Best way to start, advice please (UK)
Question:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi All, > I would like some personal info re getting into Archery. I have found > a few web sites and club lists etc but I would like some "real" hints > n tips from regular archers to get the ‘bottom line’ on the sport … > I think we may enjoy archery as a family (my 8 yr old girl tried a > longbow at a craft fair recently and was nearly signed up for their > local team!). > We liked the sound of "Field" as it seems more ‘family friendly’? We > also have enjoyed Clay Shooting in the past … > I also might like to make my own bow (I make most things) but would > like to buy something reasonable as a ‘ready to go’ set, that we all > could use as a starter (possibly second hand … check the back of > your cupboards guys n girls ..) > So, over to you .. and thanks for your time in any case … > All the best .. > T i m (Nth London)
Hello tim I think the best way to get started, is to by a second hand recurve bow with a site and some arrow. A recurve bow is one of the best bows to learn , shooting skills. A second hand bow or even a second-hand set sould set you back more than 150 pounds, i bought my first set for about 200 pounds. this was a samick progress 1 bow with a second hand site (in steed a 50 quid i payed under 20) and a couple of aluminium arrows , cheap and good for short distance shooting (70 – meters). and all the little thinks like a arm protector and fingersling an fingertab and suitcase. so try this out. Sincerly Leonard Eshuis P.S. a longbow is cheaper, but takes more power (1.5 x ++) then a recurve , and a recurve gets beter results.
Response:
Hi All, I would like some personal info re getting into Archery. I have found a few web sites and club lists etc but I would like some "real" hints n tips from regular archers to get the ‘bottom line’ on the sport … I think we may enjoy archery as a family (my 8 yr old girl tried a longbow at a craft fair recently and was nearly signed up for their local team!). We liked the sound of "Field" as it seems more ‘family friendly’? We also have enjoyed Clay Shooting in the past … I also might like to make my own bow (I make most things) but would like to buy something reasonable as a ‘ready to go’ set, that we all could use as a starter (possibly second hand … check the back of your cupboards guys n girls ..) So, over to you .. and thanks for your time in any case … All the best .. T i m (Nth London)
Response:
> Hi All, > I would like some personal info re getting into Archery. I have found > a few web sites and club lists etc but I would like some "real" hints > n tips from regular archers to get the ‘bottom line’ on the sport …
The best hint I could give you is "find a beginners course". The north London area is covered by two GNAS "counties" – London and Middlesex. On the GNAS Website there is a "How to" section which includes a bit on finding your local club (on www.gnas.org). They direct you to the County Secretary and County Coaching Organiser. The Secretary ought to be able to direct you to clubs local to you, the Coaching Organiser should know when beginners courses are taking place. I know of a number of clubs in north London, in places like Enfield, Barnett, Newham… it depends on where you are and who is running a course soon… There is really no substitute for a proper course of tuition. > We liked the sound of "Field" as it seems more ‘family friendly’?
I don’t know much about the field clubs in the area. Cloth of Gold is one that shoots up at the top end of Enfield. I think they are mostly based outside of London as they need more than just a flat field for their courses. You might try the NFAS website for more info: http://www.clark-1.demon.co.uk/nfas/ > I also might like to make my own bow (I make most things) but would > like to buy something reasonable as a ‘ready to go’ set, that we all > could use as a starter (possibly second hand … check the back of > your cupboards guys n girls ..)
Quicks (most suppliers actually) do "starter packs", but you’re better off knowing what you’re doing before trying to buy something. Better still, once you know a few people at a club, one of them will be happy to help you out (any excuse to visit an archery shop ;-]). It’s unlikely that any equipment you get will suit more than one of you (unless you are all identical heights, build etc.). Making bows can be fun, (so I’m told) and can be done with nothing more than a few tools and a suitable plank of wood. Some suppliers sell bow kits as well (basicly roughly shaped staves, ready to be finished). Secondhand kit can be found, quite often in unusual places, but you take the risk that it might not be suitable for you (too heavy to draw or the wrong length, for example) or might have been mistreated by the previous owner. Don’t be backward about contacting people who’s names you see listed around and about, archers tend to be a quite friendly bunch… Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
Hi Tim, I agree with Leonard that the best way to learn is to get a recurve. I would suggest that you start off with a light poundage ie.. 66 to 68" long, 25 – 30 pounds. This will enable you to concentrate on form. You may also want to start with some fiberglass or aluminum arrows. Wood arrows are OK, but it is rather difficult to get a matched set unless you are willing to pay for them. Usually sporting goods stores sell wood arrows that are less than desirable. EBAY is a great place to get a used bow. ( www.ebay.com ) do a search on auctions with the word recurve in them. I suggest that you go to a pro shop in your area for the arrows. Arrows must be matched to the poundage of the bow and the length of your draw. If you get arrows that are too short you may overdraw the arrow. Upon release the arrow may drop and end up either shooting into the bow, or your hand. Also if you get arrows that are ment for a lighter or heavier poundage bow, they will not fly right for your bow. My suggestion is that you try to hook up with someone in your area that can show you the ropes. Get a light poundage recurve and splurge on the arrows. You can shoot well from a crappy bow with good arrows, but it is almost impossible to shoot well with crappy arrows out of a good bow!! I would also suggest that you get "Archery Steps To Success," & Rick McKinney’s book "The simple art of Winning" Both are available in the UK from Quicks Archery ( www.quicks.com ). If you have to choose between the two, I would suggest that you get Rick’s book. It can take you from beginner to advanced shooter. I highly recommend it!! Most of all: take your time, do it right & have fun !! Regards, -Rocky- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi All, > I would like some personal info re getting into Archery. I have found > a few web sites and club lists etc but I would like some "real" hints > n tips from regular archers to get the ‘bottom line’ on the sport … > I think we may enjoy archery as a family (my 8 yr old girl tried a > longbow at a craft fair recently and was nearly signed up for their > local team!). > We liked the sound of "Field" as it seems more ‘family friendly’? We > also have enjoyed Clay Shooting in the past … > I also might like to make my own bow (I make most things) but would > like to buy something reasonable as a ‘ready to go’ set, that we all > could use as a starter (possibly second hand … check the back of > your cupboards guys n girls ..) > So, over to you .. and thanks for your time in any case … > All the best .. > T i m (Nth London) >Hello tim >I think the best way to get started, is to by a second hand recurve bow >with a site and some arrow. >A recurve bow is one of the best bows to learn , shooting skills. >A second hand bow or even a second-hand set sould set you back more than >150 pounds, i bought my first set for about 200 pounds. >this was a samick progress 1 bow with a second hand site (in steed a 50 >quid i payed under 20) and a couple of aluminium arrows , cheap and good >for short distance shooting (70 – meters). >and all the little thinks like a arm protector and fingersling an >fingertab and suitcase. >so try this out. >Sincerly Leonard Eshuis >P.S. a longbow is cheaper, but takes more power (1.5 x ++) then a >recurve >, and a recurve gets beter results.
Response:
I don’t know how things are there in the UK, but in my neck of the woods used recurves are a little hard to find without spending some money. Used compounds however, are a dime a dozen. While I am a recurve shooter at heart, compounds do offer some advantages for a begining shooter. Craig H – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi All, > I would like some personal info re getting into Archery. I have found > a few web sites and club lists etc but I would like some "real" hints > n tips from regular archers to get the ‘bottom line’ on the sport … > I think we may enjoy archery as a family (my 8 yr old girl tried a > longbow at a craft fair recently and was nearly signed up for their > local team!). > We liked the sound of "Field" as it seems more ‘family friendly’? We > also have enjoyed Clay Shooting in the past … > I also might like to make my own bow (I make most things) but would > like to buy something reasonable as a ‘ready to go’ set, that we all > could use as a starter (possibly second hand … check the back of > your cupboards guys n girls ..) > So, over to you .. and thanks for your time in any case … > All the best .. > T i m (Nth London)
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Response:
Hi, lots of folks are telling you so far to buy inexpensive equipment etc to get started. If you find a good club – there should be quite a few round your way – then you will get advice in situ and they will have club bows and basic equipment – possibly of quite a good standard like wooden take downs – that they can lend you. So don’t buy any kit until you have found a club you like. You’ll make a much better choice of tackle when you’ve aquired some skill and seen what styles other archers shoot and what makes etc of equipment are available. I don’t think it really matters what sort of bow you start of shooting – go for what you think you will like and enjoy. You’ve probably found the GNAS web site – it can direct you to your County secretary who should be able to direct you to a club which will meet your needs. I don’t know the mix of field and target clubs down there but its always worth asking. http://www.gnas.org/home.htm Muriel —
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writes: >I would like some personal info re getting into Archery.
The only way is to find your local club and go and see them. It is essential that you learn to shoot correctly in a safe (and insured!) environment. Local libraries often have contact addresses, or you could try the GNAS website. You are right in thinking that field archery is more suitable for 8 year olds and for home made bows. The best body is the NFAS (National Field Archery Society).
