Need some advice from any Archers that may be here... - Tree of Souls

**Fkeu'itan** · #1 06-27-2010, 01:24 PM

After trying it whilst on holiday, I have decided to take up Archery as a hobby as I enjoyed it so much.

Now, i'm looking to buy a bow. I have about a £150 price range (depending on how much I can get for my air rifle) and i'm looking to get a one-piece traditional bow. Trying to keep away from the more high-tech composite and mechanical bows.

I even considered turning my own after I found a pretty comprehensive tutorial and if I do decide to go this route, I was just wondering am I biting off more than I can chew? I seem to remember there was a guy over on AF who carved his own (IIRC) and it doesn't seem too difficult. Rather just time-intensive. (something i have plenty of at the moment)

So i'm basically looking for advice getting started. Ideally, as cheaply as possible, but still having decent equipment.

Ash · #2 06-27-2010, 06:01 PM

Might there be the possibility of taking a workshop on this for you? That's the way I got my bow - I actually made it myself, but under supervision of a bowmaker. For me, it was less expensive than buying a bow, I learned a ton, I could finish the bow without making any big mistakes, the basic stuff was included (stave for the bow, string material, material for two arrows, tools), and of course, walking away with a bow you made yourself is priceless.

**Fkeu'itan** · #3 06-27-2010, 10:28 PM

Hmm... never really thought of that to be honest.

I'm not entirely sure if there are any opportunities like that around here. The are certainly woodworking workshops, but I doubt any specialise in actual bowmaking. I'll have to investigate further.

**Di' Ana** · #4 06-27-2010, 11:28 PM

Ash is the only one I know that has made his own bow. It is beautiful and I believe he said he did it in one weekend. However, that is with a knowledgeable bowmaker instructing. I know I don't have that option down here in Florida, USA.

If there is an archery club or range near you, I would recommend seeking them out. They would be able to assist you in finding the right bow for you at the price you need. I would not go to a general sports store as they are not usually very knowledgeable on the subtlies of bows, but more interested in making a sale.

I love doing archery and have a local range that I go to almost every week. It's a wonderful way to relax yet focus. You even learn to control your breathing and steady yourself. Keep us posted as to what you find.
Irayo,
Eywa Ngahu
Di'Ana

**Fkeu'itan** · #5 06-27-2010, 11:49 PM

Thanks very much Di'ana.

I do know of a club in my locality, i'll have to scout them out and see what's what. If there's anyone to help me get started, it'll be them

I will most definitely keep you posted on any developments. Thanks for the advice thus far!

**Advent** · #6 06-27-2010, 11:53 PM

I'm getting a composite bow with some arrows on Christmas. Doesn't seem like much, but I'm going to paint it in greens and blues.

Me and my sister made very basic bows out of tree roots before. They broke after a while, but it was fun using them. We made a target out of newspaper. I hit the guy on the front page in the neck.

**Fkeu'itan** · #7 06-27-2010, 11:58 PM

^Hehe nice!

Yeah I think that's where this may have come from. I always remember me and my dad made a simple bow together out of just a straight branch that we stripped and pulled. It was pretty weak but it was so much fun!

**Di' Ana** · #8 06-28-2010, 12:55 AM

Yep, one of the great things about archery clubs is that, most of the time, they have practice bows for you to try out and learn the basics. This way you can decide what kind of bow you want to use such as standard longbow or recurve and even more importantly, the pull weight you need for best performance. If it is too heavy a pull weight (I use a 30 pound pull for example) then it can put a lot of strain on your shoulders and wrists. If too light, then you can't shoot very far. They will be able to help guide you in these matters and may even have some various ones for you to try.
I have found the archers are a very friendly group who love to pass on pointers for the sport. They even let me try the Na'vi way for a while without too much comment and no snickers. So, don't be afraid to ask questions and have lots of fun!!

**Isard** · #9 06-28-2010, 03:09 AM

A word of advice from personal experience.

No matter how good an idea it may seem.

Flaming arrows are NOT fun.

Carry on.

Human No More · #10 06-28-2010, 05:44 AM

I'd love to see the results from this... it's something I've been thinking about myself... maybe when I've got some money in December

Patrice Maire · #11 07-01-2010, 04:01 PM

I took archery in college and the first thing I noticed was the way they knocked and pulled their arrows. I can believe that the other archers would raise an eyebrow at that form. It has to do with the physiology, we have more fingers and shorter hand, slightly different configuration. It may be more comfortable for the Na'vi to do it their way, not necessarily ideal for accurate shooting for a human. Jake learned the Na'vi way because that was how he was taught and had never done archery before.

My advice on making your own bow is definitely do it right... having a bow splinter in front of your face would not be a good experience! Good to hear you found the archery club, watch your arm all the time so you don't get the string bruises I did!

Human No More · #12 07-01-2010, 06:29 PM

I'd much rather learn the Na'vi way... because that was what my inspiration for wanting to learn in the first place!
I really don't care if it's 'not right' or 'not as accurate' - that's why I want to find somewhere where I can just turn up, and practice myself, without being told what to do...