Is Bowling A Good First Date?

By: bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 3/7/16; Updated: 3/2/21

Is bowling a good first date? Absolutely Yes! (Socially distanced, of course!)

If you are considering options for your special first date, go bowling. Plan to bowl a couple of games socially so you experience the fun.

Bowling is an excellent icebreaker for new dates and for subsequent dates because you socialize and get to know one another better; bowling can be a great date night and relatively inexpensive too.

There are a few things, however, which will help you get started in the right way so you enjoy your time on the lanes with your date, and encourage your friends to return again if you are joined by others on your date.

First, open bowling is a commonly used term to refer to social bowling in non-league or non-organized event games such as tournaments, fundraisers, etc.

In social or practice bowling with family or with friends, your scores are not recorded for averages or for competitive standings but rather kept by automatic scorers located on each lane for the fun of the game.

If you have a date with you and have little or no previous experience bowling, it will help to know that when first arriving at the bowling center, check-in at the central control desk which is usually located near the front entrance of the center.

The desk personnel will help guide you in preparing to bowl.

You will be assigned a lane. Information about prices, lane availability and safety precautions are easily accessed at the control desk.

Once you are assigned a lane, you can request bowling shoes at the control desk.

Bowling center management does not allow use of street shoes on the bowling approaches.

Owning your own pair of bowling shoes can help eliminate the guessing game of what size you may need.

If you do not already have your own custom drilled bowling ball, select a house bowling ball from the available inventory provided by the bowling center. They are free of charge and typically located near the lanes on special racks.

Each ball has pre-drilled finger and thumb gripping holes and is clearly labeled with an approximate total weight of each given ball.

House balls range from 6 lbs to 16 lbs. maximum allowed weight.

As a rule of thumb, teens and adults will use from 12 lbs to 16 lbs in weight while the kids will choose lighter weight house bowling balls closely matching their age.

The three gripping holes in each house ball are not custom fit for any one bowler in particular but rather drilled to fit the general public.

Control desk personnel can arrange assistance for you to enter your name or names of all bowlers in your party into the automatic scorers before bowling.

The bowling center personnel are always happy to show you how to use the scorers and will help if there is a scoring error or other such problem during your session on the lanes.

If you are getting ready for a bowling date, dress comfortably. Wearing clothing which allows freedom of movement as well as comfort is always the best idea.

For the ladies, the basic attire when going on a bowling date is a nice shirt (where the motion of bowling ensures nothing becomes exposed) and always wear socks.

It is best to wear short sleeves as you will probably get very warm while bowling.

Pants such as jeans seem to be the bottoms of choice for the ladies, but shorts or a longer skirt can work too.

Men’s clothing is going to be a little simpler. Men should wear shorts or long pants, a comfortable shirt, and socks.

If you happen to have other plans at a nicer place after bowling you may want to bring a change of clothes. Again, don’t forget the socks.

Some bowling centers offer black light bowling which makes it hard to see.

Most bowling dates will be on weekends where a special event like black light bowling happens so check with the bowling center before arriving if you prefer normal lighting while you bowl.

Planning a bowling first date can be easy and fun but it requires a little bit of homework.

It is very important to call in advance to make certain lanes are available for the day or evening you wish to bowl.

You likely don’t want to be standing around waiting for a lane too long so check if you can reserve a lane in advance or when arriving at the bowling center.

Most bowling centers have a restaurant or snack bar for beverage convenience purposes.

Being prepared makes bowling fun, especially on a bowling date.

Try to observe simple lane etiquette when bowling.

Use the “right of way” rule and extend one lane courtesy to bowlers on either side of you before stepping onto the approach getting ready to bowl.

After delivering your ball and witness the result, walk off the lane right away and allow the bowlers on adjacent lanes the same courtesies.

Have fun on your date!

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