Lawn bowls may appear to require little more than a set of bowls and a jack, but the right accessories can make every practice session and match more comfortable, organised, and enjoyable. From maintaining a dependable grip to protecting equipment and resolving close measurements, seemingly small items can have a meaningful effect on match-day preparation.
South African bowlers also encounter varied playing conditions. Greens can differ in pace and surface characteristics, while early-morning moisture, hot summer afternoons, dust, and sudden Highveld showers can affect comfort and bowl handling. A carefully prepared bowls bag helps players adapt without unnecessary distraction.
Henselite South Africa supplies precision lawn bowls, footwear, bags, clothing, and practical equipment for players at different levels of the game. Whether you are joining a club for the first time or preparing for competitive play, the following lawn bowls accessories deserve a place in your kit.
A suitable bowls bag is one of the first accessories every player should consider. Lawn bowls are precision sporting products, and they should be stored and transported carefully.
A purpose-designed bag keeps the set together and helps protect each bowl from unnecessary knocks and scratches. Depending on the style, it may also provide separate space for shoes, clothing, chalk, measures, towels, and personal belongings.
When selecting a bag, consider:
Avoid leaving bowls in a hot vehicle for extended periods. South African summer temperatures can become severe, particularly inside a closed car. Store your bowls and lawn bowls accessories in a cool, dry place when they are not being used.
A clean, controlled grip supports a smooth delivery. Perspiration, dust, damp grass, sunscreen, and natural oils from the hands can change how a bowl feels during a match.
Henselite South Africa’s lawn bowls accessories includes grip products such as Grippo and Wilgrip. These products are designed to help clean and condition the surface while supporting a secure feel in the hand.
Grip products should be used sparingly and according to their instructions. Applying too much product can leave the bowl feeling sticky or attract dirt. Players should test a new grip product during practice rather than immediately before an important competition.
No accessory can replace sound technique. Grip products simply help maintain a more consistent surface so that the player can focus on line, weight, and delivery.
Regular cleaning helps keep bowls in good condition and removes dust, moisture, grass residue, and hand oils. A dedicated bowls cloth is more convenient than relying on an ordinary household towel, especially during a game.
After play, wipe each bowl before returning it to the bag. If the bowls are damp, allow them and the bag to dry thoroughly before closing everything for storage. This is particularly important after wet winter mornings or a match interrupted by rain.
A suitable bowls polish can help maintain the finish and appearance of the bowls. Always follow the product directions and avoid harsh household chemicals, abrasive pads, or solvents that could damage the surface or markings.
A practical care routine is simple:
Consistent care is preferable to aggressive cleaning after dirt has accumulated.
Close heads are a normal part of lawn bowls. When two or more bowls appear almost equally close to the jack, guessing can create disagreement and unnecessary pressure.
A bowls measure helps players compare distances accurately. Different styles are available, including compact string measures and other measuring tools suited to particular distances and situations.
Before using a measure, make sure you understand how it works. Practise extending, positioning, locking, and retracting it without moving the jack or bowls. During formal competition, players must follow the applicable laws and conditions of play. An umpire should be called when the situation requires an official decision.
Keep the measure clean, untangled, and stored in an accessible section of your bag. A damaged or poorly handled measure is unlikely to produce a dependable result.
Chalk is used to mark a bowl that has touched the jack during its original course on the rink. The mark helps players and officials identify the bowl as a toucher in accordance with the laws of the sport.
Toucha spray chalk provides a convenient way to apply a visible mark without needing to handle the bowl unnecessarily. As with any marking product, it should be used correctly and only in the circumstances allowed by the rules.
Players should check the nozzle before a match and ensure that the container is securely stored. The chalk should create a clear mark without excessive application.
Understanding when a bowl qualifies as a toucher is as important as carrying the chalk. New players should ask a coach, club official, or experienced teammate to explain the relevant procedure.
A small towel is one of the simplest and most useful lawn bowls accessories. It can be used to dry bowls, remove loose grass, wipe perspiration from the hands, or manage moisture on a damp day.
Choose a towel that is absorbent, compact, and easy to wash. A bright or personalised design can make it easier to identify among team equipment.
Some players carry separate cloths for cleaning and drying. This prevents polish residue from being transferred to wet bowls during play.
In South African conditions, a towel is useful in every season. It can manage morning dew in winter, perspiration in summer, and unexpected moisture after a brief shower.
Suitable footwear protects the green and supports comfort during several hours of standing, walking, and delivering bowls.
Bowls shoes should have flat, smooth soles appropriate for use on the green and should comply with the applicable club or competition requirements. Ordinary running shoes may have aggressive tread patterns that can mark or damage the playing surface.
Comfort is just as important as appearance. Check the fit around the heel and forefoot, especially if your feet tend to swell in hot weather. Breathable materials and supportive construction can make long tournament days more manageable.
Henselite South Africa offers men’s and women’s bowls footwear alongside its bowls and accessory ranges. Players should confirm dress and footwear requirements with their club or event organiser before competition.
Technically, clothing is not a small accessory, but the correct apparel belongs in every match-day kit. Comfortable garments allow the player to move freely through the delivery without restriction.
South African conditions may change considerably during a single day. Layering is often useful: a cool morning can become a hot afternoon, while coastal wind or Highveld storms can arrive unexpectedly.
Consider packing:
Competition dress codes vary, so confirm the applicable requirements before arriving at the venue.
Long sessions on an exposed green can involve considerable sun and heat. A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle are essential additions to a South African player’s bowls bag.
Apply sunscreen before play and reapply it as directed, particularly during all-day competitions. Choose sunglasses that remain secure during delivery and do not distort your view of the rink.
Drink water regularly instead of waiting until you feel thirsty. Where permitted, an electrolyte drink may be useful during prolonged play in hot conditions. Players with medical conditions should follow advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.
These items may not affect the bowl directly, but they support concentration, comfort, and safer participation.
A lawn bowls accessory kit can be a practical option for beginners or players replacing several older items at once. Kits may combine commonly used products such as polish, a cloth, grip aids, chalk, or measuring equipment.
The contents vary, so check exactly what is included before purchasing. A kit should match your actual playing needs rather than adding items that will remain unused.
Experienced players may prefer to build a customised collection over time. Beginners, however, can benefit from having basic accessories organised in one place.
Bowls clubs can become busy during leagues and tournaments, with several similar bags and accessories placed around the green. Clearly identifying your property reduces confusion.
Use a luggage tag or discreet name label on your bowls bag. Mark smaller accessories where practical, but avoid making changes to bowls that could affect their compliance, appearance, or warranty.
Keep a record of your bowl model, size, colour, serial details, and distinctive markings. Photographs can also be useful if equipment is misplaced.
New players don’t need to buy every available lawn bowls accessory immediately. A practical starter kit should focus on protection, comfort, basic maintenance, and the items regularly used during play.
A sensible first selection includes:
Before purchasing bowls, seek guidance on size, grip, and bias. The correct choice depends on hand fit, delivery style, preferred position, and the greens on which you commonly play.
Henselite South Africa’s Retail Buddies can help players explore suitable bowls and equipment, providing access to knowledgeable assistance within the bowls community.
Inspect your kit regularly instead of waiting until match morning. Replace leaking chalk containers, frayed towels, damaged measures, worn footwear, and broken bag fasteners.
Remove wet clothing and towels promptly after play. Allow footwear to dry naturally away from excessive heat, and clean bags according to their care instructions.
Check your kit before travelling to an away fixture. A simple checklist can prevent essential items from being left at home.
Accessories should support the player quietly and reliably. If an item regularly causes frustration, takes too long to use, or no longer performs correctly, it may be time to replace it.
Start with a bowls bag, appropriate shoes, a towel, cleaning cloth, polish, grip product, chalk, and a measure. Add weather protection and other items as your playing routine develops.
A measure helps compare close distances between bowls and the jack accurately. Formal competitions may require an umpire to make the final decision.
Chalk marks a bowl that has touched the jack during its original course, subject to the applicable laws and playing conditions.
Wipe them after every session and perform more thorough care as needed. Always dry bowls properly before storing them.
Yes. Shoes should have flat, smooth soles suitable for protecting the green and must comply with club or competition requirements.
Yes. Our range includes lawn bowls, bags, footwear, clothing, and equipment designed to support players at different levels.
Keep everything clean and dry in a protective bag. Avoid leaving bowls, grip products, and other accessories in a hot vehicle for extended periods.
The best lawn bowls accessories help you arrive organised, care for your equipment, respond to changing conditions, and concentrate on the next delivery. A dependable bag, grip products, polish, cloths, a measure, chalk, suitable footwear, and weather-conscious clothing can make every game more comfortable.
We provide precision bowls, bags, shoes, apparel, and practical equipment for new, social, club, and competitive players. Our range is selected to support bowlers through practice sessions, league matches, and tournament play.
If you want to know more about our offers, please contact us to chat with a representative.
Alternatively, browse our lawn bowls range to find the right solution for your needs.
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