-
What is the best age to start archery?
Only you know your child and know when he/she is ready to accept the responsibilities and discipline that
archery requires. That said, if your child shows interest and the parent/caregiver can give the time to
teach the correct methods and safety restrictions, then the child may be ready. All children should be
supervised at all times. TOP
-
What is the best way to learn archery?
As with so many other things, the best way to learn archery is by the guidance and imitation of a knowledgeable
adult. Archery is a staple sport of many camp, school and scout programs. This is a great way to learn the
correct procedures and rules. Parents and relatives can be wonderful teachers, too. There are also
many books and videos that can demonstrate and teach. The most important thing is NOT to allow a child to
try archery without proper guidance. TOP
-
What makes archery a "family" sport?
Just about anyone can participate in archery. It can be enjoyed by young and old, the disabled and the athletic.
The cost of equipment can be minimal because several participants can use the same equipment. It's a great
way for families to share and spend time together. TOP
-
What are the safety precautions for archery?
As above stated, the primary safety precautions involve both supervision and teaching.
» The most obvious rule
is: do not aim a bow at a person, living thing or breakable object.
» A bow must not be loaded with an arrow unless standing on the 'Shooting Line' and the signal to
start shooting has been given.
» When each student has
finished shooting their arrows, they should stand back from the shooting line so the instructor or teacher
can clearly see that they have finished.
» Only when everyone has
finished shooting should the signal to move forward to collect the arrows be given.
» If an arrow or part of
equipment is dropped in front of the shooting line while shooting is in progress, it can only be picked up
after shooting has stopped.
» Walk forward to collect
the arrows, never run.
( Keep a eye on the ground for any arrows that may have dropped short of the target and lodged in the
ground. Always withdraw the arrows in the opposite direction that they entered, so as not to bend or break
the arrow.)
» Always walk up to the
side of the target butt, so as to not to accidentally walk into the rear of the arrows lodged in the target.
» One person at a time
should withdraw their arrows from the target.
» When withdrawing arrows
from the target, make sure no-one is standing in front of the target or in the way of the withdrawn arrows.
Withdrawing the arrows may require some force and the arrows may come out suddenly from the target butt and
the rear end of the arrow could hit someone standing in front of the target.
» Everyone shooting should
help to find any arrows that may have missed the target.
» When carrying arrows,
always hold them to the side and never run.
» Everyone must return to
the shooting line and the range checked to make sure no-one is behind the target butts or in the safety zone
before the signal to commence shooting is given.
» If any person or animal
( eg. dog ) enters the safety zone while shooting is in progress, the emergency signal must be given and all
shooting must stop IMMEDIATELY.
Even if the bow is held at full draw and the signal is given, the arrow must not be released. The bow should
be pointed at the ground and the bowstring let slowly forward. The arrow should be removed from the bow
until the range is clear.
( Many people are unaware of the danger from a shot arrow and may walk behind the target butts.)
» Any student or person
failing to abide by the safety rules, endangering themselves or others, should be required to leave the
archery range.
» Allow at least 50
meters ( 55 yards ) behind the target butts as a safety zone for misses or arrows that may deflect off the top of
the target butts.
( When using the stronger draw weight bows ( + 9 kg.), allow 75 meters
( 82 yards ) for safety. The more clear space available, the better.)
»
Also: See ARCHERY INSTRUCTIONS
(pdf) for more rules and general instructions. TOP
-
What kind of equipment is recommended?
The basic necessities for archery are a bow, arrows and
target. Beyond that, the gear that will make archery
safer and more enjoyable are a quiver to carry the arrows in, an armguard to protect from string slap to the
arm and some hand or finger protection to cushion the skin from the bow string. TOP
-
How
do we measure "Draw Weight" and "Draw Length"?
To measure "Draw Weight", you will need to try several bows of different weights. A
small child (70 to 100 pounds) will be comfortable with a draw weight of 15 to 25 pounds. A larger child
(100 to 130 pounds) may be best with a 25 to 35 pound draw weight. An athletic older child may be capable of
drawing 35 to 45 pounds. A very small child (55 to 70 pounds) may be capable of pulling 10-15 pounds
@18" to 20". These are all rough estimates, but give the idea.
To measure "Draw Length", you should take a yardstick and place it in the middle of
the chest bone. Reach out on it in front equally with the fingertips of BOTH hands. Note the inches mark
where the fingers touch.
That will be your ultimate potential draw length. You will likely pull a little shy of that with the tension of the bow across your
shoulders.
Both of these measurements will increase as a child grows. TOP
-
Do you supply to groups?
Yes, we supply groups such as camps, schools, scouts, and youth organizations with all necessary equipment
for archery sports. We will be happy to assist you in choosing what you will need. Please EMAIL us
with your questions/requests, or telephone us at 781-447-4520. Group pricing discounts are available. Please
see our "Orders" and "Policies"
pages for payment and shipping options. TOP
-
What is the difference between "Recurve" and
"Longbow"? And what is a "Compound" bow and do you sell them, too?
Please see our "Definitions" page for the difference between
a recurve and a longbow. "Compound bow" refers to a modern type of bow that uses wheels, cables,
wheels and sights. The advantage to compound shooting is that it allows the archer to provide more force
with less effort. The disadvantages are that they require more maintenance, take longer between shots
and do not give the same reward of true personal achievement. The cost is usually greater, too. We do sell
compound bows. Please ask us about availability.
TOP
-
What is the advantage to an archery "Kit"?
The advantage of an archery kit is that all of the necessary equipment is already put
together for you to get started with archery. See KITS for choices.
Additional targets and/or arrows can be added at extra cost. See our "Arrows"
and "Gear" pages for specific options. TOP
-
What
are the advantages and disadvantages of a Take-down bow?
The take-down bows offered here at KidBow come in 3 pieces,
which are 2 "limbs" and a "handle" (also called
a grip or a riser). The 2 limbs (arms) of the bow need to be firmly
attached to the handle before shooting it, according to the
instructions of the particular bow.
The ADVANTAGE of this is that
this style of bow requires less physical space, when taken apart,
making it easier to store and transport. This also allows for
different limb weights to be attached to the same handle, with the
purpose of allowing for a variety of archers to use the same bow or
the same shooter to tailor the bow to his or her current strength or
need. This can work well in group settings or when a child is
becoming stronger and more proficient.
The DISADVANTAGES of the
Take-down style are that it is a more complicated set-up and
requires planning, forethought and PROPER
ASSEMBLY of the bow. Some children may be unable to
attach the parts together because of either strength, lack of
understanding or carelessness. Also, because it is 3 separate pieces, parts can be lost.
ADULT
SUPERVISION is especially important with the Take-down
bow. TOP
-
Can we get upgrades or
additional gear in the future?
Yes, please see the above answer to find what you need. TOP
-
Can
being right or left handed make a difference with archery?
The issue is not so much left or right hand dominance, but "eye" dominance.
To test, hold your hands out at arms length and with both eyes open, look through the hole formed by
your hands at a distant object. Keeping that object in view, slowly move your hands towards your face until
they touch your face. The hole formed by your hands should be over one of your eyes. This eye is your
dominant eye and will control your aiming. Another quick way to test your eye dominance is to point your
index finger at a distant object with both eyes open, then close one eye and see if your finger appears to
move away from what you are pointing at. If your finger does appear to move, then the eye that you closed is
your dominant eye. Try again with your other eye and your finger should not appear to move. If you are RIGHT
EYE dominant, you are a RIGHT HAND shooter and should shoot a right handed bow (the vast majority). The opposite
is true with left eye dominance, and a left handed bow would be needed for the best and most natural archery
performance.
Our #154 and #160 fiberglass bows are equally
"lefty/righty" as is our Youth English Longbow (see Longbows).
TOP
-
How do you string a bow?
See the Martin "Instructions for
Beginning Archers" for #50, #60 or #154 kits and bows.
See How to Use a Bow
stringer if using a Bow Stinger.
See Care and Use of a Woodbow
for the Youth English Longbow, American Target bow, Native American
Longbow and Woodland Elf Longbow.
|
