It was my birthday this weekend and my wife had been asking what I wanted to do. I had come across a special deal for a 30 minute archery lesson for up to 5 people, rental equipment included and had bought the package back in December, and time was coming up to use it. So my wife and daughter and I took an archery lesson yesterday at a place in Tigard called "Archers Afield". My wife and daughter had expressed and interest in archery, and I've wanted to learn to properly shoot a bow for a long time. Seemed like a good time to try it out.
They took us to a private area and gave us instruction on how to hold the bow, how to draw, how to aim and most importantly, how to keep from hitting your arm with the bow string (ouch!). We were working at 7 yards to start and moved out further, I eventually ended up shooting about 20 yards. We were each shooting recurve bows, I was shooting a moderate draw 24-26lb bow, my wife and daugther shooting under 10lbs.
We learned some of the finer points of how to hold and aim and where to anchor our string for proper aiming and sight picture - and I have to say, when doing things the right way, it feels a bit unnatural, but when you do it right, it sure works! Turns out my daughter not only really enjoyed herself, but it would appear she's a natural with a bow. Wow, she did a great job!
So, after that, it looks like we may need to get 3 bows here in the near future (nothing too fancy, probably some starter recurve bows. We've got plenty of room to shoot in our yard, so it would be a lot of fun to do when I can't get out to the range to shoot the guns. And I'm excited to see something that my wife and daughter both enjoy doing as well. Anyway, looks like we've got yet another little hobby to add to our arsenal
Oh, BTW, that same deal is still available - $29 for up to 5 folks, age 7 and up. Our instructor was very friendly as was the rest of the staff. I'd definitely recommend it if it's something you're interested in. Here's a link to the Groupon deal, that currently says it expires tonight, but they seem to keep renewing the deal: Half-Hour Private Archery Lesson for Up to Five People (Up to 55% Off)
They took us to a private area and gave us instruction on how to hold the bow, how to draw, how to aim and most importantly, how to keep from hitting your arm with the bow string (ouch!). We were working at 7 yards to start and moved out further, I eventually ended up shooting about 20 yards. We were each shooting recurve bows, I was shooting a moderate draw 24-26lb bow, my wife and daugther shooting under 10lbs.
We learned some of the finer points of how to hold and aim and where to anchor our string for proper aiming and sight picture - and I have to say, when doing things the right way, it feels a bit unnatural, but when you do it right, it sure works! Turns out my daughter not only really enjoyed herself, but it would appear she's a natural with a bow. Wow, she did a great job!
So, after that, it looks like we may need to get 3 bows here in the near future (nothing too fancy, probably some starter recurve bows. We've got plenty of room to shoot in our yard, so it would be a lot of fun to do when I can't get out to the range to shoot the guns. And I'm excited to see something that my wife and daughter both enjoy doing as well. Anyway, looks like we've got yet another little hobby to add to our arsenal
Oh, BTW, that same deal is still available - $29 for up to 5 folks, age 7 and up. Our instructor was very friendly as was the rest of the staff. I'd definitely recommend it if it's something you're interested in. Here's a link to the Groupon deal, that currently says it expires tonight, but they seem to keep renewing the deal: Half-Hour Private Archery Lesson for Up to Five People (Up to 55% Off)