How much does a curling stone weigh? This is one question that has been begging for answers. However, before we proceed with a suitable answer, one has to understand what curling in itself means.
Curling is a sport where players are required to move stones across an ice sheet with the destination being the four-circle target area.
The sport comprises two teams that have players who alternate sliding large, as well as polished granite boulders over the ice curling sheet. They could also be referred to as stones.
The players move these stones over the ice curling sheet towards the house which is depicted by a circular target marked on the ice. Each player is required to throw two stones and each team has eight stones. The goal of curling is to get the highest score.
Speaking of how the points are awarded in curling, here is what you need to know. Stones that are closest to the center of the house at the end of each end attract points and there are about 8 to 10 ends in a game.
What Are Curling Stones Made Of?
Curling stone is made of granite. Meanwhile, the only part of the stone that touches the ice is the running surface. The granite used in making curling stones is found in Ailsa Craig, a Scottish Island, and the Trefor Granite Quarry in Wales.
How Heavy Is A Curling Stone?
It has been established that there is no specific weight for a curling stone. However, there are stipulated ranges that the weight must fall within.
A curling stone cannot be more than 44 lbs (19.96kg) and not smaller than 38 lbs (17.24kg). The weight is also affected by the handle and the bolt that is located on the top of the stone.
For each stone, the circle must not be more than 36 inches and must have a height that is not more than 4.5 inches.
How Much Do Curling Stones Weigh?
Speaking further, viewers of the game feel that throwing stones in a curling competition is easy. However, this is not the case as curling stones are heavier than they appear.
The aforementioned numbers in the last paragraph are perfect pointers to this fact.
Due to how heavy the stone can be, the players have to take some precautions when playing to ensure that they don’t get hurt, For instance, attaining good balance is ideal in a curling game.
How Much Does A Curling Stone Weigh In The Olympics?
For the Olympic games, and for the sake of fairness, the curling stones used do not weigh more than 19.96kg and will not also weigh below 17.24kg
Do All Curling Stones Have The Same Weight
Back in the day, players were responsible for the weight of the curling stone they wanted to throw as they were allowed to choose any weight that suited them.
This practice is no longer in play as a standardized weight has been introduced to the sport. Regardless of the standardized weight, curling players have to work on boosting their strength and balance to thrive in the sport.