Shuffleboard on ice

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Being stationed at Eielson is not always easy; for much of the year activities can be limited because of the extreme Alaskan temperatures.

One activity that doesn't stop when the snow starts is Curling, a sport similar to bowling and shuffleboard, played on ice.

A curling team is made of four people: the lead, second, third or vice skip, and the skip, who is the captain. Players take turns sliding polished stones across the ice toward the house - a circular target. The goal is to accumulate the highest score for a game, with points being scored for the stones resting closest to the center of the house at the conclusion of each end. Scoring is completed when both teams have thrown all of their stones.

Eielson has had a curling team for three years. The Fairbanks Curling Club even holds a military spiel -- a weekend that highlights the military where the Army and Air Force teams compete.

"We're hoping to have the military spiel in December," said Terra Bowen, Fairbanks Curling Club board member. "It's a great fun sport. It's challenging for both the body and the mind. There is a lot of strategy involved."

The Eielson curling team is open to active duty military, guard, dependents, retirees and Department of Defense civilians.

"The more teams the merrier," said Patrick Wilson, 354th Fighter Wing Safety office. "We're just trying to get people out doing things in the winter."

The club provides just about everything required for the sport. Participants just need to wear loose-fitting, warm clothing - maybe even some gloves or a warm hat.

The club hosts league games at the Fairbanks Curling Club Monday through Friday nights starting at 7 p.m. For those that would like to watch, there is an observation area available.

"Watching the curling team can be very exciting," said Ms. Bowen, "but the real fun is being on the ice."

For those interested in curling but unsure how to play, the club offers free on-ice instruction 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, run by volunteers.

Curling can be a great winter activity, and might be just what you need to combat the winter blues. There are membership and ice fees to join the team; however, it's said to be worth it.

"It gets you out during the winter, mingling with locals in a family type atmosphere," said Mr. Wilson.

*Editors note: for more information about the Fairbanks Curling Club, visit http://www.curlfairbanks.org/.