Kurling Without Ice

New in 2025, indoor carpet #Kurling hits #HD8 in #Kirklees. Joining the Kurling movement, the new groups have had a successful start.

Kurling is endorsed by British Curling Association as a great introduction to their ice based Olympic sport. Kurling is played indoors, on carpet, wood or any fairly flat surface. Kurling replaces the traditional granite stone with a soft plastic flying saucer disc like shape, with a handle on the top and ball-bearings underneath. The stones glide smoothly along the carpet to a target across the room. You can play against a single opponent or in pairs, all taking it in turn. There is NO ICE in our game, however we do do biscuits and a drink.

Kurling has been introduced into HD8 by Paul Jones MBE, chief officer of the #DenbyDaleCentre, who are operating the first few groups. Paul said “…I first came across Kurling in Calderdale, which was such a popular game played mainly by older retired people. They always looked to have fantastic fun. I had considered introducing this into the area for a while because we have so many bowling clubs where I see members losing mobility and just when they need exercise in their life, they stop because it is simply just too much. Kurling can be played from standing or sitting, even from in a wheelchair…”

The first of the HD8 Kurling Clubs has had a warm welcome at #DenbyDaleCricketClub, where they meet at 09:30 every Tuesday. The second Kurling Club is just started in Skelmanthorpe at the #SkelmanthorpeMethodistChurch on Wednesday every week at 13:30.

Video of Kurling at the Kirkburton Hub

The Denby Dale Centre has a few spare Kurling kits and has loaned these out to other groups to have a go. Bookings and enquiries have been made by a care home, Guides, the Veterans, the Navigators, the #livingwithLongCovid Peer Support Group and Cub Scouts.

If you would like to have a go, please call us on 01484 860077 or email helpline@ddc.org.uk.

Our groups cost £3 per person per session.

Kit loans available to other groups cost £20 for one kit or £30 for two kits, for up to a 2 week hire.

Members of the Kurling Clubs have enjoyed themselves playing. One member, aged 90, said “…it's all very competitive especially one lady wanting to beat me, which she has done once and did a lap of victory. We all play are sitting down because it is easier. It really lifts me and I look forward to coming down on a Tuesday…”

The #KirkburtonDementiaGroup has hired the kit a few times now, and one of their volunteers, Richard, has commented "...it took a couple of games to get used to this new game, but they soon loved it. It is simple and easy for them to play; we all play from sitting to make it an even game. It helps them to increase their movement and it is absolutely great for them to have the sort of fun that reduces their frustration of living with Dementia..."