Every four years, the Winter Olympics spark interest in curling, and the Tampa Bay Curling Club in Wesley Chapel sees a surge in inquiries. Founded in 2017, the club has grown steadily, offering leagues and classes at AdventHealth Center Ice. Members enjoy the sport's community and competitive aspects indoors.
In Wesley Chapel, Florida, curling has established a foothold far from its icy origins. Bernie Skerkowski, a 68-year-old Canadian native and accountant, brought the sport to the area in 2017 as AdventHealth Center Ice opened. Expecting about 20 attendees at his first informational meeting, Skerkowski was surprised by 150 people showing up.
The club's success drew national attention, with The New York Times publishing a story during the Winter Olympics titled, 'If curling can make it in Tampa, it can make it everywhere,' as Skerkowski recalled.
Today, the Tampa Bay Curling Club boasts around 80 members and runs three seasons annually: fall, winter, and spring. It offers Learn-to-Curl classes, which introduce participants to the sport's basics, including pushing a 42-pound granite stone down a pebbled ice surface. 'It’s pebbled,' Skerkowski explained, 'which is great for curling. Less great if you’re unstable.' The ice is described as 'super slippery,' and beginners often struggle with balance, strapping rubber grippers to their shoes to avoid falls.
Andy LaRosa, a Land O’ Lakes resident, took a class eight years ago with friends and immediately formed a team with Skip Heath, Rasco Andre, Russ Thor, and later Patrick Thornton. 'We immediately fell in love with it,' LaRosa said. 'For us, it became a great hobby to have.' The group still plays together, appreciating the thrill of landing a stone in the target house.
The Olympics amplify interest, with Skerkowski noting an 'Olympic boom' in calls. Leagues are friendly yet competitive, and some teams participate in bonspiels, or tournaments, around the state and country. While ice time is costly in a rink focused on hockey and figure skating, the club persists as a labor of love.
Skerkowski hopes to build a dedicated curling facility on land he owns, though he acknowledges demand is not yet sufficient. Upcoming Learn-to-Curl sessions are set for March 21 and 28, with more in April, June, and July. For details, visit TampaBayCurling.com.
