New curlers were welcomed to the Lakes Curling Club in Detroit Lakes on Sunday as the club hosted its first of three open curling events for the community's curling-curious.
With 2021-2022 curling season is about to get underway at the club, curling veterans are hoping to inspire a few more novice curlers to learn more about the sport and possibly join a team for the upcoming season, said Roger Lee, one of the Lakes Curling Club mainstays.
"The main way to grow the club is for people who are already here to bring in somebody new," said Lee.
One of the new curlers who attended to the open ice event was Jessica Bergum, who enjoyed learning to slide and deliver a stone to the other end of the ice.
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Bergum, 21, of Detroit Lakes, has some curling friends who twisted her arm to attend one of the introductory events.
"I've known a couple people who were doing curling so I just thought that maybe I could try it," said Bergum. "It's really fun. I enjoyed coming out tonight."
She said the stones were a bit heavier than she thought they would be and learned that balance is really important to delivering a great stone.
"I realized I wasn't a balanced person, either," said Bergum.
But, she said, the more you do something the better you will be at it. She plans on attending at least one more of the two remaining open ice sessions, so she can get more experience.
She was guided during the session by Terra Huff, a veteran Lakes Curling Club member.
"It's a little bit down memory lane," said Huff. "It's actually really good because it helps you remember where to start and how to set yourself up and just reminding yourself about what's important when you play."
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Huff added the best part of training a new curler is seeing their face when they "get it" and they make a shot because that smile and sense of accomplishment is what keeps curlers striving to constantly improving their techniques.
The next open sessions for curling-curious individuals will be held at 7 p.m., on Nov. 17 and Nov. 22. All you need to bring is a pair of clean shoes and warmer athletic attire.
The club will also be hosting series of bonspiels, tournaments, for the upcoming season.
The 2nd Annual Sunlite Doubles Bonspiel will be from Dec. 10-12 and the 2022 Vern Turner Memorial Bonspiel will be held during the city's Polar Fest from Feb. 11-13. If you would like to register for the tournaments, register at www.lakescurling.com .
Juniors curling, featuring young curlers over 10 years old, will also be available in January 2022 for those interested in signing up their children. For more information about the youth program, visit the Lakes Curling Club Facebook page .
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