The Estevan Curling Club brought in former Brier champion Pat Simmons to Estevan to teach local curlers about mixed doubles curling.

"I think a lot of clubs are starting to look at that as an option for leagues," he shared. "I think it's a great idea."

"It's great that clubs are starting to introduce it so we can introduce the youth to that."

"Mixed doubles is a game that is easier to field a team, they are quicker games and it's becoming a popular discipline within the sport of curling."

He added that it's like regular four-person curling in that you can play recreational fun all the way to the Olympic level.

"It's really fast-paced. It's a bunch of mini-games out there. You're always moving, there's always something happening. Big ends, you can score five or six, you see that oftentimes. You're never in or out of the game, nothing is safe with this. It makes it fun, it makes it interesting." 

Doubles curling is a physical game because of the added sweeping, sometimes even sweeping your own rock.

"I think it's great for development because it really hones a feel for draw weight. There's lots of practice with that."

"I feel that it's a really good developmental tool for younger and all ages to hone in on some of the draw skills and shots of all kinds."

Draw weight is especially important because of the fact that there are only five rocks thrown in an end. It also allows curlers to throw shots they are not used to throwing like take out shots and last rock.

And the sport only seems to be growing in popularity.

"Around the province the province there is a doubles tour that started this year. Definitely, that's picked up. Our club in Moose Jaw has just started something like this as well this year and I foresee that getting popular in a lot of clubs and it's a good option for clubs." 

Simmons clarified rules to those who attended the seminar and answered questions on strategy and approaches to the game.