Archery Beginners Course Information
We want you to enjoy your first experience of archery. We do our part by running courses in a relaxed and friendly manner. Please do your part by taking note of the information here and coming prepared.
Safety
The one aspect of archery we don't relax about is Safety. This is of paramount importance to the sport and our club. You must follow the safety instructions you are given at all times. The main purpose of the course is to assess your ability to shoot safely, not necessarily accurately!
You will be given both verbal and written safety instructions on the course. If you want to know in advance what we are talking about please review our basic safety information.
Clothing
The key to good shooting is being relaxed and comfortable. Archery is an informal sport and most definitely not a fashion show! Clothing should be suitable for shooting in and appropriate to the weather conditions when outside.
Head: No dangly earrings please - they look great on you, but not stuck in the target with some ear attached! If you have long hair you need to consider tying it back or some other method of keeping it under control. A sun hat with a narrow brim is useful on sunny evenings outside.
Upper Body: Close fitting tops such as a tee-shirt, polo shirt or similar is ideal. Avoid anything baggy as it can become tangled in the string, spoiling your score and the clothing! No ties (remember, relaxed and informal!), chains or necklaces visible outside your clothing.
Lower Body: Anything goes as long as you are comfortable.
Feet: Sturdy, low-heeled or flat shoes or boots when outside. Oak Meadow has moderately long grass which can stay damp for some time. There is also a thriving rabbit population who not only leave their droppings, but also dig small holes which are difficult to see in the grass so sturdy shoes will help protect your ankles. Indoors you should wear non-marking trainers or similar, that are suitable for a sports hall.
Equipment
Obviously, archery requires the use of specialist equipment. Everything you need will be provided for you. This will include the bow, arrows, a quiver (to hold the arrows), a bracer (to protect your forearm) and a tab (to protect your fingers). This equipment is provided on the understanding that it is only shot when under instruction from a coach or established archer and is not to be taken away.
The bows are different sizes and draw weights which will be matched to your stature and strength. The arrows are different lengths and stiffness to match your bow and draw length. Once we have decided the best combination of bow and arrow for you please try to remember which you have been allocated, as you will be using the same equipment each week.
You will be shooting what are known as Recurve Bows, the type of bow the majority of archers choose to shoot. The club does have beginners Compound Bows available and you can try these if you wish. To find out the difference between the types take a browse around our Resources section.
If you decide to become a member of Nene Bowmen you will be able to use this same equipment for a further 6 weeks after the end of the course. We can then advise you on buying your own equipment. The club does not provide equipment indefinitely.
Course Content
During the course you will hopefully learn a good deal about the sport of archery. The main areas we need to cover are Safety, the Equipment, the key Rules of Shooting and basic Shooting Technique. You will also get to know about scoring (not as straightforward as you might think), different 'Rounds' that are shot and maybe even a little history!
If you want to know something specific, please ask. Everyone helping to teach you is very knowledgable and happy to answer any questions you might have.
Smoking
If you attend an indoor course you will not be permitted to smoke at all in the building. This is a requirement of hiring the hall.
At the outdoor courses we would encourage you not to smoke at all during the hour of instruction.
Smoking on the shooting line is not permitted,
regardless of when you are shooting. There is a danger of burning through
the waxed bow string causing catastrophic bow failure. Having something
in your mouth or hand also detracts considerably from your ability to
shoot safely and accurately. It is also inconsiderate and distracting
for other archers who have to stand close by. The primary reason for
this rule is the safety of you and your fellow archers - it will be strictly
enforced.
