Curling

Curling is a sport that dates back almost a century and a half and is played on ice. It is often considered to be a very strategic game that requires quite a bit of skill so for those looking to go out and participate in a match of curling, skills on the ice are a must and a crash course in the sport wouldn't hurt either. But for those that are skilled in the sport of curling, the competitive nature of the sport can be very entertaining and riveting for all involved. The sport is popular in certain northern European and Canadian cities. It is played by teams on ice skates and brooms, sweeping the ice in an attempt to control the movement of a heavy stone in a game similar to shuffleboard. By guiding a stone towards a target at the end of a track, teams score points. While it is played by clubs and teams, it really has not caught on in most localities where there is the option of family or personal ice skating.

Should you find yourself in a city catering to the sport of curling, it won't be hard to find a television broadcast with curling on. Remember though, that if you are to go out and learn the game of curling or practice with some of the locals, if you're lucky enough to find some to play with, it is important to practice good sportsmanship. Because curling is a very elite game, many of the things often expected in other sports are frowned upon while playing curling. It is important that if you touch the granite rock as it speeds along the ice that you call it. Minor faux pas in other sports would be kept secret and not vocalized but in curling, if you break any of the rules it is expected that you call it. Make sure to practice proper curling etiquette no matter where you play and often celebrating by buying the losing team dinner is acceptable. 

For those looking to try something different, curling is it. It is not something to pick up and go and requires practice. Those willing to spend time practicing and honing their skills, it can be very rewarding.