Try archery
Aim, loose, hit!
Have you always thought yourself a modern day Robin Hood? Or maybe you’d like to be as skilful with a bow and arrow as the cast of Game of Thrones? Perhaps you’re simply looking to try a new sport and archery takes your fancy? Well, you’re in luck because we offer target archery at all of our locations. The best part? You don’t have to be an expert shot because we have course leaders who will guide you through so you can just focus on having fun. For those of you wanting to get a head start before you arrive, read on for our beginner’s guide to target archery.
What is it and what to expect?
As the name suggests, target archery is where the archer shoots arrows at a target. The circular target is made up of 10 rings, with hits on the inner ring scoring maximum points (10) and hits on the outer ring scoring one point. The archer with the highest number of points at the end wins.
Try archery or shooting
Top tips and basic techniques
If you want to practise beforehand, here are the basic steps for target archery:
- Stance - keep your feet slightly apart and parallel with the target
- Grip - keep your grip relaxed on the handle of the bow
- Position - position your hand so the string rests in the top crease of your first three fingers and hold the arrow with your hand
- Preparing to shoot - bring your bow arm up so it’s in line with the target and lift your other elbow up so it’s level with your shoulders, then turn your head so you’re looking at the target. Pull the string of the bow back towards your face
- Aiming - keep the string in front of your eye and look down the spine of the arrow, keeping your focus on the middle of the target board
- Loosing - let go and watch the arrow fly through the air towards the target. Once everyone has fired their arrows, walk to the target board and retrieve yours
Safety tips
Target archery is a safe sport but you’ll need to take certain precautions where the bow and arrows are concerned as they can cause harm if misused
- Correct footwear. Fully enclosed footwear required
- Watch out for other people. Ensure that you have plenty of space around you before shooting an arrow and make sure spectators stand well back, behind all of the archers
- Check for damage. If your arrow is damaged, use a different one otherwise you risk it breaking upon release
- If unsure, go longer. If you’re unsure about arrow length, always choose the longer option. If your arrow is too short, it will fall inside the bow when you release it
- Approach the target with caution. Don’t stand behind other archers when they’re retrieving arrows from the target board. Likewise, make sure nobody is stood directly behind you when you remove the arrow from the board
You’re now ready for target archery, so what are you waiting for? Come and join in the fun when you book a stay at one of our hotels or coastal villages.
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