Ways To Share Quality Family Time - Archery As Family Hobby

With Birthdays and other Holidays coming at us fast, we should all make resolution to spend more time with our family in ways that leave memories that endure forever. The following is an option you should consider.

I want to introduce all of you to an opportunity. My interest is in promoting "Quality Time with Family", in the hope that you realize its value and are looking for a way to bring your children closer to you. Archery is a great way to spend quality time with your children. It gives all of you the opportunity to spend time outdoors, and learn to do something enjoyable together. My uncle introduced me to archery at the age of 14 years. The bond I share with him is still there, and we go shooting often to enjoy ourselves.

Is This Real Quality Time?

Effective quality time can be measured. Are we doing things as a group? Is this a valuable experience? Do emotions come into play that can be shared and remembered by everyone involved? Are you exciting their enthusiasm in a way that is obvious and apparent? These are assessment variables which in this case will be answered with a resounding yes. The sport of Archery will bring enjoyment to you, your children and friends. You will participate with others and develop new friendships. Archery will never be seen as a wasted investment either in time or money.

Larry W. Price

I was very blessed to be introduced to Archery as a hobby and sport when I was a young man. My uncle introduced me to the sport as a teenager and we share a bond to this day. I enjoy the sport in competition with him every chance we get. As a beginner you should first choose what aspect of the sport you'll be starting with. Then choose the proper bow and accessory equipment. Here are some simple steps intended to help you in selecting the proper equipment.

Selecting the Proper Bow

1). The first step in selection is determined by which of your eyes has dominance. Point to any object, such as a light switch on the wall while leaving both eyes open, then close your left eye. If the switch is still in alignment, then you are right eye dominant and should purchase a right hand bow.

2). Select the bow that meets your purpose as a beginner. Since you will be doing target practice at an indoor or outdoor range, you will need a bow with a draw strength of 40-80 pounds. I would suggest a 'recurve bow' for a beginner. There is no reason to buy a fancy competition or hunting bow until you've mastered the sport.

3). Each person's 'draw length' is unique to a degree. This difference is because it is determined by the length of your arm and width of your chest. I suggest being measured at a pro shop. Once determined its time to shop online for the best selection and price.

Proper Arrow Selection

1). There are many types of arrows based on intended use. An aluminum or wooden arrow will suffice for any beginner. I suggest wooden arrows for target practice because arrows are easily damaged when they sometimes pass through a target. Making your own arrows can save money and allow you and your children to engage a fine hobby you can do together. Custom arrows are fun to make. They can be very decorative and more accurate. Also, you will have acquired tools needed for arrow repair when you buy the things needed to make your own.

2). The important things to consider when buying arrows or blanks are "spine and length". The definitions are as follows below:

a). Arrow length is derived by your bowstring draw length plus approximately two inches. A fully drawn arrow ready to fire should sit about one inch from the leading edge of your bow grip.

b). Arrow spine is the relative flexibility of the arrow shaft. Generally, flexibility need is determined by the foot pound rating of your bow. The higher the rating, the stiffer the arrow should be. An intermediate flexibility is sufficient for a beginner using a bow rated at 60-80 lbf.

Proper Sight Selection

For the beginner, a sight is not really needed. I first learned by eye, judgment of distance and windage considerations alone. A progression occurred to using various sight systems as I later became involved in 'field archery' and 'game hunting'. Having said this, realization is that a bow looks more esthetically correct to its owner when it has a sight. If you desire a sight for whatever reason, don't be tempted into selecting one with high-tech features. A basic optical 3-pin composite sight with twin pin tracks is sufficient for any beginner. Shop directly online for the best selection, as most Pro Shops carry limited models and brands.

Comfort and Safety Gear

Finger tabs are used on the index finger and middle finger of the hand used to retract the notched arrow and bowstring. Even a 60-80 lbf recurve bow is painful, especially when done repetitively. A 'compound bow' rated at 160 lbf exerts tremendous punishment on fingertips. Your index and middle finger will become very sore, blistered and even torn during avid practice and competition. I suggest a good pair of finger tabs, even for a beginner.

An arm guard is a simple device used to protect your forearm from the snap return of your bowstring. Selection is a matter of cost effective choices. A good selection is always easily found online. I personally went for several years without using one, and paid a sometimes painful price. The heavier the bow strength, the more necessary an arm guard becomes.

Conclusion

I know that most people would think archery is a boring sport on first blush. However, as a family sport it can be used as a tool. More specifically, your children's interest will grow if you challenge them in the following ways:

1). If the garage needs cleaning on Sunday, tell your teen: "Hey son, let go shooting next Saturday and if you win on points, I'll clean the garage by myself come Sunday." Chances are, even if he wins, the unity created by the bond will compel him to help you on Sunday anyway. Right?

2). If you want the car washed or the lawn mowed on Sunday, pitch challenges to everybody based on the loser does the work. This type of challenge brings an interest investment through challenge. No one feels to bad about doing the work. Again, pitch in and help with the mowing anyway.

Although I only gave two examples, there are as many ways to engage each other as there is time to think of ways to do it. This is a great family sport and hobby, however, involvement of young children should be avoided. A child twelve to eighteen years of age has maturity and the needed upper body strength to shoot using competitive equipment. Obviously, the older your children are, the better it is for general safety. If you introduce your family to archery, you will have a great opportunity to spend priceless quality time with them. This will always create bonds and leave lasting enduring memories for all.

Have lots of fun sharing with your family. This sport can be used in many creative and challenging ways aimed at quality family time.

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