Equipment

Some players say dont worry about the bowls till you get more used to actually playing. However it can also be very useful to know what different bowls and equipment do and why and what for.

This section will very simply try to explain the required knowledge for any player. The main piece of equipment is that of the actual bowl (wood). There are two sides to a bowl. One side has a large image on it, as can be viewed from the image. The other side has a
smaller image on it. This side is referred to as the bias. This is how you
get to control the swing of the bowl. The biased side of the bowl goes on
the inside of your actual delivery. This causes the bowl to swing from the
outside into the center, allowing you to control the bowl. As well as
understanding the bias it is also useful to understand that there are
different strengths of bias, some bowls models swinging more or less than
others. From narrowing swing bowls to bowls that end with a hockey stick
style hook. Thomas Taylor (bowls manufacturer) has very good diagrams
explaining this.

Bowls also come in different hand sizes. To find the right size it is essential to try different bowls. The club or your choice will be more than happy to help with this. A good indication is however to meet your thumbs and grip the bowl in between both hands. The fingers should then cross slightly at the top of the bowl. This is accepted as a good method of finding a bowl size.

As well as size and bias, bowls come in different weights, you need to find you right weight to your strength. This is highly personal and as such it is suggested that different weighted bowls are experimented with. Again clubs will be happy to assist with supplying the equipment
to help to start you off and get you on your feet. Remember all clubs will help and are
there to assist and guide you in the right direction.