Question 1

Where are you based?

Answer

We are based at the Archbishop's School in Canterbury, St Stephen's Hill, CT2 7AP. There is plenty of parking available.

Question 2

When do you shoot and at what time?

Answer

During the summer season, (beginning of April to end of October) we shoot on Saturday, Sunday and Friday evenings. On Saturday and Sunday, please arrive at 9:15am for a 10:00 start. Shooting will continue until the key holder needs to leave. Friday evenings are from 16:00 until it gets dark. During the Winter season, (end of October to end of March) we shoot on Saturday, Sundays and Tuesday evenings. On Saturday and Sunday the same timings apply as above but on Tuesdays we shoot in the evening indoors from 19:00 till 21:00. All of the sessions above are subject to key holder availability.

Question 3

How do I learn to shoot? / How do I join?

Answer

For those wanting to learn the basics, we offer a beginners course which runs twice a year in June and August. This is a four week course and must be completed before you can join the club. If you have completed the beginners course with another archery club you will need to show your certificate to us before you can join. If you have not shot for a while and would like to join the club, we may ask you to do an assessment to demonstrate that you know how to shoot safely.

Question 4

Are children allowed to join?

Answer

Yes, we accept anyone who is 10 years or older* although we ask that anyone under the age of 18 is accompanied by an adult. *Young archers will be assessed before they can take part in our beginners course as to whether the are strong enough to pull back the bow and whether they are able to follow the Archery GB rules.

Question 5

What should I wear?

Answer

It is important that you wear shoes that fully cover your feet (no flip-flops of sandals). We advise that you wear close fitting clothing so no baggy sleeves. At competitions there is a strict dress code. Plain clothes should be worn with no logos unless they are related to archery or are sponsors. Jeans are not allowed.

Question 6

Will I need to bring any equipment for the beginners course?

Answer

No, all the equipment you need will be provided by the club. There are drinks and light refreshments available on the day.

Question 7

What about people with disabilities?

Answer

The club welcolms all archers including those with disabilities and we try to accomodate people where we can. If you are interested in doing the beginners course, please contact the club secretary in advance at canterburyarchers@gmail.com to discuss your needs.

Question 8

What are the dates of your beginners courses?

Answer

We run two courses a year that run for 4 weeks on Saturdays. Our first course will begin on 30th May and will be in the afternoon. The second course will be on 29th August in the morning. The morning courses start at 10:00 and finish at 13:00. Arrive at 9:30. The afternoon courses start at 13:30 and finish at 16:30. Arive for 13:00. If you are interested please email canterburyarchers@gmail.com for more details.

Question 9

Am I too old for archery?

Answer

We have no maximum age. Plenty of people take up the sport after retiring.

Question 10

I have poor eyesight, can I still do archery?

Answer

Yes, you are still able to shoot with poor eyesight. Visually impared archers use foot locators to ensure their feet stay in the same position for each shot. A tactile sight on a tripod can also be used to help line up with the centre of the target and a sighted assistant (known as a spotter) to help the archer shoot safely. If you are visually impared and thinking about doing one of our beginners courses, please contact us for advice. You can email canterburyarchers@googlemail.co.uk.

Question 11

What kind of bows do you shoot?

Answer

We have archers that shoot a range of bows including recurve, compound, longbow, barebow, primative and flatbow. On the beginners course you will be using training recurve bows. We do not allow crossbows for health and safety reasons.

Question 12

What should I be aware of?

Answer

Please remember that we are based on a school ground. This means no alcohol, smoking or vaping is allowed on site. For those that would like to smoke/vape, you may do so but outside of the school gates.

Frequently asked questions

Canterbury Archers