Guideline for new members

Before bowling a wood it is strongly recommended that anyone new to bowls has a one to one session with our qualified coach.

This will avoid the adoption of bad habits during the delivery, as well as ensuring the use of the correctly sized bowls, taking into account the individuals physicality. It is much harder to replace bad habits with good ones than to learn correctly in the first place.

Bowling correctly will greatly increase the bowlers enjoyment of the sport and enable greater competitiveness amongst fellow bowlers.

Unlike some sports, there is no handicapping system in bowls so a new bowler will be playing against better, more experienced, bowlers from the start. A gradual introduction will enable the new bowler to gain experience without suffering too much.

The only equipment required to start bowling are the correct footwear, shoes without heels. Heels will damage the green and affect the run of the bowls. Any smooth bottomed pair will suffice to start with until you bowl regularly when you can buy some purpose made footwear.

As mentioned, correctly sized bowls are crucial to a good delivery, leading to consistancy. There are at least 10 sizes of bowl from 4 manufactures who make half a dozen or so different models - the choice to the tyro is bewildering so expert knowledge is paramount. 

The bowler's hand size and strength will dictate the size of bowl required so it is advised to try a variety before choosing.

Each club wears different clothing during matches. At Wellington we wear white shirts with green trim, grey "below the waist" and bottle green sweat shirt, fleece and cap,depending on the weather, all with the club badge.

Eventually, bowlers buy "all the kit" - bowls, bag, waterproofs and measure, but it's best to wait until you know what you want.