For those who don’t know much about curling, it may seem like an unusual sport due to its weird brooms and constant sweeping on ice. But why so many people around the world are attracted by its strategies and the endurance required to win? Here are top ten amazing facts about curling that may turn you into a superfan of this winter sport.
1. Curling originated in the 16th century in Scotland.
Dating as far back as 1511, curling originated in Scotland. Early games took place on frozen ponds and lochs with curling stones that were made from rocks and other different materials from the regions of Stirling and Perth.
The first modern curling club, the Grand Caledonian Curling Club, was established in 1838 in Scotland. Its club members and committee properly organized the game and wrote its first official rule book with curling stones and standardized equipment. In 1843, as the sport was becoming more and more popular in Europe and Canada, Queen Victoria granted it a royal charter and the club changed its name to the Royal Caledonian Curling Club.
2. Curling stone is made from rare granite.
You may not have known the fact that curling stones are made from a rare granite that is polished and shaped. Every curling stone has a height of 4.5 inches and a circumference of 36 inches. The weight of a curling stone is between 38 and 44 pounds, depending on the competition level.
There are only two quarries all around the world where the granite can be found: the Trefor Granite Quarry in Wales and the Scottish island of Ailsa Craig. As the granite that is used is rare, it is possible that the quarries may run out of materials to make curling stones in the future.