#1. Archery is open to EVERYONE.
You could be in a wheelchair and still do archery. Everyone is welcome.
#2. Archery is Physically Demanding, but doesn't have to be.
It really is a matter of how difficult you want to make it for yourself. You could go with a lightweight bow and make it really easy (which is recommended for seniors and people with shoulder problems). Going for the heavier bows is really something for people who enjoy sports that are physically demanding.
If you enjoy a challenge, get a longbow. Longbow poundages can be up to 200 lbs or more. However they are also arguably the most accurate bows in history, even beating out modern Olympic bows and composite bows in terms of long distance accuracy. (The best three archers from the last century all used longbows.)
#3. Requires Hand and Eye Coordination.
Many things have to happen quickly and in order to execute a good shot. Place your feet. Nock your arrow. Grip the bow, loosely, not firmly. Relax your shoulders. Find your anchor point. Aim. Release. Many of these steps take just a few seconds or less than that, but each affects your shot. Consistent practice builds muscle memory, and your shooting gets better over time. To get a good start however, it is best to hire an instructor.
#4. Improves Focus and Observation Skills.
Some archers are said to be very observant. It is almost like a superpower. Their ability to concentrate and to notice small things, tiny details that many of us would ignore, gives them an advantage compared to the rest of us should the zombies ever rise up. Being able to concentrate on a task and notice the details, practicing that constantly makes the person better at those skills.
#5. Relieves Stress.
Archery is very relaxing. It is almost like a meditation. It is not a good sport for people with anger issues however, or people who get frustrated / impatient easily. Archery is about patience, relaxation, and being calm. An angry mind isn't focused on the task on hand.
#6. Relatively Inexpensive.
Once you get your equipment you are pretty much set. You might buy new arrows once in awhile, but your bow and equipment will last you years of enjoyment. You can get all the basics for less than $350. Even less if you are frugal / make some of your own equipment. Like the woman below who is making her own longbow.
#7. Fun for All Age Groups
It doesn't matter whether you are a kid or a senior, you can have fun doing archery.
#8. Can be Enjoyed both Indoors and Outdoors.
Archery ranges come in two main kinds: Outdoors and indoors. Prefer to shoot outside? You get to enjoy the sun, the wind and the weather. Prefer to shoot inside? You get to enjoy warmth, air conditioning, and if you make your own private range in your basement or garage, privacy. You can also enjoy privacy if you own a farm or a cabin up north.
#9. Archery is a Social Sport.
If you like hanging out and meeting other people with the same interests, archery is a great way to do it. Archery is a very social sport and you are guaranteed to make lots of new friends if you hang out at a local archery range where you meet other like-minded people, whether you are hanging with just a few friends or a crowd of hundreds.
#10. Very Enjoyable.
For 90% of archers the sport is purely recreational. They don't hunt and they don't compete. They just do it because it is fun. Yes, they improve over time and eventually become one of the "old pros" at the archery range, but they got to be old pros by having lots of fun doing it.
If you are looking for archery lessons we recommend browsing the list of Toronto archery instructors on ArcheryToronto.ca.
And for the 9% of people who also enjoy bowfishing or bowhunting, it is even more fun. Check out the elderly man below who is bowfishing with a longbow.
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