Course dates and cost
The 2021 courses will be at the field over 2 days on weekends (Saturday and/or Sunday). Dates to be published once restrictions allow. We will keep all applicants informed of developments: Places available: tba
The courses usually take a maximum of 12 on the beginners and taster sessions (the "Places available” figure, above, is updated as each course fills up - but we may get late cancellations so it’s worth going on a ‘waiting list’ if you'd prefer an earlier course).
The cost is £75 per person; with a £15 discount for anyone under 18 accompanied by a responsible adult who is also undertaking the same course.
Course details
The Club runs Introduction to Archery courses twice a year, typically in April and September. The course usually consists of six 2-hour lessons: the first 4 are indoors (from 8pm) on Wednesday evenings at Kenley Memorial Hall followed by 2 Sunday mornings (from 1030am) at the Club's field at Warlingham Park School. The course content details are below. If we hold the course over 2 days then the session content will be combined.
We have a number of members who are qualified archery coaches by Archery GB, the national governing body. The course content is predominantly hands-on, with all necessary equipment being provided. Young people aged 11 and above are welcome; however, those under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the whole course.
We frequently get requests from parents about doing the course either just before or after their son or daughter takes their 1st lesson. Sometimes this is not possible if the class is full (they normally are). It’s certainly worth considering beforehand especially as you can have some friendly rivalry whilst encouraging and helping each other progress.
For the 6x2 hour sessions you must be able to commit to at least 5 x2 hour sessions, including the first, for successful completion of the course. If the course is held over 2 days then attendance on both is required.
At the end of the course you will:
Course content.
Below is/was the 'normal' timetable. If we hold the course over 2 days then the following sessions will be combined.
Session 1: Welcome and introductions; safety in archery; basic equipment; warm up and cool down exercises; basic shooting technique; shooting under tuition.
Session 2: Safety reminder; shooting under tuition; introduction of the sight; talk on aiming; talk on different forms of archery.
Session 3: Safety reminder; shooting under tuition; demonstration of various bow types and talk on equipment selection.
Session 4: Review of technique; shooting and scoring under tuition; talk on archery etiquette, scoring , rounds and awards.
Session 5: (Sunday, at field) Safety reminder, review of technique; guided instruction.
Session 6: (Sunday, at field) Guided observation; Course Competition; open forum; presentation of Certificates of Competence.
Course testimonials
What our course attendees have said ...
I really enjoyed the Introductory course. It was very friendly and welcoming and not to mention informative. Xxxx's instruction was superb and helped me enormously.
I really enjoyed every minute. The coaching was excellent: patient, kindly, very attentive in picking up every detail to help me improve. Clear, understandable teaching and feedback in a relaxed atmosphere. Good biscuits. Couldn't fault it. Thank-you.
Everyone who was on the course were amazing. Coaches couldn't be more helpful, really wanting people to better themselves. Very enthusiastic bunch of people.
Completion of the course
When you have successfully completed the course you will receive a certificate of competence. This will allow you to join the Club, or any other Archery GB affiliated club, should you wish.
Anyone who joins the Club from the course will also receive our written guidance for their first sessions at the Club. Archery GB has also produced a Beginners Guidebook which contains a wealth of information for new archers.
If you join the Club you can hire bow and arrows etc until the next course is due (so usually for up to 6 months). The cost is £1 per week.
Additional "Improvers" coaching
We hold regular “Improvers” courses. These are open to all and are usually held at Kenley on a Wednesday evening. The cost is £5, with a maximum number of 8 archers, with preference given to new members. This may involve video analysis of the archers technique, preferably before the course, as we can use slow motion and zoom techniques to analyse any style or technique issues. We can then give advice where adjustments should be beneficial.
Postponed until further notice.
In preparation for this course, see the excellent "Improve #1, #2, #3" videos (point 6) on our Archery Performance page. When you discuss your needs with the coaches this will help them assess your application and progress.
The Coaches (Paul, Dave, Gary, Jeff) are available to assist members select and set up equipment, tune bows, review technique, etc should you want some tailored, individual advice. Just discuss your requirements and agree a time/place at the Club. They’re always happy to help.
Taster sessions
Two hour sessions are normally held on a summer Sunday afternoon. The cost is £20/person with a discount of £10 for any young person under the age of 18 if accompanied by an adult who is also taking part in the same session.
The sessions usually take a maximum of 12 (the "Places available” figure, above, is updated as the session fills up - but we may get late cancellations so it’s worth going on a ‘waiting list’ if you'd prefer an earlier session).
If you are interested in details of the taster sessions or would like further information then please contact us.
Buying archery equipment
If you are considering purchasing equipment, you should first read this document (pdf, 3.5Mb) and talk to a coach. However, we strongly recommend that you DO NOT buy a bow until after finishing the course and asking advice from a coach. This is because your upper body strength will develop with practice and matching arrows to bow draw weight is essential to achieve an efficient and effective set up. We can also discuss and advise you on what equipment you may want to consider and how to ensure you get the best for your ability and money.
When you've bought your bow, arrows, etc., make a date with one of the coaches to check the set up and to get help tuning the equipment to its most efficient level for you.
Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) award
We welcome students wishing to use archery towards their DoE award. This is our DoE guidance document (pdf, 180kb).
You can contact us for more information.
Our 4 archery coaches
Session coach
Paul Gardner
Paul has been with the Club since 2001 and since 2009 shoots longbow (summer) and recurve (winter).
Qualified as a Level 1 coach in 2017.
Session coach
David Richardson
Dave started archery in 2008 and changed to compound style after 18 months. Dabbles with traditional wooden bows as well.
Qualified as a Level 1 coach in 2013.
Session coach
Gary Lidbetter
Gary started in 2008 and is shooting recurve.
Qualified as a Level 1coach in 2013.
Session coach
Jeff Smalldridge
Jeff started in 2011 and is shooting recurve.
Qualified as a Level 1 coach in 2017
Page updated 24 March 2021