A bonspiel is a curling tournament, but most bonspiels are more than just curling. Most bonspiels involve food, drink, raffles, and off-ice entertainment. Bonspiels may last anywhere from one day to over a week – though 2 or 3 days is typical.

Bowling Green hosts the Black Swamp Stomp Bonspiel in September, and most of the clubs in our region also host at least one event during the season. Many club members also travel to southern Ontario to play in bonspiels, and summer bonspiels (often called “summerspiels”) provide a rare chance to curl during the off season.

There are several types of bonspiels. An open bonspiel allows teams consisting of any combination of men and women. There are also bonspiels exclusively for men or for women. A mixed bonspiel has a very specific requirement. Each team must consist of two men and two women, and positions on the team must alternate between men and women. There are also bonspiels exclusively for youth curlers and senior curlers. Five-and-under bonspiels are geared toward newer curlers. These bonspiels are limited to those who have curled for five years or less and permit newer curlers to compete against those at similar levels of ability.

New curlers should make an effort to experience bonspiels. They are tremendous fun, and they are a great opportunity to play on different ice and to become part of a larger curling community. You will experience some excellent curling at bonspiels, but most of the bonspiels in our region are not so competitive that new curlers should feel discouraged from participating.