Getting Started

How to actually get started is such a "loaded" question. Most of the answers depend on the new archer. Skill, time to practice, patience and budget are all important considerations. For the purpose of this website, we will provide the "recommended" path for both young archers and late teen/adult archers. As mentioned, nothing is ever "firm" this web page is meant just as a guide to let you know many of the steps required - and things to consider when starting out. The most important part of archery is to just have some fun.

The Victoria Bowmen recommend taking lessons before joining the club,  for more information on our lessons please click here


Kid's Archery (10 -16 years) - Overview
Ok parents - first thing - DO NOT go out and buy a whole bunch of archery gear for your child before starting out (assuming that you will be coming to the club to get a feel for things). Come on out to the club and have your kid (s) try different sizes of bows, different weights of arrows, try shooting different distances and learn as much as you can. Members that are always ready to share an opinion or some experience on what one may need.

Also, with the J.O.Program in place, there is an excellent environment for your child to develop skills and for both of you to learn about the different types of equipment. Kids can learn the basics of the sport by coming out to shoot at various times and also ask questions of the JOP instructors.

Additionally, sometimes club members will know of used archery equipment that is for sale 

Kids Equipment
Again, just as a guide, below you will find basic list of what you can expect to purchase for a starting archer and some very "rough" pricing.
 
Bow
It is recommend to start with a very light Recurve or longbow for the initial lessons. Very light bows are easiest to learn basic form on, nothing can be substituted for strong basic form!
 		 $75.00- $250.00 New

$50.00 - $200.00 Used
Bow Case
Something to protect your investment and hold your gear. Cases come in hard or soft shells and can accommodate additional gear (such as arrows) or just hold your bow.
 		 $20.00 - $150.00 New

$20.00-$100.00 Used
Finger Tabs
These leather or rubber/plastic protectors for your finger tips to prevent the strings from destroying your fingers .
 		 $5.00-$20.00 New
Arrows
The most important equipment are arrows. They don't have to be expensive, but have to be matched to your bow. It is important that the archer be measured for the correct arrow - if you get arrows that are not matched, it will cause nothing but frustration - trust me.
The components of an arrow are:
A: The "shaft"
B: The "nock" - the thing that holds the arrow to the string
C: The "Fletches" - (feathers/flights) - on the end of the arrow.
D: The "inserts" - these go inside the front of the shaft to screw/glue the tips into.
E: "Points" / "Tips" - call them what you wish, they are the pointy things on the end that allow the arrow to stick into the target.
- Don't start with "carbon" arrows - they are very cool for sure, however the $$ will be sadly missed as you begin to lose your first set. Wait until you've got some experience before buying the cool toys.

 		 $4.00 - $15.00 EACH
Quiver
A case that is generally attached to your belt or waist that will carry your arrows and also a pencil/paper/scorecard.		 $12.00 - $50.00 New
(and up for the custom ones)
Process/What to Expect
All the club programs require you to have taken  archery lessons from one of our beginner programs.

Most kids who join the Victoria Bowmen, are automatically enrolled in the Junior Olympic Program (JOP). This is an excellent starting point for the kids to learn the basic skills, earn "badges" and partake in some club and regional competitions. .

Once basic competence has been achieved, they may wish to also learn about "Field Archery" - targets shot in the woods, or 3-D archery (burlap sacks with animal outlines or actual 3D models of animals), again, shot in the woods.

Teen/Adult Archers (16 years old and up)
The Victoria Bowmen offer lessons, these are offered on a continuing basis, contact the club for more information.

Most adult archers start on Recurve bows and once they have a few months experience shooting will decide whether they prefer Recurve or Compound bows. Please see our "Types of Equipment" section for more details on the bow types.
The equipment acquisition process is very much the same as the process outlined above, however adult archers can make budgetary decisions concerning equipment easier than their children. Members of the club are always willing to assist, just ask!
  How to Join:

Dues

Membership fees include all Provincial and Federal affiliation fees and 5 million dollar liability insurance.

Single Membership (Junior/Senior $140                 
Couple (2 persons same address)  $210
Family Membership (3 or more persons same address) $250
Associate Membership (non shooting)   $ 20

Make Cheques payable to The Victoria Bowmen Association

Pro rating scale: (new members only - not for renewals)

Dates                                      Single        Couple   Family
* Sept 2010 note - dues will probably change after the AGM September 20.

- March - December   $110            $160      $190

- June - December     $125            $95        $110

- August - December  $ 85             $125      $110 (or full year**)

> September                            Full year only

** New Memberships purchased after September 1st are treated as the next year (i.e. a new membership sold September 2008 expires December 31, 2009).

All memberships include membership in the Federation of Canadian Archers, the British Columbia Archery Association and 2 million dollars personal liability insurance.

Membership Director Larry Gagnon – Victoria Bowmen Association
c/o 1237 Bewdley Ave., Victoria, BC V9A 5N4
Telephone: (250) 382-1266 (250) 382-1266 

Download the membership form by clicking here