I'm off and running....eventually

[darthTer]

After nearly 3 months of waiting, I finally had the first session of my beginners course last night....Whoo hoo

After a safety briefing, it was time to shoot some arrows. First shot, and I go and smack the inside of my arm - something I will really need to work on. I didn't feel as comfortable with the bow I was using (fibreglass type), compared to the bow I had previously used (wooden takedown), but I guess I have to start somewhere.

Missed the target once, which I was rather annoyed about, but in general I felt that I shot pretty well. Actually achieved some very nice groupings once or twice.

I did feel slightly out of place since the other 5 people on the course were about 12 (I'm a touch older )

Really looking forward to next week now. Currently saving hard to get my own equipment....First things first though!!!!

[numpty]

Dont worry we all had to start sometime. Dont worry be happy and have Funnnnnnnnnnn

[Angry Gaz]

The only i would suggest to you is to spend your money on buying things like a quiver, finger tab, bracer etc.

Any coach will tell you not to go out and buy your own equipment, simply because if you don't buy the correct equipment, then your scores will suffer and you'll lose interest in Archery.

However if you only outlay £50-£60 on your own personal equipment then that's all you'll lose in you decide at a later date that Archery isn't for you, although i sincerely hope that won't be the case...

[GreenSteve]

Congrats on getting started
now the addiction begins and it`s a frustrating one at times
just have fun and take it one step at a time set your targets reasonably

[darthTer]

Thanks folks.....Session number 2 tomorrow night - Can't wait.

As for buying my own kit. A lot epends on what alse the club has to use. At present I am not 100% comfortable with the fibre glass training bow. The last time I tried archery, it was with a basic takedown recurve which felt much more comfortable to use. If the club has spare takedowns, I would prefer to use these and wait a while before buying my own bow.

Spending £100-150 on an entry level setup is not going to break the bank, and would probably help in the long term since I am using equipment that I am more used to. Getting other essentials (tab, bracer etc) initially is quite a good idea though.

Still, its very early in my course, so I will wait and see what happens over the next few weeks.

[darthTer]

Originally Posted by darthter

Thanks folks.....Session number 2 tomorrow night - Can't wait.

At present I am not 100% comfortable with the fibre glass training bow.

I take back what I said above....Turns out it was my technique that was rotten - not the bow.

Had my second session last night, and felt that I was shooting a lot better. Plus, I didn't skelp my arm once...not a single bruise!!!

To start with, I was having problems with my grip - trying to hold the bow too much. Once I relaxed that, things got better. Got to start working on my loose and string picture/aiming, but things are looking a lot better.

[Dante]

Originally Posted by ruthmc

I'd advise getting a bow or finger sling asap - that will stop you gripping the bow

Finger slings are easily made from old bootlaces - just ask somebody how.

Ruth

I find it difficult tying a boot lace with one hand

Good luck with the lessons