By Carson Schultz

The two-person team sport of curling was co-invented by Brian Dingman and myself, Carson Schultz of Didsbury, Alberta in 1998. Originally it was called “Push Broom Curling” because we used our push brooms to deliver the rocks. Delivery sticks soon became popular and thus the name was changed to “Stick Curling.”  In 2003, Garry Sherman brought recognition to the sport by writing and posting articles about stick curling.  Some of these articles can be viewed on the news page at Sturling.net.  We never imagined a small group of thoughtful, committed “Sturlers” could change the curling world.

Now the game has spread in popularity and it has been added to the roster of events at the BC 55+ Games happening in Richmond from September 15-19, 2020. For more information about the event, which also features ice curling and floor curling, visit https://www.55plusbcgames.org/sports/.

We came to the realization that players using the stick can be competitive with slide curlers, and there is no need for the rule requiring use of the stick ‘only’. This restriction is an unnecessary dividing force in many curling clubs (them vs us). There are plenty of advantages to the two-person team game to appeal to slide curlers without any physical limitations, and get us all playing together.  Now, with slide curlers taking part, the name “Stick Curling” is obviously not appropriate. The name “Sturling” was chosen to represent ‘S’tick or ‘S’lide delivery, ‘T’wo-person ‘T’eam, c’URLING’.

Sturling, the next step in the evolution of stick curling, provides challenge and excitement for people of all ages on an equal and competitive basis, and in a social atmosphere. It is appropriate for people with physical disabilities such as knee, back, heart, shoulder etc. or just simply advanced age. The rocks can be handled with a curling stick from a standing or sitting position (i.e. wheelchairs), or the usual slide delivery can be used, enabling everyone to participate competitively.

Sturling bonspiels are typically one day events that guarantee every team three games. As a game only takes one hour to play it is ideal for spectators and players. Sturling cash spiels (stakes or progressive draw formats) are very popular as they are new, easy to host, and a lot of fun. Many clubs host several of these spiels each year making a profit for clubs.  For detailed rules visit Sturling.net.  Sturling bonspiels help to promote league play which results in more curling memberships, dues, and volunteers. Due to the popularity and advantages of the 2-person game most clubs have adopted WCF doubles or Sturling to their league play. The whole idea of Sturling is to get folks out curling and to have fun!