When you first take up lawn bowls, all you really need is a set of bowls and a pair of flat-soled shoes. Spend a little time at any club, though, and you will notice that regular bowlers carry a few extra items in their bags. None of them are essential on day one, but together they make games more comfortable and help you look after your equipment. Here is a guide to the accessories worth considering.
Cleaning and Grip
Bowls pick up moisture, dew and grass as they roll, especially on damp mornings and in the late season. A clean, dry bowl is easier to hold and gives you a more consistent delivery.
- Bowls cloth or towel: a small cloth for wiping your bowls between deliveries. Many bowlers clip one to their belt or keep it in a pocket.
- Grip aid: a wax or polish designed for bowls can help on cold or wet days when your hands feel less secure. Always check that any product is allowed in the competitions you play in.
- Spare cloth: handy in wet weather when the first one gets soaked.
Measuring and Marking
Plenty of ends are decided by a few centimetres, so measuring equipment is useful for skips and anyone who takes on the role of marker.
- Measure: a retractable bowls measure lets you check which bowl is closest to the jack when it is too close to call by eye.
- Chalk spray or chalk: used to mark a toucher, the bowl that touches the jack during its delivery, according to the rules.
- Scorecard and pencil: for keeping track in singles and club competitions.
Making the Game Easier on Your Body
Bending down again and again over a long game can be tiring, especially for older players or anyone with a sore back or knees. A few aids can help:
- Bowls lifter: picks up your bowls from the green without bending.
- Jack lifter: a telescopic tool such as this jack lifter lets you collect the jack with ease.
- Kneeling pad or seat: useful during long competitions when you are waiting your turn.
If you have a medical condition that makes bending or kneeling difficult, speak to your club about the aids and delivery options available. Many clubs are very supportive of bowlers who use them.
Bags and Clothing
A good bag keeps your bowls protected and everything else organised. When choosing one, think about:
- How many bowls you carry: bags are usually made for two or four bowls.
- Separate compartments: keep shoes away from your bowls and clothing.
- Wheels or shoulder strap: a trolley-style bag is a relief if you have a long walk from the car park.
- Weather protection: a waterproof base and cover are useful on wet Scottish days.
Smaller items like measures, cloths and chalk are easy to lose in a big bag, so a separate accessories pouch is handy. You will find bags in all sizes in our bowls bags section.
A few clothing items can make a big difference to your comfort on the green:
- A waterproof jacket and trousers for showery days
- A warm layer for early and late season evenings
- A hat and sun cream for bright summer afternoons
- Spare socks if the grass is wet
Build up your kit gradually. Start with the basics, notice what other bowlers at your club use, and add the accessories that suit the way you play.