Joseph has been asking about taking archery lessons for some time now. He has some old bow and has fashioned his own arrows (and used them I must add) so for the 2nd or 3rd time, I started looking for classes and FINALLY found them! Unfortunately, they are in N. Raleigh, so I was hesitant at first.
But, Joseph persisted that he REALLY REALLY REALLY wanted to try archery, so I setup a first appointment for today. It went … swimmingly well. I was quite pleased, as was Joseph.
This is the range. This place is inside Carolina Sportman … about 1/4 mile from our church.
Joseph had to learn how to put on the safety gloves — on his arm and his hand to protect him.
He learned that the white arrow goes on one side, the green on another (or something like that). He also learned HOW to best put the arrow on the bow.
A note … Joseph is right-eye dominant (learned that today too) and thus he shoots like a righty… though, as we all know … he’s really a lefty.
The bow is about as big as he is! Go figure. Actually, the bow he practiced on today was made for a 15 year old, but Joseph has the strength to pull it. Anything less and he’d not have been as comfortable. Here he is standing at the 30-ft line. I’m sitting at the 60 ft. line … well back from the action. ๐
When it’s time to get the arrows back out, you put your bow on a bow stand. Then, if there are other on the range, you call out for an “all clear” before proceeding to get your arrows. We didn’t have anyone on the range during the class (by happenstance, not on purpose) so the range was all clear, all the time. Joseph had to learn how to get the arrows out without bending them too.
This is my favorite image. He’s got his elbow up, his index finger by his mouth and you can just see that he’s pulling with his strength and going for “accuracy”. Actually, he did a really good job — accuracy-wise. He was instructed to “point” to certain areas and did a great job! He even shot the turkey in the corner when asked to try that!
Finally, me from way back. Normally, the 30 ft. line is for competitive archery for under-12-year-olds. Joseph, being 10, qualifies. But his instructor had him “try” the 60 ft. mark which is for the older kids (12 and up) and Joseph nailed it. Gotta wonder if this IS the right sport for him!
We’re scheduled for another 5 private lessons and then we’ll join a Wednesday evening class. Joseph is REALLY excited about it and of course … guess, just guess, what he wants for his birthday?! ๐