Q. Is archery dangerous?

A. Archery has the potential to be lethal but because there are simple but fundamental rules governing minimum standard of knowledge and conduct in the setting up of targets and shooting, it is actually one of the safest sports practiced in the UK today. In fact you are more likely to get hurt pulling arrows from the target than anything else!

Q. Am I too old for archery ?

A. There is no maximum age for archery, plenty of people take up the sport after retiring. Oscar Swahn of Sweden won a silver medal in the Antwerp Olympic Games in 1920 - at the age of 72!
 
Q. What is the minimum age for an archer?

A. This is linked to ability to draw the bow and loose the arrow rather than age. During Henry VIII's reign "Men-Children between Seven Years and Seventeen shall have a Bow and 2 Shafts..." and were required to practice weekly after church -"Penalty - 6s.8d". It's not law anymore so, as a guide 10 years would be about right.
 
Q. I have poor eyesight, can I still do archery?

A. Yes. It is a common misconception that good eyesight is required. In fact, some argue that poorer eyesight will improve your shooting as the archer will focus less on the aiming and more on technique (the more important part of archery).

Q. I have a disability, can I still shoot?

A. Yes, within certain physical parameters, we are able to help both visually impaired and handicapped become archers, provided they are supported by a helper at all times.
 
Q.  What is draw length?

A. Draw length is the distance from the throat of the bow handle to the string at full draw. This will be different for each archer due to the length of their arms and size of their chest. Draw length will determine the length of your arrows.

Q. What is draw weight?

A. Draw weight (or 'poundage') is the force needed to pull the bowstring to a certain draw length (usually full draw). The industry has a standard for comparison purposes which is measured in pounds at 28 inches, therefore, if a bow is rated at 30lbs draw weight, your fingers will be holding the equivalent of 30lbs of weight at 28" draw. If your draw length is longer than 28" you will increase the poundage on the same bow, if your draw length is less than 28" you will decrease the poundage. ‘Heavier’ bows offer faster arrow speed, but will tire the archer more quickly, affecting ‘form’ and accuracy. 

Q.  What is ‘form’?

A. Form refers to the stance of an archer when they shoot.  In simple terms, the ideal ‘form’ is to stand up straight, perpendicular to the target with an outstretched but slightly flexed bow arm and a horizontal and flexed bowstring arm.  An archer at full draw will resemble the letter ‘T’. The trick is consistency as variations, particularly when the archer is tired, will cause inaccuracy.

Q. What is 'eye dominance' and why does it matter?

A. Most people are either right eye or left eye dominant, but some people are neither. It occurs when the brain prefers the sight of on eye over the other and is not related to being right or left handed.

To determine your eye dominance, at arms length,  place both hands together so they overlap to make a small triangle. With both eyes open, look through the triangle and focus on an object at the other side of the room. Now, slowly bring your hands toward your face while continuing to look at the object with both eyes open. When your hands touch your face, the triangle opening should be in front of your dominant eye.

From eye dominance, we can determine if  you would be better shooting with either a left-handed bow (sight and technique aligned to your left) or a right-handed bow (sight and technique aligned to your right). 

Q. What kind of bows do you shoot?

A. Our club is predominantly recurve-based but there are a number of compound archers, and some longbow and barebow archers. We currently do not allow crossbows due to safety concerns.

Q. What kind of distances do you shoot?

A. During the outdoor season from May to October, we shoot longer distances. Imperial rounds can be as short as 48 arrows at 30yds and 20yds (24 arrows at each distance), or as long as 144 arrows at 100yds, 80yds and 60yds (72, 48 and 24 arrows at respective distances). FITA or metric rounds are from 30m to 90m. During the indoor season, we normally shoot 20 yards at much smaller target faces.

Q. Where and when do you normally practice?

A. During the outdoor season, Saturday mornings, Sunday afternoons, Wednesday and Friday evenings at Jubilee Park, Huntingdon (see 'where to find us' page). During the winter we shoot at the rifle range in the Ivo Recreation Centre, St Ives on Wednesday and Friday evenings and The Victory Hall, Somersham on Sunday afternoon. Keyholders have access to the field 24/7.

Q. Will I be required to buy equipment as soon as I have passed my beginners course?

A. After your beginners course we can loan you equipment at no extra cost for up to 3 months (depending on requirements for other beginners). 

Q: I want to buy my own kit, how much does it cost and where do I buy it?

A. If you do enjoy archery and would like to continue, at some stage you will seriously consider buying your own bow and associated equipment, the club kits won't get you very far as they aren't very accurate or very powerful. A basic beginners setup will cost around £130. Intermediate kit (reccomended) including everything you need to shoot will cost around £250 to £400 and can easily last you for many years. Your coaches and the experienced archers in the club will advise you on this matter. We can arrange to take you to local archery shops where you can try out different bows and you will be measured up so you will get the right sized equipment.

 
Q. How will I know which type of bow to choose? ie. recurve, compound or longbow.

A. We cannot tell you which type of bow to buy, it has to be your decision. Your coaches and the experienced archers in the club will gladly give you information on the types of bow they shoot (and may even let you try them - but don't be offended if not, bows are very personal things), we would reccomend that you speak to as many archers as possible about their bows before you make up your mind.

Q.  What is a ‘Robin Hood’?

A. A ‘Robin Hood’ is a coveted but expensive accolade for an archer.  This is where one arrow embeds itself in the back of another arrow already in the target.  Expensive because not only is the first arrow destroyed, but the second arrow is also damaged beyond use.  When some arrows are well in excess of £30 each, a very expensive trophy! Incidentally, in a competition, both arrows would still score!

Q. How much does it cost?

A. The current club membership fee is detailed on the 'Membership' page. Members will also need to pay GNAS, SCAS and CAA membership/affiliation fees. As there are a range of membership/affiliation reductions for various categories, please see the appropriate association site for details (see the 'Links' page). Club Membership fees are due 1st April and affiliation fees are due 1st September.

We have no 'per session' shooting fee for members, but non-Jolly Archers are welcome at any of or regular shoots (space permitting) for a Boss Fee of £5 on production of a current GNAS membership card.

Q. Can I hunt with a bow?

A. No, bow hunting is illegal in the UK. Attaching a broadhead to your arrow is also not allowed.