Sure, figure skating is cool and all, but have you checked out curling at the Winter Olympics? The sport is all about sliding smooth stones across a sheet of ice while players with brooms scream at each other. And it’s totally Seattle’s jam, thanks to the Granite Curling Club .
Granite is an organization that’s been around since 1951, operating out of a spacious Haller Lake building for over 60 years. Its members have won 62 national championships , more than any curling club in the US.
Also, NBD, but member Sean Beighton is currently coaching two curling teams in Beijing , while fellow Granite alum Colin Hufman made the gold-medal-defending men’s squad as an alternate. 🥇
While some real high-level players hang out there, any Seattleite can join in on the fun — so let’s rock.
Broom for everybody 🧹
While you’ll need to schedule a visit to Granite Curling Club in advance with a reservation (and bring proof of vaccination), folks can try their hand at the sport without a huge commitment. A “Learn to Curl” class ($24 for adults, $10 for kids under 18) teaches all the basics — and registration for March starts soon .
Upcoming spring leagues that start in mid-April last ten weeks, and are for curlers of all ages and abilities. And at the beginning of each season , a novice league supports new members with continued instruction and practice games. Non-members can also book events , ice time for birthday parties + lessons for kids , too
Ain’t no party like a curling party… 🎉
…because a curling party don’t stop — and may feature kooky outfits. Players often dress up for tournaments, known as Bonspiels , with themes that have included “disco,” “80s,” and “Comic Con.”
There’s also a well-stocked bar on the second floor of the club, because grabbing a beer with teammates + your rivals is an essential part of the experience. Think of it like a bowling league — except, you know, on ice.
Thawing the Seattle freeze 🥶
The Granite Curling Club’s members are passionate about what they describe as curling’s tight-knit “community.” Mainly, the club is about generating feel-good vibes (it’s hosted clinics for veterans who are disabled ), and taking pride in the quirks of what’s known as the “Roaring Game.”
So, who’s ready to throw down?