I found a new hobby that I really enjoy! Zoe had expressed some interest in learning archery, so this past Christmas we took her to an outdoors store and let her pick out her very own bow as an early Christmas present. She chose a small wooden one like Robin Hood’s (a “recurve” bow – see? I’m even learning the terminology). She wanted to learn with someone, so she offered to share her bow with me so we could learn together. Nik even got us a target and set up an area in our back yard (along the side fence) to practice where the dogs couldn’t get in the way. He has some experience with a bow (albeit a few decades ago), but he knew enough to get us started.
On our first practice session it was clear that Zoe was much more gifted than I was on her particular bow. Primarily, it has no sights, so I couldn’t figure out how to aim. I ended up overshooting our target and hitting the recycle bin behind it. Another time I hit the fence.
Then Nik and Zoe decided to surprise me with my very own bow and they brought me to a different archery store to pick it out. I selected a compound bow (that looks more like “Hawkeye’s” bow), complete with sights because I’m not good at winging it. Luckily, they offer lessons, so we spent a Saturday morning getting the beginner’s course. I had to borrow one of their bows while mine was getting adjusted.
Once I got my bow, the first several sessions I shot it, I kept doing something to mess it up (all of which were definitely operator error). I couldn’t see through the site, the cable slide (one of the little black thingies that holds the string out of the way) broke off, and I don’t remember what else, but I did something to mess it up in yet a different way. Luckily the staff at the archery store were patient and helped me fix my bow time and time again…and correct me with at least one thing I was doing wrong. Who knew bows were so temperamental? Zoe told me that’s why she liked her bow better than mine because mine seemed too complicated.
After getting my bow operational the third time, I was pleasantly surprised I didn’t break it yet again. We were able to practice several times in our back yard and I am proud to admit I didn’t hit the back fence again, although I was still shooting quite high.
Fast forward a few months, during which we skipped pretty much any practicing because it has been so hot and, you know, life. Anyway, last weekend, we went back to the archery range. Our targets were set about ten yards away (yeah, still very much a beginner). Once, when Zoe shot her arrow over the target, she shouted, “Look, I pulled a ‘mom.’” That’s my girl.
Most of my arrows were in decent groups, but not in the center of the target…you know, where I wanted them to go. I knew I had to adjust my sights, but I wanted to get my shots somewhat consistent before I started messing with my sights so I knew which way and how much to adjust them. After about an hour, my groups were getting better, when I shot one arrow and wasn’t sure where exactly it landed. I gasped and literally dropped my jaw when I stepped to the side and saw that the arrow I had just shot was lodged into the back of one of my other arrows. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I got my very first “Robin Hood!” Although, I’m not sure it counts because it wasn’t a bullseye, but I was still really freaking proud! The man in the next lane confirmed I saw what I saw. A few of the archers even said people will usually keep the arrows together and hang them on the wall.
I’m definitely saving the arrows, but I know a huge part of that shot was a fluke and I wouldn’t be able to do it again if I tried…but it was still really freaking cool and I left with a big smile on my face. Right after I bought another package of arrows, because I had just ruined two of mine.
We went back to the archery store this weekend and, although I didn’t ruin any more arrows in the coolest way I can think of, I was able to adjust my sights for ten yards. When my groups get better, maybe I’ll push back the target, but for now I still need to focus on body mechanics and develop some muscle memory.
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