New Archers

Longbow

As used by Robin Hood it is of straight
limbs with nocks (the bits at the end where
you attach the string) of self nature, horn,
wood or plastic. There are no stabilisers,
sights, arrow rests or cut away for the
arrow to rest on

American Flat Bow

This is more like the American Indian
bows. Similar to the Longbow it is of
straight limb design but of a different
cross section. It may also have a cut away
in the hand grip to facilitate an arrow rest

Recurve Bow

This can be a one piece or takedown (that
is it comes apart at the handle). In Field
Archery the norm would be to fit a Brush
Button and possibly a Stabiliser. However
in Target Archery you can get all kinds of
fittings to attach. Avery versatile bow.

Mongolian

This is a short hunting type bow of an
ancient design. It has a shape similar to
the Recurve and some of the
characteristics of the Compound. It is of
one piece and has no extra bits fitted.

Compound

These are short bows that look very high
tec. (otherwise known as Wheely Bows)
Their big advantage is that once drawn
they are relatively easy to hold. Oh and
you get to add lots of bits and pieces.

The following information is not intended to be definitive. It is just a
quick guide for those who would like to know a little about Archery.
The best way to find out about Archery is to contact your local club. I
would strongly advise doing this before you buy anything

A quick introduction to Archery and what's what

Target Archery

As the name suggests you stand at a shoot line and attempt to place your
arrows in the centre spot of a target. This is the archery you see at the
Olympics. At a typical shoot you might send up to 144 arrows towards
targets set at different set distances. Hence the wide use of sights.

Ski Archery

If you can balance on two planks while crossing a snow covered mountain,
put a bow on your back, stop every now and then to shoot some arrows into
a target and do this while still being able to breath. Then this is for you.
Unfortunately we don't get enough snow here for this (if someone could
come up with a water based version we would be elected)

Horse Archery

No the horses don't shoot and no you don't shoot the horses. That kind of
behavior can get you into trouble. But as the name suggests horses are
involved (you ride them and shoot from the saddle). I don't know of any
clubs in Ireland but who knows what the future will bring

I have no doubt that as time goes by someone will tell me of additional
forms of Archery, but for now these are probably the most popular.

Field Archery

Well I have to admit this is my own choice. It involves setting targets at
various distances in forest and field. In effect it tries to simulate a hunt. The
number of targets varies from 15 to 80 with 1 to 2 arrows per target

Clout

This is mostly for fun. It involves shooting arrows over distances of a 100
meters or more into a ground target. It is a test of trajectory skills and guess-
work.

Lets just say there are plenty of forms of archery. Not all of which are
practiced in this country. However if you want to travel you can try most
forms. But please note hunting with bow and arrow is against
the law in this country

Arrows

There are a number of different types of arrow. The main difference is the
material they are made from i.e. wood, aluminium, glass fibre or carbon. However
you also get different types of point ( the bit at the front), nocks ( the bit at the
back) and fletching (the 3 feathers near the back). If that's not enough you also
get a measurement called the spine ( that's how easy it is to bend the arrow) Put
it all together and choosing arrows can be a pain in the A--.

Note

By this stage you have either given up on me, the idea of archery, your totally lost
and wondering if this guy knows anything at all or you can't wait to give it a try
(definitely something wrong). OK lets keep going

Quivers

It has been noted over the years that carrying arrows around in the hand can
cause problems (dropping an arrow can be hazardous to toes among other things)
So we use quivers of which there are a number of types (what's new). The three
most popular are the side, the back and the ground quivers. Which one you use
depends on your activity and personal choice.

Bracers

No these are not to keep the bow
braced in an upright position. They
are there to protect your forearm from
the bow string. Take it from me they
do work.

Tabs

No not someone keeping an eye on
you. A piece of leather to protect
your fingers from the bow string.

The Rest

everything else is additional kit, not
needed to get you going. You can
get sights, stabilisers, release aids,
Arrow rests and dampers. Best
advice don't worry about them yet (if
ever)

Cost

So how much is this going to cost you. Well like a lot of things it is up to you. There
are some costs which are mandatory. You must be a member of an Archery
Organisation. The cost for the IFAF (Irish Field Archery Association) in the South
is � 26. This covers your insurance and allows you to participate in competition.
There are other organisations in Ireland, but you will have to contact them for
information regarding membership. I have provided links where they are known.

You should join an Archery Club in your area. In this way you can gain from the
experience of others and try out various pieces of equipment before you buy. It is
worth noting that basic training with IFAF is free, where as other organisations
charge a fee for this. So how much is an Archery Club going to cost you, depends
on the club. Littlewoods membership costs � 30

So far that's �40 for membership and insurance (not bad as clubs go). OK now you
need Bow, Arrows (8 or more), Quiver, Tab and Bracer

Bow� 80 to � 800 depending on preferences

Arrows� 50 or more if you want

Quiver� 27 again more if you like it

Tab� 4 to � 20

Bracer� 5 to � 50

(don't hold me to these costs they are only a guide)

As you can see it is up to you, my advice is to talk to the other members of the club
you join before you buy. They might be able to put you in the way of getting some
good second hand equipment. I hope I have given you an idea of the sport of
Archery. The above information is not intended to be comprehensive it is only a
starting point. If you have any questions e-mail me and I will try to get the answer
for you. I hope the above has been of some use to you, if you have got this far you
are obviously interested. Don't put it off any longer find your local club and go talk
to them. Most archers I have met are only too willing to help you and share their
sport.