Sturling is a relatively new Alberta-invented sport that embraces a wide range of participants. 

The sport was invented 25 years ago in Didsbusy by Brian Dingman and Carson Schultz. 

Dingman always loved curling, but after experiencing some health problems that caused his mobility to be limited, he was no longer able to chase or sweep rocks on the ice. 

Throughout this experience, Dingman would often visit the rink to watch fellow curlers and wished there was a way for him to play the game he so dearly loved. 

One day, Dingman and Schultz were throwing rocks against one another for fun when suddenly Dingman was inspired. 

He was able to deliver the rocks easily but struggled to get to the other end of the rink. 

After a few ends, some friends joined the duo, and Dingman no longer had to travel up and down the ice. 

From there, the two-person team sport of curling evolved. 

Later, their friend Garry Sherman joined the team, and the sport was transformed into sturling. 

“The innovation stemmed from a realization that players using the stick could compete on equal footing with traditional slide curlers, eliminating the need for diverse rules,” Shultz said. 

The rules for sturling are as follows: 

Sturling rulesSturling rules provided by Carson Shultz. 

The letter “S” in sturling stands for “stick” or “slide delivery.” The “T” is for “two-person team,” and “URLING” comes from the original word curling. 

“Sturling embraces a wide range of participants, accommodating those with disabilities, physical limitations, or simply advanced age.” 

Players can use either stick or slide deliveries, allowing individuals to play together regardless of their preferred technique. 

According to Schultz, some benefits of sturling include: 

  • The involvement of more people by offering the choice of stick or slide delivery 
  • The game format minimizes downtime, keeping players engaged and delivering 18 rocks per game in under an hour 
  • Removes age or gender restrictions 
  • And sturling enhances bonspiels because it attracts more participants and diversifies the clubs' activities 

Sturling has become more popular, with both the Alberta and British Columbia Seniors 55+ organizations adopting sturling into the winter games. 

Earlier this month, the Strathmore Curling Club hosted the Alberta 55+ sturling provincials. 

Joss Binns competed in the sturling provincials and explained why he enjoys the game. 

“Sturling is a two-person game that only lasts an hour. You play with six rocks each, and you just throw them and don't sweep at all. It is an easy way for older people to enjoy curling,” Binns said. 

According to Schultz, they are in contact with the World Curling Federation (WCF) in hopes of getting them to try out the 2-person team sport of curling. 

“It was not until 10 years after we invented the 2-person game of curling that they hosted the first Worlds Mixed Doubles. And although the rules may be a bit different, the 2-person game of curling is now being played worldwide,” Schultz said. 

Curling enthusiasts or anyone interested in sturling can check out sturling.net for more information. 

“Sturling isn't just a game; it's a community where games are played and friends are made." 

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