Sports Then and Now

Archery has been with us from the dawn of civilization and is still very popular today. People practice archery for hunting, athletic competition, or purely for fun. Hitting a target comes fairly easily, but to get the best results, you have to choose the right equipment and spend time perfecting your skills. Here are some of the steps you should take to get started in this great hobby.

Learning Archery

To get off to the right start, you may want to take some lessons. A live instructor can help you maintain the right form, shoot more consistently, and aim correctly for better accuracy. For your first introduction to the sport, visit a dedicated archery shop instead of a standard sporting goods store. Archery store employees will have more relevant knowledge and experience. They may also have shooting ranges set up on site or offer instruction. You can also get a better idea of the products and costs involved.

Select the Right Equipment

Archery veterans can help you make the right equipment choices. It all depends on your own physical dynamics and what you’re hoping to accomplish. You might want crossbows for hunting or recurves for target shooting. You must take into account eye and hand dominance, as bows are made for either right-hand or left-hand use. Your physical characteristics will determine draw-string weight (resistance) and the length of your draw for selecting appropriate arrows. Consider accessories like quivers, wrist-guards, and modified sights. Visit a place like Kidron Sports Center and see what works best for your archery goals.

Find Archery Resources

Joining a local archery club is a good way to improve your skills and focus on the aspects of the sport that suit you best. Many archery clubs will allow you to rent and experiment with the four basic kinds of bow. They often hold competitions and social gatherings that will help you connect with experts, test your abilities, and establish friendships with those who share your interest. You can ask about and search on your own for websites, magazines, and other organizations to accelerate your progress.

Think Safety

It’s essential to keep in mind that bows are, by design, lethal weapons. A crossbow with 150-pound draw and hunting tips could easily go right through a flimsy door or wall. Even a dull target tip could cause serious injury at close range. Observe the rules at an archery range, and if you choose to practice at home, use a suitable target that will actually stop the arrows, as well as a backdrop such as sandbags or bales of hay in case you miss. Never shoot where there might be passers-by beyond your target, and keep a close eye on children and pets.

Archery is a fun and affordable hobby that will provide many rewards. But since there are many variations to the sport, you have to first choose the equipment that’s right for you.