銆€銆€A woman learns the thrills of curling at the I Sweep Curling Club. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/William Wang]

銆€銆€Many people first encounter the sport of curling via their TV screen, often reacting with laughter or ridicule. They watch as large snail-paced rocks worm their way along the ice, while shrieking sweepers frantically clear the way with brooms. What could possibly be going on? Clearly, those people just don't get it.

銆€銆€"At first when I saw it, I didn't think it was much of a sport," says Beijinger Zhu Jin, who is on the curling sheet for the very first time. "But now that we've experienced it, there's quite a combination of mental and physical activities that need to be coordinated."

銆€銆€Zhu can't take his shining eyes off of the game he's momentarily stepped out of, while his voice rises and falls according to the action on the ice.

銆€銆€"It's surprisingly fun because the competition is heating up as you can see in front of us," Zhu says. "The key is consistency and getting the rock toward the area you want it to go to."

銆€銆€He points out that sweeping can add a lot to the forward movement of the rock, as its role is to lessen the sideway distance that the rock covers while increasing its speed and distance.

銆€銆€Curling is similar to shuffleboard, but employs two teams of four who alternately slide rocks toward the target at the other end of the ice. Points are awarded for each rock that stops closer to the target's center than the other team's rocks. Communication between the skip (the person who throws the rock) and the sweepers is crucial, often resulting in heated shouting matches between teammates. Strategies to accumulate points can be quite complicated, earning curling the nickname of "Chess on Ice."

銆€銆€Although curling remains far from popular in China, the sport received a huge boost after the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver where the Chinese women won bronze medals. Tournaments periodically broadcast on CCTV have increased public awareness about the sport as well.

銆€銆€Yang Hongbo, a coach at I Sweep Curling Club, was one of China's first curlers with dreams of winning a championship for his homeland. But today he finds satisfaction teaching 14 to 16 year-olds the finer points of curling.

銆€銆€"Chinese parents are very goal-oriented," Yang says, noting that those who enroll their children in the program believe it will be useful for their futures. "But, it ought to be for fun."

銆€銆€When asked what kinds of students are best suited for curling, Yang's answer is surprising.

銆€銆€"The naughty ones," he says. "They are quick, capable and active. They can try every method to find a way to play well."

銆€銆€As some of his students show particular promise, Yang says he hopes that one of them may someday fulfill his previous dream of gaining glory for China.

銆€銆€But Yang is well aware of the challenges that curling faces here. Though many people have seen it now, very few believe it is something they can actually try.

銆€銆€"It's not like soccer where every kid will start playing when they're six or seven years old," Zhu says.

銆€銆€Complicating matters, curling facilities here are few and far between. The I Sweep Curling Club is the only professional curling center in China, while Canada has more than 1,000, says Justin Wei, owner of the club.

銆€銆€In addition, the costs of curling are prohibitive for many. Ice access and equipment rental for one hour cost 460 yuan (US$75) per person. Wei admits that the club caters "to rich people." Coach Yang understands that such a business is expensive to run, but worries that the high costs may slow curling's development as a sport.

銆€銆€For today at least, the people who are trying it seem unanimous about finding it a blast to play.

銆€銆€"I've seen it on TV all my life, and I've always wanted to try it out," says Nick Laferty. "Those people at least look good. I look like an idiot when I'm out there! But I will say that sweeping is the most fun I've had in six months."

銆€銆€I Sweep Curling Club Tel: 6965 3025 Address: 9 Fuqian West Street, Huairou District Getting there: From Dongzhimen bus station, take express bus No. 916 to downtown Huairou. Get out at Mingzhuguangchang, walk ahead to the next intersection and turn left. Walk 100 meters and turn right. The club is at the end of the road.

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