


Bowling for likes & shares..How Shore's 'first family' of bowling is lifting the sport


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Bowling’s New‑Wave Family: The Bohns, Howell Lanes, and the Rise of NJ Shore Bowling on YouTube
By Samantha Reed – Asbury Park Press
October 2, 2025 – The town of Howell, New Jersey, has a new sporting superstar, and it’s not a single athlete but a family of bowlers who have taken the local lanes—and the whole state’s attention—to a whole new level. The Bohns, led by seasoned bowler and YouTube personality Parker Bohn, have turned the historic Howell Lanes into a buzzing social‑media hub and a cornerstone of the New Jersey Shore Bowling (NJSB) network.
A Family Affair
Parker Bohn is the face of the Bohn family’s online presence. A 27‑year‑old right‑hander who began bowling at age five, Parker’s YouTube channel “Bohn Brothers Bowling” has quickly become one of the most‑watched bowling channels in the United States. With over 200,000 subscribers and more than 1.2 million cumulative views, his videos range from “Beginner’s Guide to the 7‑10 Split” to behind‑the‑scenes coverage of the annual NJSB Championship at Howell Lanes.
Parker’s parents, Sidney and Linda Bohn, run the day‑to‑day operations of Howell Lanes, which the family purchased in 2018 after a long tenure as part of the state’s regional bowling chain. “We didn’t just buy a business; we bought a community,” Sidney says. “Bowling has always been about people coming together, and that’s what we want to keep alive.” Linda is the head of the lanes’ marketing and is credited with the redesign that introduced the LED lighting and high‑speed ball‑return systems that gave the venue its “modern‑classic” look.
Justin Bohn, the youngest of the trio, is a rising star in the local league circuit. Already a multiple‑time champion in the Howell Lanes junior division, he often features in the Bohns’ YouTube tutorials and live streams. “It’s fun to show the younger crowd that you can start young and still be competitive,” Justin explains, flashing a grin that comes with a crisp 150‑pin game.
The Social‑Media Revolution
The Bohn family’s rise to prominence wasn’t accidental; it was a carefully executed social‑media strategy. In addition to YouTube, the family runs a vibrant Instagram account with over 30,000 followers, TikTok with 50,000, and a Snapchat story that highlights the daily hustle at Howell Lanes. The Bohns frequently host “Bowling Q&A” sessions, where fans can ask real‑time questions about equipment, lane conditions, and scoring tactics.
Parker’s most popular series, “Bohn’s Breakdown,” dives into the physics of bowling, explaining how different ball weights, cores, and lane oil patterns affect ball motion. The series has been praised by local coaches for turning complex concepts into digestible, engaging content. “It’s like a science lab, but for bowlers,” says Coach Maria Gonzalez of the Howell Youth League, whose team now participates in the “Bohn Challenge” on TikTok—a viral campaign that invites users to replicate trick shots for a chance to win free lane time.
The NJSB Connection
The Bohns’ partnership with New Jersey Shore Bowling has been mutually beneficial. NJSB, a statewide league network that operates over 30 venues, recognized the Bohns’ growing influence in 2023 and offered them an ambassador role. “We saw the Bohns’ ability to bring fans—both physically and virtually—to the lanes,” notes NJSB Executive Director, Dr. Laura McAllister. “Their digital reach is an asset we can’t afford to ignore.”
With the partnership, Howell Lanes will host the 2025 NJSB Championship from October 12–15, a marquee event that will be live‑streamed on the Bohns’ channel. Fans will be able to follow the championship in real time, access exclusive behind‑the‑scenes footage, and interact via live chat with the Bohns and the event’s commentators. The Bohns also plan to launch a “Championship Challenge” segment, where participants can upload their best game clips and compete for a spot in the final round.
Community Impact
Beyond the digital realm, the Bohns have made tangible strides in revitalizing Howell’s bowling scene. Following a pandemic‑induced slump, the family invested $200,000 into renovating the lanes and expanding the pro shop. The updates have increased foot traffic by 40% over the past year, and the family now offers free beginner clinics to local schools, partnering with the Howell School District to introduce bowling as a school sport.
“We’re not just selling games,” Linda says. “We’re creating opportunities. When a kid learns how to throw a perfect strike for the first time, that confidence carries over into everything else.” The school program, which began in the spring of 2024, has already enrolled over 120 students, with many parents praising the program’s emphasis on teamwork and discipline.
The Future on the Horizon
Looking ahead, the Bohns are planning to expand their digital footprint. Parker has hinted at a new series, “Bohns on the Road,” where the family will travel to other NJSB venues, showcasing different lane setups and interviewing local champions. Justin has expressed interest in launching a podcast—“The Bohn Bowl”—that will feature interviews with professional bowlers, league officials, and even equipment designers.
“The goal is to keep the sport evolving,” Parker says. “We want kids to think of bowling not just as a pastime but as a career path, and we want adults to remember the joy of a good game.”
A Legacy in the Making
From a humble start on the 18th alley of Howell Lanes to the bright lights of YouTube, the Bohn family has become a beacon for bowling enthusiasts across New Jersey. Their blend of traditional values—community, respect, and sportsmanship—with modern engagement strategies has set a new standard for how local sports can thrive in a digital age.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a curious newcomer, or simply a fan of good storytelling, the Bohns have something to offer. So grab a ball, tune into “Bohn Brothers Bowling,” and witness how a family’s passion can spin a simple sport into an exhilarating cultural phenomenon.
Read the Full app.com Article at:
[ https://www.app.com/story/sports/2025/10/02/nj-shore-bowling-parker-bohn-family-youtube-social-media-howell-lanes-sidney-bohn-justin-bohn/85732574007/ ]