Kelowna Curling Club

Image Credit: Kelowna Curling Club

When people discover the Kelowna Curling Club, they are often quite surprised at what they find. The curling at the club is first-rate. It is not the sheer size of the club that surprises them - even though it is one of the world's largest (and most active) curling clubs. Instead, it’s all the activities that complement the curling club that newcomers are the most surprised by. The Kelowna Curling Club is about more than just curling.

Curling is the Heart and Soul - But There’s Tons More on Offer

What visitors to the Kelowna Curling Club quickly discover is the extensive bar and recreation area that is part of the centre. It is jam-packed with everything a person could want in a fun recreational club, with activities to enhance the curling facilities. While relaxing before or after their ice time, members can rack up a game of pool, and play foosball or shuffleboard. There are dart boards, air hockey tables, and the list goes on. Essentially, there are countless ways to have a great time, and naturally, the curling is top-notch as well.

Kelowna Curling Club women

Image Credit: Kelowna Curling Club

With 12 sheets of ice, curling is indeed the facility's primary focus. The curling facilities are so good that Kelowna often hosts national events such as the 2025 Montana's Brier for example. As the club manager Jock Tyre tells me, Montana's Brier, held at the end of February, is a massive coup for Kelowna. "The 2025 Brier will bring thousands of people to Kelowna and allow locals to watch some top-level curlers compete."

The Club is Open to Anyone - Drop-ins are Welcome

Of course, locals don't have to hold out for the 2025 event to enjoy some great curling. The club is open to both the general public and members, and great curling is happening all the time.

"Anyone can come in and check out the facilities, enjoy the recreation areas and bars, even participate in curling," Jock says. “We offer lessons if you want to give the game a try,” continues Jock. The most popular times for people to swing by are Saturdays and Sundays, but not just because it is the weekend, but there’s some great curling and food deals to be had as well. "On Saturday afternoons, the Kelowna Curling Club hosts a taco and curling event, and Sundays is our Taco/Burger and curling day," says Jock. At just $27.50 per person, Jock tells me it is a great deal. "You can enjoy an afternoon of curling and a meal for under $30.00, have a few laughs, and meet some fantastic people."

Camaraderie is a big part of the club. Nobody is a newbie for long, it seems, and all ages and demographics are represented. Basically, if you thought curling was just for seniors, you would be wrong. In fact, the Kelowna Curling Club has recently entered into an agreement with UBC Okanagan, establishing the Okanagan's first mixed (men's and women's) University Varsity club. University students in Kelowna may now be able to qualify for national curling events held here, proof that the Kelowna Curling Club is drawing in all age groups.

Kelowna Curling Club Junior Curling Award Winners 2022

Image Credit: Kelowna Curling Club

Celebrating Over Eighty Years of Community-Driven Fun

"The Club is 100% not-for-profit; it is completely community-driven," Jock informs me. The Kelowna Curling Club has operated for over 80 years now, and it has a well-established core group of members. Jock is always looking to increase the membership. "Attracting new people ensures that our facility will be used by all segments of the Central Okanagan community. That is our goal, and our top priority, to be a community building that fully represents the area." Jock and his team have some great options for newcomers, too. You can take a lesson, form your own team of friends, or join as an individual. Every level of curling is offered, from beginners to pros, and there are several leagues to choose from.

Fall registration is in full swing now, with spots available in the various leagues. There are discounts for seniors and for juniors, as well as loads of drop-in events. The best way to find out about the goings-on is to call the Club at 250-762-3112 and speak to Jock or his team directly, but you can also find all the key details on the club’s website. Curling kicks off on Thanksgiving week and runs right through until March. Drop in to the Kelowna Curling Club at 551 Recreation Avenue, Kelowna.

Even if curling is a completely foreign sport for you, the Kelowna Curling Club has established a well-rounded facility that makes it easy to meet people, have fun, and learn a new sport. The welcoming staff at the Kelowna Curling Club look forward to showing off their club - curling included.

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