Longbow for kids?

[Ffish]

MY 11 year old boy, who has been shooting recurve for just over a year, achieved 1st Class status, and is fairly consistent with a recurve, has today decided that he now wants to shoot longbow as his main bow.

I am all for this, as I welcome change, and I think it'll give him more variety in his shooting too. He may also come close to winning something as well, as there aren't many longbowers of his age around. I also know a few people who will be all too pleased to get him onto a field shoot or two!

So, my question is - measuring up for a recurve for someone of his size and strength was easy - short riser, short (low poundage) limbs, and 1214 Jazz arrows and you're away.

Where do we start for longbow sizes and poundages though?

He's being "tempted" to trad archery by one or two members of my club, and he's tried pulling and shooting their bows, but at 40lbs+, and nearly 6 foot long, he'd never cope on a day-long shoot.

Suggestions please?

[clickerati]

Andrew, longbow sizing for kids has just been discussed here.

[Ffish]

Ah, cool, thanks Leigh - I couldn't find that!

[dtalbot]

Poundage wise my recurve is a fair bit lower poundage than longbows I've shot but for a youngster I'd say go with what he is comfortable with.

[LineCutter]

Beware overbowing him, especially if he's planning on target shooting. Growing bones can be distorted if you overload them.

Also, at that age plan for an extra inch or so of draw length!

Have you considered making him one & then seeing how the enthusiasm lasts?

[john rowland]

Originally Posted by Ffish

MY 11 year old boy, who has been shooting recurve for just over a year, achieved 1st Class status, and is fairly consistent with a recurve, has today decided that he now wants to shoot longbow as his main bow.

I am all for this, as I welcome change, and I think it'll give him more variety in his shooting too. He may also come close to winning something as well, as there aren't many longbowers of his age around. I also know a few people who will be all too pleased to get him onto a field shoot or two!

So, my question is - measuring up for a recurve for someone of his size and strength was easy - short riser, short (low poundage) limbs, and 1214 Jazz arrows and you're away.

Where do we start for longbow sizes and poundages though?

He's being "tempted" to trad archery by one or two members of my club, and he's tried pulling and shooting their bows, but at 40lbs+, and nearly 6 foot long, he'd never cope on a day-long shoot.

Suggestions please?

You would be surprised how children cope with longbows in our club we have 7 children shooting longbows, two come to mind that are in the same situation little Lucy and her Brother she is seven and the bow is her brothers cast off and is 30lb and 18inches bigger than her ,she recently shot a double clout shoot with no effects at all and won gold .her brother of eleven shoots a 45lb l/b he this year so far he has won two golds one at Silver spoons ,and the Nene bowmens mermorial shoot . do not underestimate children , John

[FlightyRachel]

Wahey! I got Joe's from Flybow, I just rang and asked them for something suitable for an 8 year old! If only you'd done this earlier, you could have both come to Totem!

[stevesjem]

I put this in the wrong thread initially, i hope it is of interest to you all.


here are a couple of pictures of my 8 year old son Ben, shooting his 36lb at 26" self yew longbow, it is 68" long and is made from Italian high altitude yew, he started shooting at 4 years old and acheived many Roving awards and enjoys distance shooting in the medieval style of shooting.
These pictures werte taken for an article in the Glade Magazine.