FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is archery?
Archery is the sport or skill of shooting arrows with a bow at a target. It can be enjoyed recreationally or competitively, by people of all ages and abilities.

What are the main types of archery?

• Target archery: Shooting at fixed circular targets.
  
  

• Field archery: Shooting in natural, outdoor settings.
  
  

• 3D archery: Shooting at life-sized animal-shaped targets.
  
  

• Bowhunting: Using a bow to hunt game. Illegal  in  Great Britain.
  
  

• Traditional archery: Using longbows or simple recurves without modern aids.
  
  

Is archery hard to learn?
Not at all! With proper guidance, anyone can learn archery, regardless of age or fitness level.

What are the benefits of archery?
Archery builds focus, patience, coordination, strength, and confidence.

Equipment

What types of bows are there?

• Recurve Bow: Olympic-style with curved limbs.
  
  

• Compound Bow: Uses pulleys and cables for mechanical advantage.
  
  

• Longbow: Tall, traditional straight bow.
  
  

• Barebow: A recurve bow shot without sights or stabilizers.

 Please don't buy anything.

Everything is supplied for the beginner's courses and can be hired after the course, until you have grown into the bow.

Below are suggestions for items you might wish to buy when ready for your own bow.

How do I choose the right bow? 
Visit a local archery shop for professional fitting. Your bow should match your draw length, draw weight, and intended use.

What gear do I need?
You’ll need a bow, arrows, arm guard, finger tab or release aid, quiver, target, and bowstring wax.

How often should I replace my bowstring?
Every 1–2 years, depending on usage and maintenance.

Technique & Practice

What is the correct shooting stance?
Stand shoulder-width apart, perpendicular to the target, with a relaxed posture.

How do I aim accurately?
Use your dominant eye, maintain consistent anchor points, and focus on steady form rather than perfect accuracy early on.

How far should beginners shoot from?
Start at 10 yards and increase distance as your accuracy improves.

How can I improve my accuracy?
Practice regularly, focus on proper form, and get feedback from experienced archers or a coach.

Safety & Maintenance

Is archery safe?
Yes! When performed correctly, archery is very safe. All sessions are led by qualified coaches and experienced archers, under Karen's guidance— Karen is a County Level Archery GB Coach and Archery GB Talent Coach. We ensure safe practice in approved locations at all times.

Are you insured?   

Yes. All members must be registered with Archery GB, which provides insurance. Annual Archery GB fees apply. 

The insurance covers both archers and organisations. Archery GB members, affiliated societies, clubs, officials, employees, volunteers (including non-shooting volunteers such as administrators), coaches (acting on behalf of their club or Archery GB), judges and beginners/range returners during their first six lessons.
 

Can anyone take part?
Almost anyone can as long as you have completed a beginner's course. Children must be at least 10 to complete a Beginners’ Course and join the club (younger archers may shoot with Targeting Archery). Many disabilities can be accommodated, including wheelchair users and visually impaired — please let us know in advance so we can prepare.

Can I leave my child at the session?
No. A responsible adult (minimum 18 years old) must supervise juniors for the entire session. One adult can supervise up to four children.

How do I pay?
We prefer bank transfers, please put reference i.e. Archery GB, hire. For face fees please put the date of the session. 

•  Archery GB / YAA / NCAS membership fees must be paid annually on your anniversary.

• Club Membership fees must be paid by 1st April each year, so are collected during March.

• A 'Face fee' is payable at the start of each club session.

Are there clothing or other requirements?
Yes, for safety and comfort:

• For outside events wear clothing suitable for the conditions of the day.

• For sunny days, don't forget sun screen and good quality sunglasses if preferred.

• For cold days, we recommend layering up of clothing rather than a thick, single layer.

• Whatever the conditions, clothing should be comfortable, but not be too loose so as to get caught in the bow string.

• No loose articles of clothing or jewellery that may get caught.

• No hoodies allowed if the strings/ ties can not be tucked in.

• Footwear must be strong and fully enclose the toes. Walking into a arrow that is partially buried in the grass or stuck low down into a stand can be extremely dangerous, so ensure all footwear is made of a rugged material with no open-toes.

• Archery etiquette requires that shoulders and tummies must be covered.

• No logos on display with offensive or inappropriate slogans or designs.

• Long hair should be tied back

• Piercings that may get caught on the string should be covered or removed. The Club takes no responsibility.

We reserve the right to refuse archery to anyone whose clothing does not conform to the above requirements. Please contact in advance if you have an questions regarding clothing or footwear requirements.

If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to  contact us and we will try to assist wherever possible.