I have dabbled in archery, off and on, for 40 years. I have decided to stop fooling around, and really dive in. The thing is, aside from the most basic knowledge, I am not sure how to begin. I went to a local shop and they offer a 30 minute class for $25. I plan on taking this as a starting point. I own an old Bear compound, and a light recurve. I plan on sticking with these until my knowledge increases. My question is, what is a good way to start into this endeavor?
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Old, beginner archer
- Thread starter jw2n
- Start date
JW,
I'm just ramping-up on traditional archery myself. Sold my compound and bought a Bear recurve. Here's a well regarded introduction book and there are many experienced archers here whom, I'm sure, will chime in.
Lots of good reading material on tradgang, tradtalk. and stickbow forums as well. The instinctive shooting is a challenge, but I'm really enjoying myself. Was out in the snow stump shooting today.
Brian
http://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Gui...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261338169&sr=8-1
I'm just ramping-up on traditional archery myself. Sold my compound and bought a Bear recurve. Here's a well regarded introduction book and there are many experienced archers here whom, I'm sure, will chime in.
Lots of good reading material on tradgang, tradtalk. and stickbow forums as well. The instinctive shooting is a challenge, but I'm really enjoying myself. Was out in the snow stump shooting today.
Brian
http://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Gui...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261338169&sr=8-1
Most important, make sure the equipment you have is in good condition and safe to use. Find somebody you trust (not somebody who is going to push new equipment) to inspect the limbs, riser, string and cams of the bear and the limbs and string of the recurve. If in doubt how old the string is on either I say replace the strings.
Consistency, frequency and quality is the best way.
Consistency: 1.Same stance, hold, sight picture and release on every shot.
2.Equipment: same arrow shaft weights, broad head weights and the same arrow vanes
Frequency: Practice as often as your schedule and fitness level will allow
Quality: When your feeling well and not over doing it. not distracted or in bad environments
Good luck and tell us how your doing.
Consistency, frequency and quality is the best way.
Consistency: 1.Same stance, hold, sight picture and release on every shot.
2.Equipment: same arrow shaft weights, broad head weights and the same arrow vanes
Frequency: Practice as often as your schedule and fitness level will allow
Quality: When your feeling well and not over doing it. not distracted or in bad environments
Good luck and tell us how your doing.
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You chose the best start already, by taking that class. In case they offer a little longer and more substantial training class as well, I would recommend to take that.
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Get the right gear ... bow setup, arrows and guards. Get the basics ... ie safety, aim and release. Go somewhere you can shoot ... and start shooting. Never stop learning. Don't shoot your eye out (someone here said that and i've never been able to forget it).
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Learn proper form NOW. Don't keep shooting after you tire as your form will deteriorate and you will learn some bad habits that can be a pain to unlearn. Once you know what proper form feels like (and looks like if you have access to a camcorder), you can start increasing the number of arrows you shoot per session.
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I was going to suggest the same book. It is a good read and there is a lot of good pointers. I have not sold my compound as of yet but have picked up 2 recurves, I have made an arm guard and am making a quiver. Good luck. Doug
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Yeah. I know. I'm still waiting on pictures of that Wing of yours
It is in the last post that you started there are pictures of the Wing and the Herters as well.
Doug
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jw2n-
-You can't go wrong with a class or two. They will teach you what you need to know and you can build from there.
-I wouldn't suggest any books, You can read up anywhere online. Try Archerytalk, it is a great forum.
-I would put more emphasis on consistancy rather than form, from your bow to how you shoot, archery is all about what feels comfortable to you.
-and finally, I hate traditional recurve/ longbows. However I will never EVER badmouth any form of archery. I shoot a current model 60# compound and my arrow flies extremely flat out to 40-45 yards. It is also important to note that compounds are much more efficient in terms of there draw weight. they use much more of the energy you put into them than traditional bows do.
thats all I have to say.
Good Luck!
-You can't go wrong with a class or two. They will teach you what you need to know and you can build from there.
-I wouldn't suggest any books, You can read up anywhere online. Try Archerytalk, it is a great forum.
-I would put more emphasis on consistancy rather than form, from your bow to how you shoot, archery is all about what feels comfortable to you.
-and finally, I hate traditional recurve/ longbows. However I will never EVER badmouth any form of archery. I shoot a current model 60# compound and my arrow flies extremely flat out to 40-45 yards. It is also important to note that compounds are much more efficient in terms of there draw weight. they use much more of the energy you put into them than traditional bows do.
thats all I have to say.
Good Luck!
- Joined
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My Father was very good with his Bear Recurve and he got me started. One thing he told me and it seemed true at least for me is that some days you will go out to practice and for some reason it just wont feel right,dont force it,put the bow down and find something else to do. It just isnt your day.Sort of like what others have said also, dont shoot when your tired.
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Doug, get lots of practice so you can impress us at next years NY Gathering, Say Hi to your wife and granddaughter for me.