Founding
Amanda and Brad Smith spent several years as fans catching the sport whenever it could be found on TV. Frustrated at the lack of local curling they attended a Learn To Curl at the Charlotte Curling Club. The curling was, of course, a fantastic experience. The conversation with Charlotte's members, board and founders were equally amazing. The couple returned to the lowcountry that weekend on a mission. The wheels were in motion to start a club within the year.
It would take 6 long months of recruiting, organizing and learning before the club could set foot on ice. With visiting instructors from Charlotte, Atlanta, Palmetto (Greenville) and Tampa, the Charleston Curling Club debuted its first Learn To Curl on July 22nd, 2017. 36 People attended this first learn to curl, officially organized with 16 members.
Pictured: Amanda and Brad at the 2017 Grits and Granite Bonspiel at the Charlotte Curling Club
Growth
Almost one year later, the club hosted its Inaugural One-Day Bonspiel (a fancy curling word for tournament). The Bonspiel was a great success, drawing players and teams from Charlotte, Triangle (Durham), Coastal (Wilmington), Palmetto, Atlanta, Peachtree (Atlanta), Jacksonville, Orlando, and Duluth.
2019 would be a transitional year for the Club, as Amanda and Brad relocated out of the area. The club remained in good hands as Mike Simpson stepped up into the role as club president. Under his leadership the club hosted its "Take Two" of an annual Bonspiel.
Charleston Curling started 2020 strong sending teams to compete in several regional bonspiels. The Raymond Kayser Memorial (Mixed-Gender Teams), Elisabeth Childs Challenge (Women's Teams) and Francis Dykes Memorial (Men's teams). These events hosted by the Grand National Curling Club (GNCC), draw teams from across the eastern seaboard. The Charleston team won the D-Event Dykes Trophy the same weekend COVID-19 shutdowns began.
Pictured: Mike Simpson, Chad Alojipan (of Schenectady Curling Club), Vince Lehr, and Gary Donnelly with the Sinnett Cup after wining the D-event of the 2020 Francis Dykes MemorialBonspiel
The Pandemic Years
The pandemic would impact the Charleston Curling Club, canceling all events the rest of 2020. These cancellations included what would have been our third annual bonspiel. Despite not being on the ice, the club would find creative ways to build community and position itself for a strong return. One of the highlights was installing permanent in-ice houses at our Arena.
The club wouldn't hit the ice again in Mach of 2021. Despite the long absence, the club had modest growth throughout the year. It was also able to finally host its third annual bonspiel. The year ended guard with Katrina Friedman assuming the office of President.
Pictured: One of several volunteers installing permanent in-ice houses at the Carolina Ice Palace.
Unleashing the Kraken(spiel)
In 2020 the club embraced the maritime heritage of our city and our love of puns to dub ourselves "The Kraken." Though whether the pun is 'Kraken Stones' or 'Kraken Beers' is still occasionally debated. The Kraken makes appearances throughout our social media, merchandise, league trophy, and as the new namesake for our annual bonspiel - the Krakenspiel. In 2023 the Krakenspiel retired its 1-day pointspiel format and expanded to a new 2-day "Kraken-Bracket" format that allowed us to accommodate an additional 8 teams. The club continues to see steady demand for its Lean To Curl sessions, often having to waitlist eager new curlers as we reach the capacity of our ice, equipment and instructors.
Pictured: The Krakenspiel Championship Trophy, and event winner gifts.
Looking Forward to 2026 and Beyond
The Olympic cycle traditionally brings a surge of interest in curling as the sport takes center stage during the games. The club anticipates that the 2026 winter games in Milano Cortina will be no different. Our board and its members are already making plans to celebrate and grow throughout the 2026 cycle!
