Anyone on here into Archery?

Never measured the garden but for practice I think they normally use about 15 meters (45 feet) ish.
I would think the garden is about 25 meters so will be fine. I have always fancied the idea but thought it
would be silly money. Turns out that in my local club shop they have starter kits with everything you need,
bow, arrows, guards, carry case and target with stand for just under £100. Best bit is if you don't get on
with the sport they buy back second-hand kit. If you need some ware to practice they have a range for £6
a day or unlimited use for £20 a month. Instructors always on hand if you are having problems.

I am crap with computers so cant do a link thingy. www.aimarchery.biz . I am looking at starter kit B.

Hi 1066Boy,

I love archery too!

I did an archery GB instructor course a few years back and now teach beginner sessions. Its a really good hobby and I find when you focus on looking down the arrow and aiming at the gold you really do forget about everything else at that moment and for me that's meditation.

I enjoy shooting recurve bows they are simple smooth and easy to maintain. They are over 3000 years old but still used today in the Olympics. Unlike a compound bow you can replace a damaged string wherever you are, rather than have to send it off to the shop.

Don't make the mistake like I did and many others do and go out and buy the most advanced and powerful bow. You cant buy skill!

There are lots of ways of doing it but I like to teach people to focus on 5 key points, practicing each one so you become overall more consistent and accurate. These 5 points are:

1. Stance
Your feet must be straddling the shooting line. Stand side on so it makes you broader and increase your draw length. Start in a cross position with your arm extended and the bow naturally pointing at the target. If you are not naturally point at the target re-position your feet rather than aiming with the muscles of the torso. Muscles fatigue and may not be as accurate as a stable base.

2. Load
The arrow tips are sharp so please take care when handling them. To Load, place the arrow on the arrow rest and ‘nock’ the back of the arrow onto the string. For accuracy, it is important that the ‘cock’ vein is pointing away from the handle/riser so the arrow can leave the sight window without being impeded.

3. Draw
Place three fingers onto the string like a scout’s honour, try avoiding using the creases of your fingers as this may pluck the string when you release reducing accuracy. Draw the string back towards the corner of the mouth, this anchor point is directly beneath your aiming eye so you can look down the arrow and look at the target. The elbow should be slightly higher than arrow, this helps to recruit the upper back muscles to draw the right instead of just using the smaller muscles of the arm. DO NOT over draw the bow which could cause the arrow to slip off the arrow rest, ensure you have an inch or more of arrow resting on the rest at full draw.

4. Aim
Look down the arrow shaft and look at your target. Without sights, traditional archery does take practice. Imagine throwing a ball at the target, you don’t use sights you use your instinct. Use this innate instinct to aim the bow. If you find the arrows group low or to one side then adjust your aim accordingly. Aligning the string down the middle of the target helps to group arrows in the centre of the target.

5. Release
Before you release the arrow make sure nothing is in front of the string including any parts of your anatomy. When you release the arrow allow the string to slip off your fingers smoothly rather than plucking the string. This helps the arrow travel in a straight line rather than snaking. After you have released follow through with the shot holding your aim.

Let me know if you have any questions on equipment etc.

Best wishes

Jim

Thanks for the pointers Jim, really looking forward to giving it a go.

Went shopping today. I was like a kid in a sweet shop! :laugh: :laugh:

No deliveries p.m. so stuck in the warehouse. Shame I did not have my bow with me. 6" group at 15 feet.

These are great bows I have 7 of them for instructing. Its good kit youve bought there everything you need for practicing.