Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2008 | Page 55
SPORT & LEISURE
life
Equipment
•
The type of bow most
commonly used is called
a recurve bow.
•
The sight lines up the
arrow to the target.
•
Stabilizers, which are
carbon rods that protrude
forwards from the bow,
are weighted to stabilize
the bow when shooting.
•
Archers wear a guard on
the arm holding the bow,
to protect it from the
string when they shoot.
•
A soft leather finger tab
protects the fingers.
•
Chest guards can be worn to
keep clothing out of the way.
•
If you become proficient
enough to shoot at
long-distance, a pair of
binoculars will help you
to see where your arrows
have landed in the target.
Archery
Island outdoors
Written by James Kerr - Photo: Martin Potter
bow string is drawn. Repeated lifting of
the bow and drawing back the string tones
the upper body, particularly the muscles
in your arms and shoulders. Archery
also burns calories. In competition,
during a typical one-day tournament,
an archer can walk about 5 miles.
It’s said that archery reduces stress.
Learning to stay cool under pressure
Island Life - www.isleofwight.net
might be applied to other areas of your
life. Finally, the focus and mental clarity
needed for archery will boost your ability
to concentrate, sharpening the mind.
Clubs like West Wight Archery in
Newport and Wight Bowman in Ryde
require you to undertake a beginner’s
course before you are permitted to
shoot on your own. A course of six
1-hour lessons, starting with targets
approximately 10 m away, can be
arranged for upwards of £20.
The clubs will usually provide you
with all of the necessary equipment.
Wear flat, stable shoes, and avoid any
kind of heel that could unbalance you.
A close-fitting top will ensure that your
clothing doesn’t catch on the bow.
If you are serious about taking up the
sport at a more advanced level, you’ll
need to join GNAS, the national body
for archery, which among other things
provides public liability coverage.
Equipment can be tailored for all
budgets utilizing used and new gear.
Local Clubs:
West Wight Archery Club, 01983 520037
Wight Bowmen 01983 611918 (Ryde)
The Wight Company Brian 0752 3052434
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