Summertime can be tough for bowlers. You gear up for your weekly league or a big tournament, but the sticky approaches and swollen fingers caused by high humidity can throw off your game. Here, we'll explore how you can overcome humid conditions while bowling and keep your performance top-notch.

Understanding the Impact of Humidity on Bowling

The primary issues caused by humid conditions are sticky approaches and hand swelling, both of which can alter your performance. Why are these problems more prevalent in the summer? High humidity levels often accompany the warm weather, especially when air conditioning isn't effectively managing indoor moisture levels. Some centers have dehumidifiers in the concourse, but even these fail to keep up occasionally.

Sticky approaches can turn your smooth slide into a jerky stumble. When humidity is high, moisture gets into the wooden or synthetic approaches, making them tacky. This disrupts your slide, causing inconsistencies in your release and overall form. High moisture levels can cause your fingers to swell too, affecting your grip and release. This makes it challenging to maintain consistent control over the ball.

Practical Tips to Combat Humidity While Bowling

You don't have to let humidity ruin your game. With some proactive steps and adjustments, you can maintain top performance even when the weather is against you.

Reduce Swelling in Hand

Swelling can be managed with a few simple techniques:

• Remove all your jewelry before bowling. Rings can restrict blood flow and increasing swelling.
• Do arm circles. This helps in regulating blood flow.
• Expand your fingers and clench them into a fist repeatedly. It improves circulation and reduces swelling.
• Elevate your hand while bowling. Simply place your elbow on the table with your hand upright and let gravity help minimize fluid retention.

Bring a Battery-Powered Fan

One simple yet effective way to deal with heat and humidity is to bring a battery-powered fan from home. A small, portable fan can provide immediate relief by keeping you and your hands dry and cool. It’s like having your own personal air conditioner, directing airflow exactly where you need it most.

Gear Adjustments and Preparation

Sometimes in severe cases, the answer lies in tweaking your equipment. Here are a few practical gear adjustments to consider:

• Alcohol Wipes: Use an alcohol wipe on the back of your thumb before applying tape to remove sweat and oils from the surface of the skin, allowing the tape to properly adhere.
• Puff-Ball: Consider using the Puff-Ball, which is designed to absorb moisture and keep your hands dry. These can be a game-changer, giving you a more consistent grip throughout your session.
• Interchangeable Thumbs: If swelling is a persistent problem, you might want to look into drilling an interchangeable thumb insert that’s slightly larger. This way, you can swap it out as needed to accommodate the changing size of your thumb throughout the game.
• Shoe Slide: If you do not have bowling shoes with interchangeable soles, the fastest way to solve sticking on the approaches is to throw on a shoe slide. It is made to prevent sudden stops or sticking, and can be worn over the slide of any bowling shoe.

Conclusion

Sticky approaches and hand swelling caused by high humidity can be challenging, but with a few adjustments, you can overcome these issues and maintain your bowling performance. From using portable battery fans to tweaking your gear, these tips will help you stay in control, even during the hottest and most humid summer days. Don’t let the weather dictate your game—take charge and bowl your best!