Welcome! This group is intended to function as central communications point for the Northern California Camanachd Club. Camanachd, also known as Shinty, has been played in the Highlands of Scotland for approximately 2000 years. It's a game of the stick and ball variety, similar to Field Hockey and Irish Hurling. There is also a similarity to Golf, in fact some believe Golf and Ice Hockey evolved from Camanachd. Shinty is more aerial than Field Hockey due to the wedge-shaped head of the Shinty Stick (called Caman in Scots Gaelic), and the ball is often played in the air as well as on the ground. We are mostly beginning level players of various ages, although we have benefited from the presence of several experienced Scottish players among our membership. We are mainly located in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, with practices held at various locations in the South Bay, North Bay and East Bay. Our membership spans the Bay Area, from Santa Rosa to San Jose and points in between. Loaner equipment is available at practices (schedule posted at our site: http://www.norcalshinty.com). Please feel free to visit our website or e-mail info(AT)norcalshinty.com [replace the (AT) with an @], to get involved and/or ask questions.