Archery Beginner Guide

To begin, archery is an amazing activity, one that has a wide variety of techniques, opinions and options for you to choose from, in order to progress down the sport.

This website will provide you with a few basic tips for how to begin learning, links to different resources to obtain your own equipment and the option for you to get direct and accurate specifications for what equipment will suit you best.

Where to begin your journey.

As you are most likely already aware, there are thousands of different bows out there, each being 1 of 4 different type of bow. Of which, only 3 will be mentioned here. As much as crossbows are technically a type of bow, well, they aren’t quite the same now are they.

Of the other 3 types of bows, we have longbow, recurve bow and compound bow. Both longbow and recurve bow are your more traditional types of bows. Featuring a simple design and are what most people think of when they picture a bow. A compound bow is the modern days version of a bow. Incorporating a variety of different technologies of the modern era, the specifics of which will be outlines below.

Longbow

A longbow is a very classical bow. In its simplest form, it is a single piece of wood, artfully shaped into a slight curve, containing a nock for the arrow, a handle not too far below, with a string attached to both ends. Simple, but affective. Given this simplicity, longbows are very easy to use. Very beginner friendly, not only for its ease of use, but also, thanks to its length, a longbow is very forgiving. Meaning, mistakes made by the user, won’t affect the shot as much, in comparison to other bow types. On top of this, longbows shoot very quietly, and are also much more forgiving on your fingers, again, thanks to its length.

Recurve Bows

A recurve bow is designed with limbs that curve away from the archer. An easy way to differentiate a recurve bow from a longbow, is whether or not the string is touching the bows limbs, as on a recurve bow, on both ends. the string sits on the bow when at rest. A highly popular bow. They’re easy to adjust, offer greater power and generally more accurate than longbows. A recurve bow can also be easily taken apart for transportation, or adjustments. As a result of these factors, recurve bows are widely recognised in tournaments and can be used for both target practise, and hunting, thanks to the additional power.

Compound Bows

Compound bows. The modern bow. Coming in a variety of sizes and featuring modern technology in its creation. Unlike both the recurve and longbow, where when the archer pulls back on the string, the bow bends back, generating the power. Compound bows operate using lengthened cables and 2 wheels (cams). More commonly known as a pulley system. When an archer pulls back on the string of a compound bow, 2 cams at opposite ends of the bow, will rotate, lengthening the string. Its these cams snapping back into place, that generates a compound bows force. A compound bows advanced technologies include:
• Reduced draw weight at full draw. Meaning that if you have your bow fully drawn, the draw weight is reduced by about 50-90%, making it far easier to hold the bow drawn for an extended length of time.
• The compound bows modern design, allows for heavy customization. Enabling a variety of additional attachments to suit the users wishes.
• Increased stability, efficiency, accuracy and arrow speeds.

Some things to consider. The poundage of the bow, which determines how difficult it is to draw the bow, but also how much force is behind the arrow. Will significantly impact your decision on which bow to choose. Choosing a bow that is within your realm of capabilities is very important to not only avoid injuries but to also be more accurate. Keep an eye on the bows specifications when making a purchase. As a beginner, I would recommend a bow that you can customize the poundage on, especially if you are unsure on what your draw weight should be. This allows for easy adjustments, so you can start with the draw weight at the right position, but also adjust it as you gain muscle and become more comfortable with your bow.
Another thing to consider is whether you wish to be a finger shooter, or someone who uses mechanical aids. In modern archery, the ability to release your arrow via a trigger, is very common, with there being 2 main options. A handheld trigger, that you can hook onto your string, or a strap, that you tie around your wrist, that has a contraption that runs along the length of your hand, that you can then hook onto your string, and release with any of your fingers, via trigger. If you’re someone who likes the more traditional option, then you MUST, buy a longer bow. The shorter the string is, the greater the angle that’s created when you draw the bow back. This creates pinch points at your fingers. Risking damage, but also reducing accuracy, as your fingers begin to catch on the string. Known which is your dominant eye, before making a purchase. To find out, make a triangle with your hands, that you can see through. Pick an object on the other side of the room, and, holding your hands outstretched, look at the object through the triangle that you made. Now, one at a time, close each of your eyes. Whichever of the eyes that you can still see the object with, through the triangle, is your dominant eye. Arrow length and strength is very important. Having the wrong arrows can completely change how accurate you are. The type of arrows you want, is determined by your draw length, and your bows poundage. To measure your draw length, measure your wingspan and divide by 2.5. Your arrows will want to be about 1-2 inches longer than your draw length.

There are pros and cons between all options. It all comes down to what bow matches your needs and wishes the best. If you are after a more traditional bow, then the longbow or recurve bow is for you. If you want something quieter, and more forgiving, longbow. Something a little stronger, more convenient to transport and adjust, then go with the recurve. The compound bow is the best of both worlds in terms of capability. Being quiet, heavily customizable, faster arrow speeds and beginner friendly. However being more modern, the bow lacks the more traditional feel.

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