Wheelchair Curling
What is Wheelchair Curling?
Wheelchair curling can be played by people with a wide range of disabilities who use a wheelchair for daily living or sport only. All that is needed is the co-ordination to hold a delivery stick and some strength to push it with a stone attached to the other end. Wheelchair curling is played with the same 20kg granite stones and on the same ice as regular curling, though the stones are thrown from a stationary wheelchair and there is no sweeping. It is a relatively new discipline (1990’s) within a sport that has been played in Scotland since the 1500s. Each player delivers or pushes their stones in turn down a sheet of ice towards a circular target in the ice and hope they end up closer to the centre than those thrown by their opponent.
Benefits
The great thing about Wheelchair curling is that just about anyone with access to a wheelchair can play. Age is not a barrier, with players aged from 8 to 80+ enjoying the game. You get to meet lots of new people and get fitter in this non-contact sport. You can play with other wheelchair users or non-disabled players.
How to get started
two wheelchair curlers
No special equipment is required to get started. You can use a regular wheelchair, though you need to make sure wheels are clean before going on the ice. Some rinks even have their own one to borrow for those who don’t use a wheelchair in everyday life but would prefer a seated delivery position. Rinks and Clubs will have delivery sticks, so you just need warm clothes, with layers. A lap belt can give added security and allow a greater range of movement. A stability grip can also help as you progress but clubs will help you with these.
There are 21 curling rinks in Scotland and they all have access for wheelchair curling with ramps onto the ice. See here for links to wheelchair clubs around the country or sign up for a general trycurling session, most of our Scottish Curling coaches have had training in stick delivery, just indicate on the booking that you use a wheelchair. Alternatively, if you have a group of people interested, contact your local rink to arrange a special session.
When you start, the coach will take the time to introduce the techniques to you gradually and let you learn to throw the stones and practice before starting to play games.
How to develop your game
Curling is played at every level of ability. Fun leagues have complete beginners and people playing for the social side of the game. This is a great place to learn how to curl. As you improve, you may want to play in leagues that will test your skills. You don’t need other wheelchair users to play with as wheelchair users are welcome in non-wheelchair clubs. Scottish Curling runs regular courses on tactics and other topics of interest.
Take it further – competing
The Scottish Wheelchair Curling Association is the collective voice for Wheelchair curling clubs and runs several competitions a year, in association with Scottish Curling. Several Clubs run their own competitions which are open to other curlers. Teams are usually made up of four, with both male and female players required for bigger competitions. There are also triples, pairs and mixed doubles formats played. For those with the appropriate classification, mindset and sporting potential, the Paralympic pathway is another option. Information about Paralympic athletes on the British Curling website can be found here. Paralympic Classification information can be found here
Coaching courses
All course information and dates can be found in the course brochure on this page. A Stick Curling course which covers standing and seated (wheelchair) delivery is run regularly by Scottish Curling. Both disabled and non-disabled individuals are welcome to take part in this course. To become a qualified coach, you must also do the Scottish Curling Level 1 Coaching course. Assistance may be available for disabled volunteers in the 20/21 season, contact the office for further information.
Disability Inclusion Training is currently being offered by Scottish Disability Sport. A Curling specific course is available if there is sufficient demand. For details of current courses on offer from SDS see here.
Videos
Watch more Discover Wheelchair Curling videos from the WCF with hints and tips on how to deliver stones.
