Hi All;
Posted this in the wrong spot, new to the forum.
As a soon to be retiree, I am very interested in getting into ice making and hope to spend many years being the best I can at it.I have curled in clubs where the ice is very bad, and some places where the ice is very good (Or,this curls just like on Television ice!). The difference is ,of course, the passion of the Icemaker.On one particular occasion, I was amazed to see the Icemaker sitting in the front row of a spiel timing rocks! On the other hand, I saw another Icemaker walking frontwards pebbling off to the side instead of walking backwards.
Anyhow,what is the best way for me to get started?I currently curl at a city owned club in Toronto that already has an Icemaker. I will likely join a private club when I retire as well.I presently have a very flexible work schedule.
Thanks for any responses.
Visit this site http://www.scottishcurlingicegroup.org/
The best of luck to you, initially the amount of information will probably appal you but it's worth wading through.
John M. has published a vast quantity of his research here. The only thing to remember is that we, in Scotland, have a Maritime Climate, so some situations will be different due to differences in the outside Humidity and Temperature.
Thanks, Wee Eddie;
I will check it out. We just had a group over from Dundee,had a great time here in Toronto.
PS- any relation to Shorty Jenkins?
I would think that if you started to volunteer or help out the ice tech at your club or any club that would be a good place to start. from there you could find out when the level one ice tech course is in your area and sign up, i think its only around $300 and 2-3 days long. i got started in ice making by getting a job as the greenskeeper at a small town course that combined the two jobs. i had no interest in curling at all at the time but they sent me to the ice making course and i had help from some volunteers at the club to make my first season go relatively smooth. after two years i moved back to my home course and a year later the ice maker at the local club retired and some members at the golf club recommended me for the job at the rink and my passion for the ice has been growing every year since.so go see if your club needs some one to mop and pebble during bonspiels or help the ice tech flood or scrape thats where i would start. good luck.
Thanks, the Icemaker at my rink and I don't see eye to eye,I will have to look elsewhere.He is one of the reasons I want to do it, and do it better.He doesn't seem to care, I don't even think he knows how to curl.
If you are in the Burlington On. area I may be able to help you.
Thanks, but I'm in downtown Toronto. I see there is a 2 day Ice Tech level 1 course that I can take in Whitby(might have to wait until next year), then 2 years ice maintenance before level 2. That's fine, will work out time wise for me.Then Level 3 and 4.
Currently provide ice service 2 curling facilities
north GTA ?looking for a keener/
drop a line!
definatly try to get some expieriance try vollenteering at events such as playdowns and cashspiels, get some contacts, look ont oca site for summer job posting for asst icemker. good luck.
Also,
try another club and volunteer. I went from volunteer to ice guy in 3 weeks when i started. Another way, in a large city is try and get a part time job at a golf and curling club. then express how much you want to learn ice as you cut fairways. Almost every golf course needs workers and this could get you into the ice part.
I look after a 4 sheet rink and a golf course so having a person like your self would be a huge plus.
Things you will find in this industry...
1) not everybody is as cool about giving info on how to work on ice as this place. this is an incredible place to solve problems. usually within a day i have several things to try to fix my problem.
2) a lot of icemakers and golf superintendents are scared you will want there job. i am not one but they are out there, so you will never learn what you want to learn.
3) being in toronto you may have trouble getting a position some where. if you happen to move to a "retirement area" it might be easier.
i would really look hard at the golf and curling club idea. trust me, there is a huge need for good workers in teh golf industry and "retired" guys are great to have on the staff. I have 2 part timers and they are gold. never late, work hard and can cover me when i need a day off.
hope this helps a little. feel free to email me.
nick
Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I will find the next level 1 course and try to volunteer like Nick suggests.I have learned there is much more to this than meets the eye, and thanks to all the dedicated ice makers here for your encouragement.
Even if you have several years of ice making behind you,your only as good as your tools! (scraper and blade) if woking with a good blade you'll have great results.