From Robin Hood to the Hunger Games’ Katniss Everdeen, there is something alluringly cool about archers. If you’re looking for a new hobby or sport to try, it’s unlikely that archery was top of your list, since it’s a little unusual. But archery can be an addictive, fun, and worthwhile hobby – as well as an exciting sport.
It may seem a bit out of the ordinary, but archery isn’t just for action movies and historical reenactments. Archery has existed as a sport for a long time, and the history of archery goes back some 10,000 years. This impressive sport has even been in the Olympics since 1900. Nowadays, archery is becoming more and more popular, with millions of people each year picking up a bow and arrow for the first time.
If taking up a hobby that uses arrows seems a little extreme, there’s nothing to worry about. It’s actually a perfectly safe and fun hobby to take up provided you do it right. It might not look like much, but archery actually has a lot of unexpected benefits – both in terms of health and social wellbeing.
Why try archery?
Whether you prefer a hobby that you can practice solo, or you’re looking for a fun activity to do with a team, archery can fit the bill. You could take individual lessons, or you could join a club and learn as a team. This would also be a great option if you think you’d like to eventually compete in tournaments. Perhaps you’re also looking for the social aspect of starting a new hobby. Being in a group full of enthusiastic archers can be great fun and also a source of moral support as you learn new skills. It’s a great confidence boost too, which can filter into all aspects of your life.
There’s plenty of health benefits too, some of which are unexpected. Archery is great for developing body awareness and body control, since maintaining a consistent position is key to a good shot. For this reason, it can be an excellent sport for developing motor skills, particularly in young people. It also develops hand-eye coordination since you are training your eyes and hands to work so closely together.
It’s also a great sport to take up if you’re looking to get stronger and leaner. Even though you’re not running or jumping around, you are still developing plenty of strength and stamina in keeping your body in position for such lengths of time. Drawing back the bow will engage your core and upper body and you’ll usually hold this position for at least a few seconds. Over time, this will lead to muscle development. But if you’re looking to increase your overall fitness levels, you’ll want to combine archery with some cardio and strength training, too.
The Equipment
If you’re thinking of taking up archery, you’ll want to look into the requirements for your local club. Some might have the facilities to lend you the equipment, whereas others might need you to bring your own. It’s worth doing research into the kinds of equipment you’ll need before you make any purchases.
Either way, you’ll want to know what you’re dealing with ahead of time. Like many sports, archery can require a whole array of different equipment and gadgets. As a beginner, all you really need to think about are the basics.
You probably already know about bows, strings, and arrows. But you’ll also need some other equipment to make your practice safer and easier. For example, a bracer to keep loose clothing from getting caught in the string and finger tabs to protect your fingers as you draw the string back. A quiver is used to store your arrows, while a bow stand keeps your bow upright when it’s not in use. Other equipment, such as a bow stabilizer, can offer certain advantages, like keeping the bow balanced and absorbing vibrations to reduce the shock on your hands. You can read more about bow stabilizers here.
You’ll soon find that archery is an exciting and unusual sport that can be absolutely gripping once you get going. It’s important that you get some expert coaching to ensure that you can handle the equipment and understand the safety elements behind the sport. But once you’ve got the basics sorted you could find yourself enjoying leisurely afternoons shooting targets, or competing in whole tournaments with new friends. Who knows, you could even end up at the Olympics!
