Central Otago curlers are giving the game some stick.
A new version of the traditional game - stick curling - is proving popular, especially among older curlers.
A pole or stick adapted with a bracket that fits over the stone handle is used to send the stone on its way so curlers do not have to bend over or kneel down to deliver their shot.
A regular stick-curling competition is played at the Maniototo Curling International Naseby rink and the facility has also hosted two stick-curling tournaments, the most recent attracting about 40 players.
Tom Elder, of Ranfurly, who is responsible for the introduction of the game at the rink, says the variation to the traditional game lets keen curlers extend their involvement in the game.
"As we get older, our legs don't always do what we want them to, so it gets harder to bend down or kneel to deliver a stone. This way, you use the stick, and even those who might've given the game away because of advancing age are able to keep going."
Stick curling was "really big in Canada" and was gaining in popularity in this country, Mr Elder said.
The game was suitable for curlers of any age, including those with disabilities, as stones could be thrown while standing, or while sitting in a wheelchair. Pain from knee or back ailments often caused curlers to retire from the game. Stick curling was a good alternative for them, he said.
The rules of the game and the skills needed were the same, but with three in each team, the games were shorter.
George Dundass (77), of Ranfurly, was delighted to "come out of retirement" and continue in the sport, as a stick-curling player.
"Otherwise, I wouldn't be playing at all. When your muscles are as old as mine, it's too hard to curl the usual way, so I'd given it away.
"Now, though, with this... I reckon I could carry on for another 20 years."
National curling representative and coach Peter Becker, of Patearoa, said the stick-curling version "levelled the field" for all players.
He tried it last weekend for the first time and said it was good fun.
"You can be so deadly with the stick; it's like extending a gun."
