Getting Started in Archery

How one gets started in the sport of archery is not an exact science. It all depends on many factors including age, natural ability, time available to practice, level of patience, and budget all play their role. There are basic, elemental guidance principles that can be followed, however. But once again, the are not set in stone.

Let us say that a child-someone between the ages of 10 and 16-is going to take up the sport of archery. You as the parent will want to take the child to a club or a shooting range and have them try out different sizes of bows, different arrow weights, different distances of shooting. You will also want to have the child observed by a skilled and experienced archer and get his advice on the right archery equipment for your child. If possible, you will want to buy your child used but needless to say in good condition archery equipment, as s/he is just a beginner and expensive investments in archery equipment is not needed at this time.

Your child will need a bow, needless to say. You will want to get him a light recurve bow or a longbow. Light bows are ideal for learning basic form, which is the single most important aspect of the archer's skill set. Also, get a bow case. This will house and protect your child's bow when it's not in use and can hold arrows and arm-protectors within, too. Also get your child a set of finber tabs, which are rubber finger-tip protectors that make it so that pulling back on the bowstring does not rip your fingers apart.

The arrows are actually the most important piece of equipment. They have to be perfectly matched to your bow. Anyone who is beginning in archery needs to be measure so that the right arrows can be used by them. There are different aspects of arrow that you need to consider. These include the nock, the shaft, the fletching ("feathers"), the inserts, and the tips (points). Consult an experienced archer to get the right arrows for your child (or yourself). Lastly, your child needs a quiver to hold his arrows.

For adults or teenagers who are going to take up the sport of archery, they will want to begin on recurve bows. After they have garnered a few months' worth of shooting practice and experience, they will then want to decide if they prefer recurve bows or compound bows. Other than that, everything is essentially the same as for the child learner with regards to what you need to buy and so on and so forth.

As far as practicing, at first you will want to sign up and join a range or a club for archery. This way you will always have regular access to a competent set-up where you can begin to learn the skills of archery. You will also have access to experienced other members and staff professionals who can guide your moves and advise you every step of the way.