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Beginner Equipment
What to borrow, what to buy later, and what matters most when you are brand new to curling.
Best Beginner Advice
Borrow first. Clubs usually have what you need for the first few sessions, and your preferences will get clearer once you start playing.
Start Here
For your first season, most clubs can provide a slider, broom, and sometimes a gripper. The only thing you usually need to bring is clean clothing you can move in. Waiting a bit before buying gear helps you avoid spending on the wrong setup.
Shoes
Curling shoes have a slider sole on one foot and a gripper sole on the other. That mix lets you glide during delivery without losing all your traction.
Beginners usually start with a strap-on slider over regular indoor shoes. That is enough for learn-to-curl sessions and early recreational play.
Slider foot
Creates the smooth glide out of the hack.
Gripper foot
Gives you traction and control while moving on the ice.
Broom
Modern curling brooms use a lightweight handle and a fabric head that helps generate friction while sweeping. Beginners can absolutely use club-provided brooms at first.
When you do buy one, look for a comfortable handle and a head you can replace over time instead of treating it like a disposable item.
Accessories
Throwing glove
Keeps your hand warmer on the stone and can make the handle feel more consistent.
Slip-on gripper
Helpful for stability when you are not actively sliding, especially as a beginner.
What the Club Owns
Clubs own the curling stones, maintain the ice, and typically stock basic beginner loaner equipment. The expensive pieces are already handled for you.
That is part of what makes curling approachable: the first barrier is learning, not assembling a full personal equipment bag.
What to Wear
Do
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Put It To Use
The easiest way to figure out what you need is to get on the ice once or twice and learn what feels comfortable for you.