Author Archives: Dr. Goldline

Dear Dr Goldline: How to Survive the Off-Season

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Dr. Goldline

Question: Dr. Goldline, I absolutely love curling. I just can’t believe the season is over! How am I going to make it through the summer?

Dear reader, you clearly have a curling addiction. But there is help available to you!

Posted in Goldline, Curling
Dr. Goldline on Caring for Curling Shoes

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Dr. Goldline

Shoes are an investment and it is really important to take care of that investment. The sport is such that the shoes are subject to some wear and tear, and the longevity of your shoe will depend on how frequently you play and the level at which you play. Here are my top three tips for taking care of your shoes:

Posted in Goldline, Curling Shoes, Curling Equipment
Dr. Goldline on When to Replace Your Curling Brush Head

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Dr. Goldline

Dr. Goldline, how often should I replace my curling brush head?
As curlers we all know that sweeping is key in cleaning the ice surface and helping a rock get closer to its intended destination. If we put aside the cleanliness of the ice, which is largely out of your control, there are three primary factors that impact the expected life of a brush head: position, pressure and playing frequency.

Posted in Curling Brushes and Replacement Pads, Curling Equipment
Dr. Goldline's Thoughts on Timing Devices and Using a Stop Watch

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Dr. Goldline

Stop watch: friend or foe? Timing is not a perfect science, and is impacted by both ice conditions and delivery. So remember, the watch is just an aide.

Posted in Goldline
Curling Shoes 101

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Dr. Goldline

A pair of curling shoes: this is the key piece of equipment that any curler will ever own. With the holiday season quickly approaching, maybe you have thought about purchasing curling shoes for that important curler in your life. But then you think to yourself, “Shoes? How can I possibly buy shoes for someone else?

Posted in Curling Shoes, Curling Equipment
Beyond the Basics: Curling Bonspiels

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Dr. Goldline

Consider entering a bonspiel! A bonspiel is simply a curling competition, involving several teams, that runs for a single day or over a period of several days. I assure you: you do not need to aim as high as the Brier or the Scotties. Virtually every curling club hosts multiple bonspiels throughout the season which are open to anyone wishing to pay the fee to enter.

Posted in Goldline, Curling, Curling Events
Curling Brooms: The Basics

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Dr. Goldline

In a curling game, players other than the skip throw only two rocks but sweep six others. Given the importance of sweeping, it should come as no surprise that curling brooms are the second most important piece of curling equipment, ranking only behind curling shoes. When choosing a broom, there are three key things you need to consider: the material comprising the shaft/handle, the diameter of the broom shaft, and the type of head.

Posted in Curling Brushes and Replacement Pads, Curling Equipment
Dr. Goldline on Curling Pants and Grippers

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Dr. Goldline

Dr. Goldline answers two of the most common questions about curling equipment. Why you shouldn't wear jeans while curling, and how to tell when it is time to replace your grippers.

Posted in Curling Equipment