An Overview of the Cape Cod Curling Club

Did you know that curling has a presence on Cape Cod?

While it's not as popular as golf, tennis, and other common pastimes, the Cape Cod Curling Club provides a convenient location for avid curlers to hone their craft and even hosts a series of tournaments throughout the year.

Beginners can try curling for the first time at the Cape Cod Curling Club, as well, receiving lessons before competing against other novice players from around the area.

If you've never tried curling before, the Cape Cod Curling Club makes it easy to get started. Visit their Falmouth location to get out on the ice this winter.

A History of the Club

Evidence suggests that curling dates back to the early 16th century, although up until 1969, Cape Cod didn't have a club of its own.

At that time, a local man named David Dewees visited The Country Club in Brookline, home of the country's first curling rink, and decided that the sport could thrive on Cape Cod.

In the early days, the Cape Cod Curling Club used stones borrowed from The Country Club in Brookline and the American Curling Foundation and took to the ice at the Falmouth Ice Arena. By 1973, however, ice hockey had become too popular, and curling club members were left without a place to practice and play.

Finally, in 1975, the Lilly family constructed a brand new sports facility in Falmouth and included a curling rink for members of the Cape Cod Curling Club. The club bought the facility from the Lilly family in 1979 and has operated from this location ever since.

The club is modest in size, with only three sheets of ice, but provides a place to teach new participants the finer points of the sport, and gives local players somewhere to join a game every week.

Become a Member

There are all kinds of memberships at the Cape Cod Curling Club, depending on your age, the location of your home, and how often you wish to curl.

A full resident membership is only available to those who live on Cape Cod and west of Yarmouth, while a non-resident membership is required if you live in Yarmouth or further east on the Cape. You'll also need a non-resident membership if you live off the Cape.

Within the full membership, there are variable rates for those over 30, those under 30, and students. Half-year memberships are available for those who don't live on the Cape year-round, and there are also introductory memberships for new curlers.

Young people who are under the age of 22 can sign up for a youth membership or junior membership, which allows them to compete in adult tournaments.

With so many options available, there's sure to be something that meets your needs. Visit the Cape Cod Curling Club website for more information on their membership tiers.

Learn to Curl

If you haven't curled before, the Cape Cod Curling Club has you covered with their adult introduction programs. Every Sunday between October and December, the club hosts two learn-to-curl classes that go over everything from rules and techniques to history and on-ice etiquette.

You'll receive five sessions when you sign up and will have access to a reduced introductory rate if you wish to join the club and particular in league play.

The Cape Cod Curling Club makes it easy to learn how to curl, so give it a shot once you buy a home on Cape Cod.

Bonspiels and Events

In the curling world, a bonspiel is a tournament where teams compete against each other until a winner is crowned. The Cape Cod Curling Club hosts bonspiels every year, including competitive events for more serious curlers, and special events for those with under five years of experience. SummerSpeil, which takes place every July, is perhaps the most popular.

Other events that take place throughout the curling season at the Cape Cod Curling Club include friendly matches against other nearby clubs like Nantucket and Berkshire. Generally, you'll have to register ahead of time, and organizers will put you on a team with other members of the club.

Overall, these bonspiels give you the chance to compete against curlers with a similar skill level and provide a fun way to spend a weekend without leaving the Cape.

Stop By the Cape Cod Curling Club

As you can see, you don't have to be an expert curler to get started at the Cape Cod Curling Club because they welcome new members with open arms. The club also hosts social events, lunches, and dinners where you can get to know other members and make new friends.

Buying a home on Cape Cod will open you up to a series of new pastimes, and you'll have the opportunity to make curling a part of your life once you live here.