How to Survive Your First Bonspiel (Barely)
Welcome to the Bonspiel Jungle
So you’ve joined your first bonspiel. You’ve got a broom, a dream, and maybe a questionable sense of judgment. Welcome to one of curling’s most glorious and chaotic traditions — a weekend that’s equal parts sport, social event, and survival challenge.
If you’ve never played in one before, don’t worry. Every veteran curler has a first-bonspiel story that begins with “I thought it would be chill…” and ends with “…and that’s why I’ll never trust chili night again.”
Let’s make sure you live to tell yours.
1. Pack Like You’re Going to the Arctic and Vegas at the Same Time
You’ll need:
- Your curling shoes (or grippy/slider combo — bonus points if they’re not still covered in barn dust).
- A few layers for the ice. Think: “I’m outdoorsy but also love snacks.”
- A change of clothes for the post-game party, because yes, there’s always a party.
- Aspirin. Trust us.
- A funny curling shirt that lets people know you’re here to throw stones and make friends. (We’ve got you covered with curling team merch that says exactly that.)
If you’re unsure how much to pack, the rule of thumb is: double your socks and halve your dignity.
2. Embrace the Chaos of the Draw
Your game times might be at 8 AM. Or 11 PM. Or both. That’s bonspiel life, baby.
Bring snacks, hydrate like a champion, and don’t plan on sleeping in. Bonspiels are a mix of curling, eating, cheering, and trying to remember what sheet you’re on.
If you need inspiration, read our post about funny curling team names — you’ll meet plenty of “Stone Cold Curlers” and “Sweeping Beauties” this weekend.
3. Learn the Ancient Art of the Curling Lounge
The lounge is where legends are made and mistakes are forgiven. It’s also where you’ll encounter:
- The 70-year-old skip who can still outshoot everyone.
- The team wearing matching “Skip Happens” shirts (which, by the way, you can snag in our funny curling shirts).
- The bottomless crockpot of mystery meatballs.
Here’s your mission: make friends, toast your opponents, and don’t start strategizing your next end after your third beer. (That’s how teams end up trying the six-rock takeout on Sheet C.)
4. Respect the Hangover Draw
Every curler has a Hangover Draw. It’s usually early morning, the ice is cold, and your sweeping form resembles interpretive dance.
Pro tip: a breakfast sandwich and black coffee can bring you back to life faster than a perfect draw to the button. Or, you know, just accept your fate and rock a “Bonspiel Survivor” tee from our store — it’s practically a badge of honor.
5. Win, Lose, or Draw, Make It Memorable
Nobody remembers the scores after a few days, but everyone remembers:
- The team who showed up in matching capes.
- The skip who fell gracefully (ish).
- The friends made at 1 AM over nachos.
That’s curling culture — equal parts sport and community. Whether you lift the trophy or lift a pint, you’re now part of something bigger (and slightly weirder) than you imagined.
6. Prepare for the Post-Spiel Crash
After three days of sweeping, sliding, and socializing, you’ll wake up Monday feeling like you were hit by a rock (and not the curling kind).
That’s normal. Hydrate. Stretch. Order pizza. Then relive your glory by scrolling through your bonspiel photos and thinking, “Wow, we actually looked like a real team.”
Then you’ll start planning the next one. (And maybe order another shirt while you’re at it — you earned it.)
🧣 Bonus: Gear Up for the Next Season (and the Holidays!)
Speaking of merch…
Our Holiday Collection drops November 1, featuring new designs perfect for gifting your teammates or showing off at the club Christmas party. Expect plenty of festive flair — think “Sweeping Through the Snow” and “Deck the Hogs.”
And stay tuned for our Olympic Collection launching later in December, packed with gear to celebrate curling’s biggest stage. It’s your chance to show your colors and cheer like a champion.
Final Tip: Curling is more than a sport — it’s a vibe. And whether you’re sliding out for the first time or chasing your tenth bonspiel win, you’ll fit right in. Just remember: sweep hard, laugh often, and never, ever skip chili night.
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