The following details the format and our beginners courses:
We reserve the right to remove you from the list if payment is not forthcoming.
When enquiring we need it know of any medical issues or disabilities so that we can make sure that we can offer all the required support.
Due to the unpredictability of weather we may reschedule missed sessions after the originally agreed dates. Please be mindful of this if you wish to complete your course.
Hand preference is based on Eye Dominance - you can find out which eye is dominant by following these tests. Our training equipment is ambidextrous and covers most sizes of adult but if you are very short or very tall please ask to visit us for a fitting before proceeding, to ensure that our equipment is safe and suitable for you to use. Likewise, if you have poor upper body strength drop by for a fitting also. Please inform us if you have any medical conditions/past injuries that might be aggravated by archery - we can meet to try out a bow and then proceed from there. The poundage of our bows is roughly 20lbs (dependent on the draw length of the archer). We have two sets of 14lb bows if this too much to handle. If enquiring on behalf of a child between the ages of 13 - 18 then we may require you to come to the club to arrange a fitting before hand. Please read our FAQ section regarding applying for children.
Payment is required to secure your place on the beginners course. You will be contacted with details about how to do this once we have availability.
If your intention is to pursue Longbow or traditional bow types using wooden arrows we would advise you to seek a more suitable club. As a shared sports field we cannot allow the use of wood, carbon or fiberglass arrows.
"What can I expect?"
Our beginner’s courses consist of 6 hours of coaching over multiple sessions at our outdoor venue. All equipment is provided for - you only need to bring yourself (and maybe some boots and a raincoat if the weather turns inclement).
You will be taught target archery and learn to shoot a recurve bow with a sight (if you have tried archery at have a go events or at Centre Parcs you were most likely shooting without a sight - also known as Barebow). You will be provided with your own bow for the day (no sharing!) and share a target with another fellow archer. An experienced club archer will be on hand to instruct and guide you throughout the session.
Please come dressed in close fitting long sleeved tops. Thin layers work best in colder days. Bulky and loose clothing can catch the string on release and arm strike is quite possible as novices get to grips with a consistent technique. We will provide protective arm guards but for additional safety please wear long sleeves. Facial piercings should be removed and long hair tied back. For your safety, open toe footwear is not allowed.
Membership to Beeston Rylands Archers is dependent on completing the course - there is no obligation to join afterwards. You will be issued a certificate upon successful completion of the course - this is just a token of your experience with us but if you decide to join any club in the UK please direct them back to us for a reference/confirmation that you completed a beginners course which should satisfy their vetting process. Your application to join this club may be subject to committee vote.
Cancelled sessions due to poor weather (decided by us) will be rescheduled - normally after the originally proposed dates. Please allow for course dates to run beyond the original proposed dates due to variable weather. Be prepared to shoot in light/intermittent rain (this is the norm for archery!). The only weather conditions that prevent archery from proceeding are persistent rain, snow, high winds, thunder and lightning.
* All monies received are non profit and go directly to supporting the club. The crew hosting your course are all club members and volunteers.
