Dating with a difference in Perth

It’s important to get out there when it comes to dating, but looking for love isn’t always a cruisy process! When faced with a one-to-one scenario, we can all become prone to a little bit of dating anxiety: What do I do in the awkward silences? What if they don’t like me? What if I don’t like them? Whilst some of us deal with first-date stage-fright better than others,  it’s still important to be open-minded about meeting new people - especially if you’re facing a dating drought!

Sam Carter launched Bowled Over Dating in a bid to help Perth singletons overcome the awkwardness often accompanying the first-date scenario. He wanted to give his single cats the best chance at finding love - for him, that meant creating a fun, laid-back and worry-free dating atmosphere. As a fan of Mad Men and follower of the sacred Don Draper, Sam decided to take his daters back in time to the 60’s for his bowling-themed events. Whether you’re a fan of the vintage vibe, a sucker for a spot of lawn bowls, or just plain out of luck when it comes to dating, this alternative dating option could be right up your alley if you’re looking for love this Valentine’s Day!

Havin’ a ball

As per his attitude in life, Sam’s philosophy when it comes to dating is not to take it too seriously. He knows you’re at your best and most attractive when you’re most comfortable, so he always tries to recreate this relaxed vibe at his events.  That’s why all his singles sessions are activity-based - to make it a little bit easier for daters to strike up conversation (all bowling puns intended). As well as giving his single pringles something to talk about, the bowling scenario always fuels daters with a little bit of competitive (and downright flirty) banter to get the night rolling and help enhance everyone’s game!

For Sam, Bowled Over Dating is all about meeting new people, having a laugh (along with a tipple to drink), and potentially gaining a date at the end of the day. If worse comes to worst, you leave at the end of the night with a bowling PB, a full stomach, and memories of a great Sunday session!

The set-up

Sam gets the ball rolling at each Bowled Over event with a casual game of lawn bowls or ten-pin, following it up with a few classic icebreakers to ease any lingering nerves (we’re talking old school favourites like pass the orange). Groups are usually split into lanes of four or six, but Sam always switches things around between games to give all single cats a chance to get to know each other.

Whilst numbers are kept relatively small to make things a little more intimate, you’ll get to meet around 12 lucky singletons at each event. As well as a good ol’ fashioned game of bowls, snacks are also provided at every Sunday session for all the hungry singletons out there (queue the pizza)!  At Bowled Over Dating, it’s all about schmoozing, boozing and having fun, with the added chance to win a few prizes throughout the night if you’re feeling lucky!

Spare an extra minute?

Bowled Over Dating events usually last for two hours, but Sam's always willing to carry on the party with a couple of post-game pints at the local pub. If you find yourself falling for a fellow alley cat, this could be your chance to get to know your bowling partner a little bit better. Alternatively, there’s always the option to split from the crowd with your new-found love interest for that all-important second date. At the very least, you’ll get to establish a beautiful bromance with another bowling enthusiast!

Become an alley cat

Join Sam and his single daters at any of BOD’s upcoming bowling events, starting with a twilight lawn bowls session at South Perth Bowling Club this Valentine’s Day!

With talks of adding pub crawls and styling workshops to the repertoire, Bowled Over Dating is definitely one to look out for in future! Call Sam on 0411 568 949 to book your spot!