Cold conditions have made it possible for local curlers and skaters to venture to the Manorburn Dam's natural ice for the first time in a few years.

On Wednesday morning, with temperatures of -3 degrees Celsius, curlers from Alexandra and Manorburn clubs were making the most of the natural ice on the lower Manorburn Dam as they competed for the Matagouri Trophy.

Manorburn club curler Bruce Kissel said the two clubs haven't been able to play for the Matagouri Trophy since 2015, but that all changed yesterday.

Manorburn won the tournament to keep a hold of the trophy after curling for 21 ends (game one 14-4, and game two 20-14). The action started at 9am and wrapped up around 2pm. 

“It was fantastic to get back natural ice, to play on actual ice is a whole different kettle of fish," he said.

“I was the first one out there and there was one speed skater in the fog while I was setting up, it was spectacular.”

Manorburn Curling Club member Bruce Kissel. PHOTO: Supplied

Bruce said for curlers who haven’t played on natural ice before it is a special experience, peppered with plenty of banter, good humour and swapping yarns in a beautiful setting. 

With the weather due to warm up towards the end of the week, and rain forecasted, the natural ice would probably be gone by the weekend, he added. 

Safety needs to be top of mind for anyone going to dams, lakes or rivers where ice persists. 

For outdoor curling games there is a procedure to adhere to where the ice master ensures conditions are optimal for play. 

People who want to skate need to look out for markers indicating the safest area where the ice is thick enough. 

Olympic speed skater Andrew Nicholson shared his story of falling through the ice at the lower Manorburn on Sunday (July 14), too far from neighbouring properties and without safety equipment as a reminder of the importance of careful preparation, and not adventuring on your own.

In his social media post he said he fell through the ice at Manorburn Dam.

“The nearest folk too far to hear my yells. Normally I take surfboard, buoyancy aid, ice picks etc the tools needed to safely self-rescue.

“This morning others had skated along a stretch of good thick ice. I swooped only 3m away from the marks at speed to turn. I went in instantly. Over my head in water and cries unheard. 

“Uh oh. . . . fortunately I knew the drill. Stay calm, big breaths, try to get the rest of the body to float, spread arms low, big breath to float the torso . . . slowly creeping on belly hooking a foot I managed to slide on belly to safety. If I did not know the drill I would not be here. As an Olympic speed skater I should have known better. Lesson learned. The rule I broke was skating on unchecked ice.”

People and pups enjoying the ice on Tuesday. PHOTO: The Central App

One local who visited Manorburn on Tuesday said a lot of residents were skating, or taking photos, but behaviour was good with people paying heed of markers and taking care if they were walking on the ice.  

Read more: Alexandra hits its lowest temperature for season

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Residents and visitors can curl and skate at Alexandra’s IceInline complex and Naseby’s Maniototo Adventure Park.