Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Answered
Browse below to find answers to the most common questions about our Archery Club. Go through the list we’ve provided, but if anything is still unclear, get in touch and we’ll be happy to assist you.
How do I start?
In order to join our archery club for you must complete a beginners course. Once you have completed this course you will be invited to join us as a member should you wish to do so. There is sometimes a waiting list for beginners' courses but we'll try and get you started as soon as possible. Contact wpbowmencoachingteam@gmail.com to register your interest.
If you have already completed a course elsewhere we will meet you for an assessment to ensure you can shoot safely before joining.
There is more information about membership on our membership page.
What does it cost?
The beginners course is currently £65 for adults and £55 for juniors (Under 18). Once you have finished the beginners course you'll be able to join our club and you can find the fees for this on the membership page.
Condensed beginners' courses cost £90 per person and run on a 1-2-1 or 1-2-2 basis.
Short blocks of junior sessions are sometimes arranged with different pricing.
Get in touch via wpbowmencoachingteam@gmail.com to find out more or book.
Whats the minimum age?
The ballpark answer for those wishing to complete a full beginners' course and join the club is 10 years old , however there have been exceptions made if we feel anyone younger is capable if following instruction and staying safe while shooting. If your child requires constant 1-2-1 supervision, we ask that one or more parents/guardians join before the child so they can supervise on the shooting line.
Short blocks of junior sessions are also sometimes available for younger archers. Again, get in touch for more information.
Do I need my own equipment? When should I buy my own equipment?
You will be provided with all the equipment needed on your beginners course. If you decide to join us as a member you will be allowed to continue to use this equipment until you get your own. You may sometimes need to share it will other new members. It will be stored indoors during the indoor season and in the outdoor store during the outdoor season.
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When you are beginning to consider buying your own equipment WPB would advise the following:
Because a bow and all the associated archery equipment can be a major purchase and there are significant safety and physical health considerations associated with our sport, be cautious about rushing to buy.
Wait until you have been shooting for long enough to have a very clear idea of what you want and need in terms of bow type, bow size, draw weight etc. This is likely to be some weeks or months after completing your beginners' course and attending sessions regularly, but in some cases it may be sooner.
You should have good basic technique with low-poundage, light-weight club equipment before progressing to other gear.
Seek the advice of coaches at the club about what will be best for you.
Buying in a reputable, specialist shop where you can try equipment is usually preferable.
Archery shop staff often offer a good level of expertise, but remember their job is to sell.
Second hand equipment can be a good option, particularly from trusted members within our own club, but again, it is advisable to seek the advice of a coach before buying, and ask them to look over any second hand equipment before using it to ensure it is in a good, safe condition.
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However, it is entirely an archers own decision when and where and what to buy, and ultimately their own responsibility to ensure it is safe and suitable for themselves. WPB simply hope to support and empower members to make the decisions that are right for them.
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What bowtypes can I shoot?
Recurve, barebow, compound, longbow and other traditional bowstyles are welcome at Winnington Park Bowmen. Our resources and expertise mean we use only barebow and recurve setups during the beginners' course.
We cannot accommodate crossbows at our ranges.