Curling at an Indoor Ice Rink

Overview

Experience the high-spirited sport of curling (or its playful variation, 'Eisstockschieten') on a professional indoor ice sheet. Perfect for groups of friends or family, this activity combines coordination, strategic thinking, and plenty of laughter as you try to slide heavy stones into the target circle (the 'house'). Led by an experienced instructor, you'll learn the fundamentals of throwing, sweeping, and tactical blocking without ever needing to strap on a pair of ice skates.

Step-by-step Plan

1. Arrival & Gear Up (15 mins): Check in at the reception desk, store your personal belongings, and change into your warm athletic gear and clean sports shoes.
2. Rules & Technique Briefing (15 mins): Step onto the side of the rink where your instructor will explain the scoring system, safety rules, and the mechanics of releasing the stone.
3. Target Practice (30 mins): Try your hand at sliding the stone across the ice, getting a feel for the friction, and practicing your sweeping technique to guide the stone.
4. Mini-Tournament (45 mins): Split into teams and face off in a friendly, competitive match to see who can get their stones closest to the center of the 'house'.
5. Post-Game Warm-Up (30 mins): Head over to the cozy on-site skating café to celebrate your victories over hot chocolate or traditional Dutch winter snacks like split pea soup.

Reservations & Hours

• Venue: De Vechtsebanen.
• Availability: The main winter season typically runs from early October through March. Clinics must be reserved well in advance online or via email.
• Hours: Available time slots for group clinics vary depending on public skating schedules and rink bookings, usually offering morning, afternoon, and evening options.

What to Bring

• Shoes: Clean, flat-soled athletic sneakers (strictly no outdoor dirt or mud to protect the ice).
• Clothing: Thick, stretchy trousers (no tight jeans) and warm layers like a fleece jacket or sweater.
• Accessories: Warm gloves (highly recommended for gripping and cold hands) and thick socks.

Budget

• Curling Clinic: €113.00 for a group of up to 10 people.
• Additional Players: €11.30 per extra participant.
• Food & Drinks: €5 to €15 per person for hot drinks and snacks at the cafe.

Tips & Accessibility

• No Skating Required: Because you walk directly on the ice rather than wearing skates, this sport is highly accessible to people of various fitness levels.
• Safety First: The ice is naturally slippery. Move deliberately and avoid running to prevent accidental falls.
• Warmth: Indoor ice halls are kept cold, so dress warmer than you think is necessary, as you will be standing still between turns.

Backup Plan

If the ice is too cold or slippery for some members of your group, they can spectate comfortably from the heated viewing areas of the rink. Alternatively, you can move the fun entirely indoors to the venue's cozy café and enjoy a tabletop pub quiz or traditional indoor board games.