Competitions - The best of

[Kae]

This thread is only for good experiences at competitions, and why you enjoy them. All negative posters will be shot!

So, why do you enjoy competitions?

Personally I enjoy competitions for three reasons; the competition itself, the people and the experience.

I love shooting well against someone else. My last competition was the Cheshire Indoor champs and for the entire 5 dozen I was battling for 1st place with another archer, unfortunately I slipped up on the 2nd to last dozen and I came second, but the buzz was amazing as you watched the scores after every couple of ends being updated.

I love the people. Archery is full of such diverse ideas and cultures (and virtually everyone is mad) that it is great meeting like minded people that you don't get to shoot with usually. In this sport alone can you share the same target as world record holders, its a great feeling, and the amount you can learn is phenomenal as the majority of archery are more than willing to give you some pointers.

Finally the experience. I tend to leave competitions (even if I haven't shot well) feeling great! What better way than to spend a day or afternoon wandering around a field, shooting and talking to people that are as mad as you!

So, what are you (positive) experiences?

Kae.

[Jimster71]

I've not shot in any yet, but look forward to doing so.

[Furface]

Yes to all Kae says, though I would not watch the scores or leader board. Biggest personal buzz was when, after years of being the only Barebow Clout at a competition, I actually won a competitive medal.
But best experience at any competition has to be just being a part of the Junior Outdoor Championships. The people, the potential, just everything, from the Bristol 5ers to the Yorkers. Best way to spend a day.

[clickerati]

I love a good clout comp mostly because I love a good clout! And sometimes, I actually win them

I liked shooting Barnet Arrowheads' Portsmouth. As it's a juniors club, everyone was paired with a junior. I was with their top shooter, who was a very fun, intelligent girl. It was nice to act almost as a mentor for the day and I shot a PB.

This year was my first Pagoda Shoot, although club members can't shoot. It was just lovely to host such a fantastic event that so many people attended and have a national record smashed!

I like all comps, really. I love meeting new people and they're just so exciting. I don't tend to get nervous, just really enthusiastic (unless I do poorly and then I'm grumpy).

[MrM]

I love going to comps at Lillehsall with my daughter - it always seems to bring out the best in her, and there's always such a sense of occasion there, be it Junior or Senior ones. And of course you usually bump into Furface which just puts icing on the cake!

[BobCat]

Originally Posted by MrM

I . And of course you usually bump into Furface which just puts icing on the cake!

He is quite hard to miss and will eat the icing and the cake given the slightest oppotunity.

I just enjoy meeting and shooting with other archers and seeing some of the other old faces on an occasional basis at shoots.

It is nice to have a formal shoot for a change as opposed to the paractice shoot at the club which is far more common.

The competition, well that is to shoot well and is held with myself as ever, (and I usually loose!)

[Florence]

It's just the best way to spend a day - whatever the weather ! I just get a buzz from shooting whether I manage to do well or not. I can't be worrying about everything else when I'm doing that, so it's very relaxing in a wierd sort of way.

It means
... I get to spend the day with like minded pals,
... I generally have a good laugh,
... I maybe manage to achieve a little something,
... I get to meet new people,
... and even if I'm not competing, I'll often go as a "cheerleader" just cos I really love to see my best friend on good form ... it's a joy to watch !

Can't think of a better way to spend a day ! (Except maybe out walking with my other best friend - my doggie !)

[Damage]

I've not competed yet but I'm looking forward to when I do. I used to sail dinghies competively and that was really enjoyable, like minded people (nutters in the most part) having fun in the great outdoors.

[GreenSteve]

All thats all ready been said is true
I can shoot anyday of the week at our club field but it`s great being at a competition and shooting along side a whole lot of other Archers
also it brings out the best in the sprog as well she can be a real pain when it`s just a practice session up the field but at a comp she`s much more focused on shooting well

[Ffish]

For me it's all of the above (especially the people), as well as seeing where my shooting ability is, in the "grand scheme of things".

OK, so I'll never be a Larry Godfrey or a Grant Womack (invoice is in the post Grant!), but my ambitions have always been to beat my peers - firstly those that were on my beginners course, then the ones who were 6 months in front of me, and now I have my sights on those that are the "established First Classers" in my club and county.

Next year (I hope) it'll be to beat the "established Bowmen".