TORONTO -- It has been about two decades since Olympic men's curling champion Kevin Martin last released a teaching video.
He has been regularly asked over the years whether another edition is on its way. The sequel is finally out and this time it's in mobile app form.
The Kevin Martin Curling App -- which he believes is the first curling teaching application of its kind -- was released Monday. Curlers can access videos, tips on fitness and equipment and read news headlines and scores while following Martin's team as it strives to represent Canada again at the Winter Games.
Martin has been a fixture on the curling scene for years and has been teaching for just as long. When he's not skipping his rink of Ben Hebert, Marc Kennedy and John Morris, Martin keeps busy with clinics and coaching through his curling academy in Edmonton.
The app started off as an avenue to broaden his teaching base. Martin soon became interested in adding other features as the project moved along.
"Every time we took another step, three more doors opened up," he said during an interview at an east-end curling club.
The app features Martin weighing in with weekly tips on a variety of topics including nutrition, stretching and curling technique. He also interacts via video with curlers who have questions for the four-time national champion, breaks down the curling shot delivery process and has his teammates join in to discuss brushing fundamentals.
Martin said his agent and app developer had initial discussions about the project a year ago. Plans really got going last winter and after eight months of filming, editing and production, the launch stage has finally arrived.
The app's base price is $1.99 with features ranging up to $11.99. It's available now on many Android tablet devices and smartphones and is expected out this week on many Apple iPhone and iPad editions.