Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! HTDE: Curling Stones and Halfpipe Lines
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Feb 18, 2026 Rick English, operations manager at Kays of Scotland, explains sourcing Ailsa Craig granite and crafting Olympic curling stones. Rich Ruiden, American curler and two-time national champ who practices law off-ice, reflects on his long Olympic journey. Nick Monte, chief of color who sprays halfpipe guiding lines, shares painting routines, safety marking, and crowd reactions.
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Skiing In To Paint Olympic Lines
- Nick Monte skis the halfpipe with a 20-kilo spray gun on his shoulder to paint blue competition lines.
- He times his runs between TV cameras and competitors, sometimes repainting lines mid-competition when chips appear.
Audience Feedback Shapes Performance
- Crowd reactions changed how Nick perceives his work and increases pressure for perfection.
- He notices mistakes immediately because audience disappointment makes him self-critical.
Report Bad Landings Immediately
- Tell the competition crew about surface issues immediately so shapers can fix dangerous landings.
- Nick advises calling shapers right away when you spot a hole where athletes will land.