A base broom refers to a specialized type of broom typically utilized in sports such as curling or ice hockey for the purpose of maintaining the playing surface. Primarily used to move or sweep debris, dirt, or ice particles from the ice rink's playing area, a base broom helps create an optimal playing surface for the sport.
The base broom is designed to have a long handle, usually made of lightweight materials such as wood or carbon fiber, that allows the user to comfortably reach the ice surface while standing upright. The broom's head comprises a combination of sturdy bristles specifically designed to effectively sweep, scrape, or polish the ice. These bristles can be made from materials like horsehair, synthetic fibers, or nylon, depending on the sport's requirements or personal preferences.
Athletes utilizing a base broom skillfully employ various sweeping techniques, such as gentle sweeping or vigorous scrubbing, to manipulate the ice surface in different ways. For instance, in curling, players use base brooms to control the speed, trajectory, and direction of the curling stone by either smoothing or roughening the ice. In ice hockey, base brooms are used to clear away loose ice shavings that can affect the puck's movement and players' performance.
Overall, a base broom serves as an indispensable tool in games played on ice surfaces, facilitating maintenance and ensuring fair gameplay by allowing participants to control crucial aspects of the playing surface effectively.
