Traditional archery refers to the use of longbows & traditional recurve bows. Longbows & Traditional Recurve bows represent the most basic of archery technology.
These traditional styles of bow and arrow have been around for thousands upon thousands of years & have served men & women as a way of providing food protection, & recreation since their creation. The longbow is the straighter of the two bow styles with one curve from end to end, most often looking like a “D” when strung. The traditional recurve bow is so named for their limbs which each contain two curvatures for increased spring & energy. These bows can come in one, two or three piece configurations & can be constructed of a wide variety of materials. Arrows can be made of wood, aluminum or carbon fiber. Archers are attracted to the simplicity of equipment & purity of the form, hearkening back to the heroes of yesteryear, like Robin Hood, Ishi or Howard Hill. If you like to do things “old school”, it doesn’t get much better than traditional archery.
Who: PRA Membership required. Archers who have taken our First Time, Returning class, & are interested in Traditional Archery.
What: Each level of class will teach the techniques of Traditional (longbow & traditional recurve bow) archery. Archers will be introduced to instinctive archery shooting form & techniques in an environment of guided lessons. Through purposeful practice with instinctive archery & after developing sufficient physical strength, archers may choose to study among a number of aiming styles including point on target, gap shooting, & string walking.
Where: The Traditional Archery classes meet at the main practice area & are taken by class instructors &/or coaches to a specific target down range.
When: Saturdays, a two hour time period between 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Equipment-Level One: Traditional Archery equipment is provided for beginners. This class requires you have your own stretch band. If you do not have one, you may purchase one from the instructor for $3.
Equipment-Level Two: Traditional Archery equipment is provided for beginners. Serious students should plan on purchasing their own archery equipment to continue in this discipline. Instructors & coaches will be happy to advise archers during the selection & purchase process. During this class you will have the opportunity to try a variety of traditional bows which will help to decide the style of bow that is right for you. We STRONGLY recommend that you DO NOT purchase a bow or arrows until you have taken the Level One & Level Two classes & have thoroughly discussed your purchase with a traditional instructor or coach beforehand.
Equipment-Level Three: You must own your own equipment at this level. Different fees & requirements are in place for this level of class. Please refer to the Advanced Archery Coaching page for further details on this class.
Cost (Level One & Level Two): Five-week course with a cost of $75.
How to Join: Must have attended our First Time, Returning class, & are interested in Traditional Archery. After completion of Level One, you are automatically placed on the Level Two class waiting list. (Level One is a pre-requisite for Level Two). After completion of Level Two, you may choose to meet the requirements for the Level Three class (refer to the Advanced Archery Coaching page) or return to the main practice range as a Returning Archer to practice on Saturday mornings with PRA. To practice on the range outside of Saturday mornings with PRA, you must have attended the city required City Credential Class. To shoot at our Sunday club tournaments, you must have your own equipment & if not a club member, pay a $5 fee per tournament.