are offering a free trial class to curlers around Kinross who are members of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club:

Tuesday 3rd May

8pm - 9:15pm

Kinross Church Centre, upper hall

A further seven sessions are available over the weeks that follow, and you can either drop-in for individual sessions or block book all 8 sessions. Contact details about booking can be found on the Simpli Yoga website by clicking here.

The class will incorporate postures that build strength and stamina, and help to tone the body. A variety of breathing techniques are used throughout the session to help clear the mind and release toxins. The class will leave you feeling deeply relaxed and energized.
The postures used will vary each week to suit those attending. It is taught by a Senior Teacher, from the home of Yoga.

Benefits for Curlers - flexibility, core strength, and balance:
By regular practice overall flexibility will improve, and key muscles will be lengthened, both of which will help posture in delivery. Supporting this further will be the work on core strength, resulting in increased confidence and ability on the ice. A lot of yoga postures work on balance and coordination, an essential element of strong curling skills.

About the class:
You will be led by a highly experienced teacher who gives a very charismatic and engaging class. He has a commanding presence which instills confidence as well as inspiring his students to reach their full potential.
During his class you will be taken on a rhythmical journey of breath and posture, ending with a guided mediation which leaves you deeply relaxed.
He welcomes all levels into his class from absolute beginner to those who practice regularly. Using simple postures, breathing exercises and sound he will guide you through a sequence which provides a full, balanced workout for your mind, body and soul.
This is not a class where you will be under pressure, or expected to do advanced postures. Through supportive exercises, with focus and attention you will be amazed at how different you feel afterwards.

About the teacher:
Suthesh is from Kerala, India, and is one of the few Senior Yoga Teachers in Scotland.

He is a Naturopath (DNYS), Reiki Master and Yoga Therapist. He has studied yoga for 20 years, starting as a teenager in his local area with Sad Guru Maniyettan Yogasramam in South India for 10 years. Following this he worked and lived in ‘The Art of Living’ Ashram in Bangalore studying under Sri Sri Ravishankar for 4 years.

Suthesh completed a Diploma in Naturopathy and Yogic Science at the All India Nature Cure Federation, working as a practitioner in local hospitals in Kerala.

Testimonials:
- “I’ve never had so much fun in a yoga class! You’re on another level. Thank you so much.” Jane Lorimer
- “Thanks so much for a fantastic experience! Feel like I’m set up now for the week ahead. Very relaxed." BJAS
- “Suthesh is wonderful at giving instruction and creating a positive environment.” Carol Allardyce

2010/11 Closing Weekend

2011-04-09T02:08:00.004+01:00

It's the end of another season here at Kinross, but before the ice melts away you should come along to the rink and enjoy this final weekend of curling fun...

The annual Closing Bonspiel is on Saturday, with 26 teams playing over four sessions from 11:30am until about 8pm, and a prize-giving ceremony will follow. My sources say it is a fun competition to watch, so why not head up to the bar and enjoy the atmosphere?

On Sunday you are more than welcome to join us in a fun afternoon of games and activities to celebrate 10 Years of Kinross Curling School. The rink will be open from 2pm-5pm, and you will have a chance of playing against our specially-formed Elite Team which includes Olympic gold medalists Rhona Martin & Debbie Knox!

Kinross wins Virtual Club Bonspiel

2011-03-14T22:12:00.009Z

Kinross Virtual Club, skipped by David Jones, recently won the National Virtual Club Bonspiel at Lockerbie.

The Kinross team of Stuart Brand, Kevin Ross, Ally Simms, and David Jones [standing on the left hand side of the above photo wearing black/red uniforms] were victorious in a closely-contested final against a Lockerbie Virtual Club rink skipped by Alayne Smith.

To read more, please visit the original article at Bob Cowan's Skip Cottage Curling.

Photo copyright: Jim Thomson. Used With Permission.

Help us celebrate 10 Years of KCS

2011-03-04T18:20:00.025Z

KINROSS CURLING SCHOOL CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF COACHING.

Kinross Curling School (KCS) was founded in February 2001 to supply a variety of courses (including: School Clubs, Juniors, Adult Beginners & Improvers, Curling Clinics, Tactics seminars, and Masterclasses for elite-level curling) that could help countless people aged from 8-80 to either get into curling and/or improve their skills.

Over the course of the past 10 years the amount and variety of equipment at KCS has greatly improved: So in addition to the basics (such as sliders and grippers), the school now possesses delivery cues, crutches, timing equipment, a digital video camera (for video analysis), and a projector (for seminars).
Without the dedication of so many volunteer coaches and assistants, the school would have been unable to achieve as much as it has done over these past 10 years. Indeed were it not for their time and generosity, the club wouldn't exist at all!

So now we would like to acknowledge and share the success of KCS' first decade by inviting all past students and local curlers to a FUN AFTERNOON at the end of this season (early April), when we will hold our CELEBRATION and raise funds for charity.

We have secured the support of elite international curlers including OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALISTS who are prepared to be challenged by all comers in a fun game of curling.
If you fancy an unbelievable experience playing against some of Scotland's top curlers then come along to Kinross Curling Rink at the Green Hotel for 2pm on Sunday 10th April 2011.

We plan to have fun games on the ice and in the lounge. The winners of our challenges will qualify to play against the elite squad in a fun curling challenge where luck will play as much a part as skill. We will also have entertainment for all the family – including the young and the young at heart.
Funds raised will go to local charities so please come along to support KCS and say thank you for the benefits that have accrued to local curling development during the last ten years.
We look forward to seeing you there, meeting old friends, and hearing tales of the exploits that have followed your time at Kinross Curling School.

We plan to run a tombola during the celebration and all contributions for the stall would be welcome – whether you can attend or not. Please hand these to any coach or leave with the ice team.

David Jones,
Royal Caledonian Curling Club's Area Curling Development Officer.

Curling Clinic - 11th March

2011-02-25T19:31:00.010Z

[NOTE: COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED]

Friday 11th March, 17:45 – 19:45.

Available to all club curlers: Learn how to improve your technique and knowledge of the game.

Cost £12.

If you are interested, or need more information, please contact:
Lorna Rennie
Mobile: 07733 210714
e-mail: slajmren@tiscali.co.uk

[NOTE: COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED!]

Easter Pairs

2011-02-23T12:13:00.009Z

Our annual Easter Pairs competition will this year take place over Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd of April.

We have already been accepting entries, and the first 16 teams will play.

With 12 places taken, you better get your entry to the ice staff soon!

Welcome!

2011-02-23T12:12:00.004Z

Welcome to Kinross Curling Rink's new website (or 'blog' if you want to be technical), where we aim to keep you up-to-date with relevant news, important information, and local curling events.

We recently launched a new Facebook page, which will hopefully improve upon the old group (find us, if you've not done so already, at: www.facebook.com/KinrossCurlingRink): This blog shall be used to both compliment that new facebook page and to keep informed those of you that don't use facebook.

If you have any suggestions and/or feedback please don't hesitate to contact us.

Andy Macpherson
Iceman (and Funny Picture Maker / Website Person).