Curling Fever Sweeps the Bay Area

The niche winter sport is gaining popularity with all ages in Oakland's only dedicated curling facility.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:10pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the various elements of a curling match - the ice, brooms, and curling stones - in an abstract, cubist style using cool tones of blue, gray, and white to convey the sport's icy, strategic nature.A cubist interpretation of the strategic, icy sport of curling captures the dynamic movements and competitive spirit of this niche winter pastime.Oakland Today

Curling, a quirky Scottish sport that typically only gets attention during the Winter Olympics, is experiencing a surge of interest in the Bay Area. The San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club in Oakland offers programs seven days a week, including beginner lessons, leagues, and 'Try Curling' events that are drawing in new participants of all ages. Curlers praise the sport's accessibility, community-building, and strategic elements, with the club catering to everyone from young 'little rockers' to senior players.

Why it matters

The rise of curling in the Bay Area reflects a broader trend of people seeking out new social activities and niche sports, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Curling's combination of physical activity, strategy, and community appeal makes it an attractive option for those looking to stay active and make new friends. The growth of the local curling club also highlights Oakland's position as a hub for unique athletic and recreational pursuits.

The details

The San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club, located in Oakland, is the only dedicated curling facility in California. The club offers a variety of programs, from beginner lessons to weeknight and weekend leagues, as well as 'Try Curling' events that introduce the sport to newcomers. Curlers praise the game's accessibility, with modified versions available for those who cannot squat down, as well as the strong sense of community fostered by the 'broomstacking' tradition of socializing after matches.

  • The 2022 Winter Olympics, where American curlers Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin won a silver medal in mixed doubles, helped spark renewed interest in the sport.
  • The San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club has been operating since 2011, originally at the Oakland Ice Rink before moving to its current location.
  • Cindy Ward, a 61-year-old new member, joined the club in November 2025 after looking for a new sport to try.

The players

Sadie Scheffer

Vice president of the San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club, who initially connected to curling in 2023 through an invitation to join a friend's curling lesson.

Cindy Ward

A 61-year-old new member of the San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club, who joined in November 2025 and is an enthusiastic convert to the sport.

Jonathan Ochcoco

A longtime member of the San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club, who joined in 2011 and now plays twice a week in addition to the Sunday morning league, travels to curling tournaments, and teaches the 'little rockers' ages 7-12.

Rich Ruohonen

A 54-year-old Olympic curler, who is the oldest-ever American Winter Olympian.

Alysa Liu

A women's figure skating champion who practiced as a child skater at the Oakland Ice Rink, the former home of the San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club.

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What they’re saying

“I think like a skip.”

— Sadie Scheffer, Vice president, San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club

“It requires finding your balance—and getting used to the cold room!”

— Cindy Ward, New member, San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club

“I love the camaraderie. The club is a great place to make new friends.”

— Cindy Ward, New member, San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club

“It's like chess on ice.”

— Cindy Ward, New member, San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club

“My nephew started curling when he was four. Some of them have grown up and now beat me!”

— Jonathan Ochcoco, Longtime member, San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club

What’s next

The San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club plans to continue expanding its programming and outreach to introduce more people to the sport, including hosting additional 'Try Curling' events and growing its youth and LGBTQ leagues.

The takeaway

Curling's combination of physical activity, strategic thinking, and strong sense of community has made it an increasingly popular niche sport in the Bay Area, drawing in participants of all ages and backgrounds. The growth of the San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club reflects broader trends of people seeking out unique recreational pursuits, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and the club's inclusive approach has helped make curling accessible to a wide range of residents.