New to archery, longbow questions...

[Greenbeast]

Hello,

i have shot simple bows a few times at fairs, etc.. but haven't had the chance to get into it properly yet

I am most interested in shooting longbow, mostly because of the history and tradition behind it

my main question is, can i go straight to a 50lb bow and work my strength up (thats if i can't fully manage it, which i think i probably could)
or do i have to start small and keep buying different bows?

thankyou

[TimS]

It all depends on your size, age, weight and strength I'm afraid.

Many longbow orientated clubs (although there are not huge numbers of these) will have equipment you can borrow until you get a real feel for what you need.

We (www.cloutabout.com - Clifton Hampden Longbow Society) have a couple of 'club bows' at 40 and 45 lbs which we feel are ideal average beginner weights, 50 lbs may be a little on the heavy side for a beginner (it is not just about raw strength) but it depends on the individual.

Where do you live ? If it is anywhere near us feel free to visit one weekend.

TimS

[Greenbeast]

thanks for your reply.

i'm in the south east
i think you're right and i need to try some bow out really

[paul]

Hi i'm living in No Mans Land aka Glastonbury. I have a 35lb recurve bow and a 50lb compound bow that i have been using in my fields for the past year. I often go to reenactmets and wish there was more than the "have go archery" i want to be entering the competitions however there does not seem to be anyone that can help in the area. I dont know whether i should just go and buy a Longbow and try and teach myself ... i also know that i want help to find the right bow for me. I would love to join a local club or even find a coach to set up my own longbow school but then there are so many other pitfalls in doing that insurance would not be a problem but i dont know what the best course of action is????

any ideas

Paul

[English Bowman]

Join a club, it's the best way. Try Somerset Archery Association and you can see where the local GNAS clubs are.

Daniel

[provins]

HI paul
Try looking on www.nfas.net for information on local field archery clubs,you have a couple locally ie Druids, Ballands,South Wilts and Belvedere so theres four I can think of.
Good luck mate,seek and you shall find.

[Windknot]

Looks like Ballands Bowmen in Wincanton will be closest to you. Look forward to seeing you!

[paul]

hiya windknot do you have any contact information for them as i have found two numbers for them and cant get an answer so i dont know when and where you meet.

thanks again to everyone who answered

[djthompson]

I'm new to archery too - and trying to take up the longbow. I had a go with a 50 lb longbow at the weekend. I was shooting at 50 yards. Although I could draw it ok - I found significant variability with it - I think if you're not pulling the arrow back in precisely the same way like me - the arrows go all over the place.

The 40 lb bow I was using for the majority of the shoot was more forgiving.

Just my experiences.

D

[Big John]

Starting out in longbow is so different to using modern materials. If the question was about modern recurve then the usual answer would be to try before you buy and you always have the benefit of upgrading limbs later. With longbow, trying is not as easy - I am reluctant to let anyone shoot my custom longbow. Do take care not to get caught out by the desire for a macho weight - it is much more important that you are not overbowed as at best you will not enjoy shooting much and at worst you could hurt yourself.