I think this is an important question.  Two other parts to this post:  1)  Why did you continue to bowl once you started?  2)  Why do you still bowl today?

I believe these questions will tell us how to get more people into our sport, and how to keep more of our bowlers that currently bowl.

For me, I started bowling because at the age of 14, I found out bowling centers actually had leagues for kids.  Before that, I knew nothing about it.  So I begged my parents to put me in a league, and my 3 other friends and I put together a team.  We won our first year.

I'm a competitor by nature, so seeing my average increase my first season from 110 to 121 by the end of the season was enough to keep me going.  At the time, I was already in the top 10 in average in that league.  The next season I average 150, and was shooting 180's and above regularly by the end of that season.  So to me, the quick improvement really kept me going.

Today, I suppose it's almost an addiction.  hahaha.  I couldn't stop if I wanted to.  A couple of years ago I had a taste of what I could actually be, competing at a very high level in big tournaments throughout the state.  Then I hurt myself, and I've sucked ever since.  Now I'm working on getting back into bowling shape, strengthening my legs to give me better balance, in hopes that I'll return to my potential.  And besides, where else can I go and know just about everybody in the building on a consistent basis?  It's my home.
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Brian
MichiganBowling.com
http://www.MichiganBowling.com

Famous Last Words of a Pot Bowler--"Ok, but this is my last game!"

Good topic.

I started bowling in college because I literally had nothing better to do with my free time.  I went to the student rec center, rented some shoes, grabbed a house rock and started bowling.  Before the end of my first semester, I borrowed my father's old Galaxy 300 drilled for a righty (I'm a lefty) and started tearing up my thumb bowling 40-50 games a week.  I threw a backup ball and managed my first 200 game (214) before the end of my freshman year.  I realized from watching those dudes on TV that I needed to be able to turn the ball, so I bought a Columbia Black Knight and drilled it up with fingertip grips and commenced bowling.  My goals progressed on par with my skills.

My goals from the beginning:

- join a league (DONE!)
- shoot 600 in league (DONE!)
- shoot 300 anywhere (DONE!)

Later goals

- shoot 300 in league
- shoot 700 in league (DONE!)
- shoot 800 in league
- average 200 in league for a season (DONE!)
- win a tournament, no matter how big/small (DONE!)
- cash in a bigger, more competitive tournament (DONE!)
- earn a PBA card
- cash in a PBA tournament
- win a PBA Regional

It is the pursuit of the remaining, unaccomplished goals that keeps me in the game.
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Nut

If you wonder if you're good enough, then you're not good enough.

Well Brian good question.  If you would have asked me during the summer I would have said cause I hate myself, but now that things are coming together I guess I will give the real story.

As a child my parents bowled a ton.  My Dad averaged in the 200's back in the late 70's and 80's.  Mom's highest was around 165.  I loved going to the alley with them, but never really got into doing myself.  Played tons of other sports growing up.  Which was a lot of the demise of their bowling careers as they wanted to be there for all the sports my sister and I played.  Even four years of college football (lettered and started for four years Jeff no bench warmer jokes).  After a total of 7 knee operations my activity level though was fairly hampered after graduating from college.

After getting out of school I played a good bit of golf and enjoyed it a great deal.  Finally about 3 years ago a guy I play golf with said ya know we need to find something to do during the winter time when we can't play golf.  I said well my folks always bowled during the winter time.  He said well we should go get some balls and try it out.  So, I went to my Dad he gave me his old black angle he was using when he quit.  He went over some stuff in his living room and the rest has been what I remember from watching him through the years and all those Saturday afternoons watching the pro's growing up.  He has come and helped me a a good bit over the last few years.  Only wish I could get him to come back and bowl.

I tell you the best way I have found to get people to bowl is just ask.  I have found people you would never guess to be interested will say shoot I will come out and try it.  If we don't promote our own sport who will.  I talk about bowling any chance I get.  Who knows I may give somebody the same enjoyment I have had.
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I don't really play cards and I am not 79, but it fits together somehow.

I started bowling following in my dad's footsteps.  I was always wanting to do what my dad did, and used to go with him to the bowling alley when I was around 4 or 5.  Eventually we started bowling on a father son league and he began coaching me and giving me tips.  Even though my dad only really averaged in the 150's he was a really good teacher.  His words were "I got the head game, but can't execute"  At around age 8, my dad's back finally gave out on him and that was the end of my bowling for awhile.  Around 18, my friend started bowling in a league and needed an extra bowler so I said I would do it.  Taking my dad's old ill fitting Rhino and Blue Hammer, I went out and averaged 137 my first week.  My dad took me out, got me a new ball fitted for me and I gradually raised my average up to 160 by league end.  Ever since then, Ive been rehooked and my dad is still my coach.  I use him for input and also another set of eyes to watch my mechanics when I think Im off.
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"Here we go folks, he is working off the first 8, and looking good.  Looks good on the approach.... OH NO, its off his ankle and down the gutter!!  OHH THE HUMANITY!"

Darrell Guzman
guzmand19 - Yahoo IM and MSN screen names

I started bowling at the age of 37,while just bowling for
fun one day I was asked if I would like to join a league
so after some thought said yes.Somehow the doubles team
I was in won the league and I had a 152 ave.Now being totally
self taught I ave 198 and am always looking to learn and
improve.