Friday, August 3, 2018

Bonding Over Bows

Justin was home last weekend and brought a surprise with him - a new bow. When I decided I wanted to try archery he loaned me his recurve bow and six arrows. I bought new 35-pound limbs for it (since I couldn't pull it back with his 55-pound limbs) and it's kind of become "my bow" by default. He decided that he needed a new recurve, so bought himself a new, fancier bow. Since we both have recurves now, I was thrilled when he asked me if I wanted to go shoot with him.


We hopped in his truck and went over to my mother-in-law's house where there is plenty of room. I told him I haven't really shot much since last fall, but he promised to observe and help me.


And I did. I needed to be reminded about drawing all the way back, but not overdrawing.


And then there is my issue of keeping a consistent anchor.


My groups were much better when he showed me how to shoot three-fingered (three fingers under the arrow and nock) instead of my sloppier split-fingered shooting. My arrow no longer fell off the rest, it just felt better, and that bullseye is proof!

This is one of Justin's targets showing what it looks like when you're really a good shot.


See that second arrow from the left, stuck into the end of another arrow? That's called a Robin Hood. They're rare, and only happen when you have practiced for hundreds of hours and can shoot consistently and accurately. I haven't managed this yet, but maybe someday because I am very lucky to have a great archery teacher who is patient, kind, and willing to pass along all of his knowledge. Thanks, Justin!

12 comments:

  1. Oh, Bonny! What fun! I am significantly impressed!

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  2. Nice!!! I'm envious of your time shooting. Fletch and I were just saying the other day how we've missed it. Right now our target is hidden behind the mass of "stuff" growing in our boggy area. Our Fall is shaping up to be busy, but I'm hopeful that we can get back into it. I like the days when I come home from work and we do a bit of target shooting before dinner - it's a good way to unwind.

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  3. That's really cool! I love it when "the kids" can teach us!!

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  4. So cool, Bonny - and what a great activity to share with Justin ... plus you get to educate all of us about archery!

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  5. I LOVE it! What a fun thing for you to do -- and especially when you can share it with Justin. XO

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  6. wow! you have SKILLZ! and you're doing something with your son :)

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  7. I have always wished I could try archery - it seems like something that is such a good thing to be able to do!

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  8. Fun! So great to share something with our kids. Dan will be dragging me over a mountain again soon!

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  9. This is just about the most perfect type of activity because, 1) you are enthusiastic about it and enjoy it, 2) it's an impressive skill, 3) you have a family member who can teach you, and 4) you get to spend time with Justin! It just doesn't get any better than this, Bonny. I am so pleased for you

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  10. You taught Justine to be patient and kind and he is passing on his archery knowledge in a patient and kind way. What goes around!

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  11. Well done, you!

    It's nice to have a hobby you and your son can enjoy together!

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  12. I've never heard the term Robin Hood for when two arrows wind up in the exact same spot but I've seen Dale do it - it's very very cool.

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