Not The Girly Type

For those of us who went to tonight’s archery meet, we didn’t know it but there was a surprise in store for us. Tonight was the first anniversary of the archery’s group. So I got to shoot and have cake too. Wicked.

Since there weren’t any newbies tonight, all 8 of us started shooting from the furthest distances 15m and 18m line. The manager on duty recommended that I try out a shorter 20 lb recurve with some lighter arrows. I must say, it felt weird. The arrow’s diameter was smaller than the arrows I’ve been shooting with the past couple of times and it flew differently. Because the arrows were thinner and lighter, especially at the tip, they flew higher which meant I had to readjust my aiming.

After a few ends and alternating between the two bows and two sets of arrows, I decided that I’m not much of the girly type. I prefer the heavy thwack of a more weighted arrow piercing into the target.

After having our sugar fix of chocolate cake, it was time for some prize shooting. The first to shoot the target would be bestowed some gourmet bakery goods but as always, I shot not for the loot but rather for the challenge.

It proved a challenge. On the upside, I was happy to see my groupings were getting tighter and tighter, which is what you want. So after try and try and try yet again, I finally clipped the edge of the cupcake. (hitting the target paper doesn’t count, you have to hit the actual picture) and it was as satisfying as noshing on a real cupcake.

We got to shoot past our 2 hour allotted time which was great. The manager regaled us with stories of when he competed professionally. Each daily practice session would find him shooting minimum of 150 arrows. If I did that I’m sure my massage therapist would be thu-rilled. What a time he would have to try to make my back even, what with one side becoming more developed with all that drawing of the bow.

And then he told us of a time at the gallery of an archer who had never picked up a bow and arrow before and after 4 arrows, shot a Robin Hood. (when an arrow is shot into another arrow, end to end) Beginner’s luck!

He assured us that we’d eventually get a robin hood for ourselves. The first time would be absolutely elating, but then the second, third or subsequently times may prove frustrating because of the cost in replacing the arrow destroyed. (one carbon arrow can cost up to $60) I’d totally eat the cost of split arrows for robin hoods.

Course that makes me want to reach for that brass ring.

Shoot a Robin Hood. Have it framed.