Most people will admit that at one point in their lives, they have had a brief fascination with archery. The sport seems so cool and interesting. Plus, with so many cultural archers, it is understandable that people occasionally dream of being an archer.
From Marvel’s Hawkeye to Katniss Everdeen, there are tons of famous archers to fuel our imagination. While practically everyone has wanted to learn archery at least once, few people actually go through with it.
This is because it appears to be a rather technical hobby, whereby it takes years of practice. But is archery difficult to learn? Find out below.
Is Archery Difficult To Learn?
No, archery is not difficult to learn if you merely want to become a beginner. In fact, many inexperienced archers pick up the basic skills of archery quite quickly. On the other hand, archery is difficult to learn if you want to become a professional archer. It will take years of practice and much skill.
Of course, the ease with which everyone learns this sport will differ. Some people are just naturally more gifted or sporty than others. Furthermore, it can depend upon your teacher. Some archery teachers are better than other ones.
Though we have found archery quite straightforward to get started with, there are a few complications that can make it harder. Here are some of the factors that can influence how easy it is to learn archery.
The Type Of Bow
The type of bow that you use will impact the ease of your education. There are loads of different varieties of bows, including longbows, compound bows, and recurve bow.
Some of these bows are better suited to beginners, while others are geared toward expert archers. Arguably, the best bow for beginners is the recurve bow.
This is one of the most commonly used varieties of bows and it can be used by people of wildly different skill levels. It is considered one of the most versatile bows, resulting in it being suitable for novices.
Another consideration in terms of the type of bow that you opt for is how heavy they are and how much strength you will need to properly draw the bow. Beginners regularly start with a lower draw weight such as 20 lb. Once you have more experience and build up some muscle, you can gradually increase your draw weight.
A traditional recurve bow is the perfect choice for beginners and experienced archers alike. It is versatile, durable, and relatively easy to string once you get the hang of it.
The Cost Of Equipment
In order to participate in archery, you must spend some money on equipment. Purchasing a bow is a costly investment. But luckily, most bows will last for years if properly cared for.
In addition to this, you’ll need arrows, a quiver, gloves, an arm- and chest guard, and a target so that you can practice your archery skills.
Even though arrows are less expensive than a bow, the cost can add up if you need several. Adding extras can further increase the price.
Everyone from children to adults can enjoy archery. No matter how experienced or new you are as an archer, there is always something new to learn.
The Frequency Of Your Training
To become a skilled archer, you must train regularly. Otherwise, you will never progress. If you train too frequently, you might not be able to give your arm muscles enough rest, which can also negatively affect your training schedule.
Our recommendation is to train between three and four days a week. Since people have to fit this into their busy schedules, this is not suitable for everyone. To learn the right form and safety procedures, we strongly recommend taking a few lessons. After you have internalized the basic principles, you can train on your own.
Natural Skill
Some people will be able to pick up archery pretty quickly since they have a knack for it. This means that they find the sport straightforward even though they have not received any training. You still should take some lessons with a professional, so you learn proper form. Believe me, it´s hard to “unlearn” bad habits.
Natural skill might give you a head start, but there´s more to being a good archer than just instinct. Even if you have a talent for it, you need to learn the right techniques so you can be consistent.
Things That People Struggle With
There are some common elements of archery that beginners struggle with (for example judging the distance to the target). Namely, these are:
- Being consistent with their form
- Finding the right equipment
- Mastering the technique
- Overcoming self-doubt
If you are finding yourself experiencing these challenges, you might want to try a beginner’s course. Those are tailored to novice archers and will address many of these problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need Arm Strength To Be An Archer?
No. Although a bit of arm strength can be useful in this sport, it is heavily reliant on technique. Rather than relying on arm strength, it is more critical to master the proper form. Strength will come by itself once you practice regularly.
Is Archery A Costly Sport?
Yes, archery can be somewhat expensive, particularly if you purchase top-end equipment. Alongside the aforementioned equipment, most people will also pay for lessons.
Consequently, most people spend between $200 and $500 on becoming an archer, though this price can increase dramatically.
Final Thoughts
Are you thinking about taking archery as a hobby? If so, we hope that this guide has given you a better understanding of the requirements of the sport. While most people find that this is a moderately simple hobby to master at a basic level, you might find it challenging if you want to become an elite archer.
Moreover, everyone will experience the sport differently, meaning that some people will find it more straightforward than others.
