Prepare to embark on a journey down the lanes of nostalgia and fun as we delve into the whimsical world of bumper bowling. It levels the playing field, banishing gutter balls and ushering in the undefeated reign of strikes.
But for those who don’t know, what is bumper bowling? Fear not, dear friends; I’ll walk you through the secrets of this beloved bowling innovation that delights children, beginners, and pros alike.
So grab your bowling shoes, and let’s dive into a “bump-tastic” adventure.
What is a bumper in bowling?
Bowling bumpers are raised barriers attached along the edge of bowling lanes, that emerge from the gutters and run to the start.
Their primary function is to aid novice or young bowlers (especially kids) by preventing their balls from veering off into the gutters.
When the ball comes into contact with the bumpers, it is redirected back onto the lane, helping players avoid the frustration of gutter balls.
In the swinging 60s, bowling alleys rolled out this game change known as bumper bowling. Think of it like “training wheels” for the younger crowd, making sure those balls stay in place no matter how wobbly the aim.
The mastermind behind this concept is Phil Kinzer, who was a bowling alley manager at the time. He saw many frustrated kids at the alley and whipped up a solution: bumpers—those raised gutters that give wayward rolls a second chance.
It was a hit. Suddenly, kids weren’t just throwing gutter balls and giving up; they were staying the game, having a blast.
Fast-forward to today and bumpers are as essential to bowling alleys as pins and shoes. Thanks to one person’s ingenuity, bowlers of all ages can keep the good times rolling without the gutterball blues.
What are automatic bumpers in bowling?
Unlike the awkward and difficult inflatable bowling bumpers in the past, automatic bumpers are an underrated help for rookies and pros alike.
Imagine taking an aim, and your ball goes haywire, automatic bumpers to the rescue. Unlike manual bumpers that need manual adjustment, these bad boys are high-tech game changers.
They work like invisible hands that guide the ball back onto the lane, even when your aim is less than stellar. But how do they work their magic?
Well, it is all about sensors. Once these sensors are turned on, these bowling bumpers spring into action, sensing when and where your ball needs a little extra support.
Some major advantages of having automatic bumpers are:
- When not in use, they’re barely visible
- They’ll go up automatically at the right player’s turn
- The bumper system is safe for kids
- The bumpers are not required to be lifted by hand
This bumper lane bowling isn’t limited to kids; it’s meant for bowlers of all ages and skill levels. And the best part is it’s effortless.
There’s no need to pause the game or wait for a lane attendant to come to the rescue. The action keeps rolling with automatic bumpers, and the fun never stops.
At what age do kids stop using bumpers in bowling?
Kids eventually bid farewell to these trusty gutter guards and embrace the challenge of bowling without safety nets. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this age-old question. Every kiddo spreads their wings at their own pace.
Once they have received all the confidence boost needed to conquer the lanes, they might feel like venturing out without those bumpers. As they grow and their skills sharpen, they would want the change.
You’ll see most kids waving goodbye to bumpers somewhere around the age of 6 to 8, give or take a year or so. But this doesn’t apply to all kids.
Some might stick to the bumpers a little longer, for that extra support, while others might toss it aside at a younger age. Ultimately, it’s about finding that sweet spot between fun and challenging.
Final thoughts
From the giggles of our pint-sized players to the victory cheers of seasoned bowlers, bumper bowling has woven itself into the fabric of bowling culture. It’s more than just a game; it celebrates inclusivity or joy.
So the next time you hit the lanes, whether you’re a novice or a veteran, don’t hesitate to embrace the bumpers. After all, in the world of bowling, a little extra support can make all the difference.