The discipline of archery is one of the contributing factors to mankind’s success. Through the use of bows, and arrows, hunters were able to increase their harvest success. Ancient hunters being able to successfully hunt meant their people had meat for food, hides for clothing, and bones for tools. Every person alive today is here in part because their ancestors were successful hunters. Fast forward to the year 1900, when archery was introduced into the World Olympics. Today, target archery is growing in popularity all over the world.
A large number of equipment categories exist within the discipline of archery. However, two of the main categories are Compound, and Recurve.
Compound bows feature a cable, and cam system that allows the archer to draw back a much higher weight (more weight = more power), but at the end of the draw cycle, the shape of the cams manipulate the draw weight. For example, if a compound bow has a draw weight of 60lbs, at full draw the archer may only be holding back 9- 21lbs depending the the cams’ let-off design. This allows archers to aim comfortably, and steady their bow before the shot. Compound bows are designed to be shot using a mechanical release aid, an arrow rest, and stabilizer rods.
Recurve bows are more in line with traditional archery equipment. The bow is generally longer than a compound bow, and only features one string. Within the recurve category exist two popular sub categories traditional (bare bow), and olympic-style recurve.
The traditional bow often has no accessories attached to it, is shot using the archer’s fingers, and aimed instinctively. For the modern traditional archer, a stick on arrow rest (an attachment that holds, and guides the arrow in a safe manner), and a finger tab (a leather, or synthetic cover to protect the archer’s fingers during extended shooting sessions) are used. The ease of use, lower equipment costs, and versatility of traditional archery equipment makes it ideal for kids, and beginners.
Olympic-style recurve bows take traditional bows into the next level of accuracy, and efficiency. These bows feature sights for the archer to aim with, arrow rests with clickers (to let the archer know when they have drawn the bow back the same distance every time), and stablizer rods (the long carbon fiber, or aluminum rods seen protruding from the bow).
Where can I shoot Archery?
The San Fernando Valley has a few locations both in, and near the Valley itself where one can try archery for themselves.
Woodley Park Archers is located right off of the 405 Freeway at the Burbank Boulevard Exit. Often times, archers can be seen practicing from the southbound side of the freeway. The range is free to use, and open to the public if they have their own equipment. For those who do not have their own equipment, the Woodley Park Archery Club offers free beginner classes on Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Please visit their website for the most up to date information. http://woodleyparkarchers.org/
Pasadena Roving Archers is an archery range located very close to the Rose Bowl, in Pasadena’s very own Arroyo Seco Park. This range is nestled in the Sherwood Forest where the original Robin Hood was filmed. This club/ range has been operating continuously since 1935. They offer instructional classes, and seminars catering to everyone from the first time archer, to the Olympic hopeful. Their website is a great resource to anyone looking to participate in archery. https://www.rovingarchers.com/
A useful feature of this range is their proximity to Turner’s Outdoorsman, in Pasadena. Turner’s Outdoorsman is a local chain of Pro Shops capable of setting up, tuning, and repairing many different types of bows, and arrows. The shop is located 1 mile from the Pasadena Roving Archers’ Range. The Turner’s Outdoorsman Archery department has their own team of archers, and a TO-Archery Facebook page.
For those interested in archery for hunting, and local competitions in California please visit
California Bowmen Hunters / State Archery Association
Their website is a great resource. They have an events calendar that lists competitions (shoots) all throughout the state of California.
To find out more information about Target Archery, please visit the following organizations.