First Competition

[radsbow]

Hi All,</p>

I'm entering my first competition in June, Yorkshire County Champs, a York round and was just wondering if anyone has any advice to offer regarding comps in general, training leading up to the event and outdoor shooting in general.</p>

I've only just started shooting 100 yards and am not expecting anything, but#the experience of it all.</p>

All#advice greatly appreciated.. :-)</p>

[Archery1st]

First and foremost going to a competition IS NOT a big thing, you are going there to meet new people, shoot some arrows and HAVE FUN.# If you can't do all three then I suggest not going </p>

OK other than these, as far as training goes, make sure you can shoot all the arrows needed as strong as the first one, I always suggest that if you have to shoot 12 doz, then train to do 24, if you have to shoot 6 arrow ends then shoot 12.# You could try doing 1 distance every time to shoot, but as the comp gets closer start doing all of them.</p>

When you get to the comp, make sure you have enough food and drink, make sure you have clothing to suit the conditions, take a good seat as standing on your feet for 8 hours is painful.</p>

Other than these just go for it, you will get nerves but just remember that you are there to have fun, don't expect great scores, just scores which are about your norm.</p>

[radsbow]

Thanks Archery1st.</p>

That was most appreciated and very helpful, especially the bit about a SEAT!! I had not even considered the length of the comp and 8 hours of standing up!!</p>

Many years ago I had a couple of discs removed from my back, so standing up for 8 hours would have been a real pain in the butt.</p>

TVM.</p>

[Doc_Haynes]

If you can, arrange to go with an experienced club member who can help and guide you. Try to arrive with sufficient time to book in and set up your tackle without having to rush it - I've put the limbs on the wrong way or the string upside down when I'm rushing because of arriving late.

Above all, relax and enjoy the experience. You'll usually meet with with a friendly helpful crowd who will help you thro' your first tournament.

[Yew Bow]

Radsbow
With all due respect, you're not going to win, so the rule is to ENJOY the day. As the others have said, get there in plenty of time and take everything you need to be comfortable all day, food, drink (lots of it) etc. Let the others on your target know it's your first competition, they'll be more than willing to "hold you hand" if you'll forgive the expression. Set yourself a challenging but realistic goal prior to the tournament, that way you can enjoy your own private competition with yourself. Talk to other competetors during the breaks you'd be suprised how conversent archers are at competitions.
But .. the golden rule is to ENJOY YOURSELF.

[Furface]

Take a spare of anything you can - particularly string (preferably already shot in!), arrow rest, tab. Nothing takes the gloss off the day than bust equipment. Though, having said that, your fellow archers would all rally round to get you shooting again.
And, at that venue in Wetherby, be prepared to appreciate the bird life.

[Dave]

Furface - 16/5/2005 3:16 PM And, at that venue in Wetherby, be prepared to appreciate the bird life.

</p>

Yes, wear a hat if there's lots of birds! During a competition last year a bird crapped on my head while I was at full draw! Got me my worst white trophy though </p>

[radsbow]

Thanks for all the advice guys - I'll definately be wearing a hat..:-)</p>

[Dolphin Boy]

I know this is going to sound dumb, but don't overlook the creature comforts, especially for a York round
Make sure you have sun screen, lots to drink, a place to sit and some shade. above all, comfortable shoes!
HTH

[Shirt]

It's Wetherby.

Remember your rain gear.