All fired up at archery

Community members had a chance to see if they could be the next Robin Hood, thanks to Marks Park Archery Club.

The club hosted cheap beginners lessons at its Open Day on 9 June, in an effort to bring the sport of archery to the public.

Throughout the day, young and old listened to a safety brief and instructions, before being handed a recurve bow and lining up to shoot at targets.

Most had never shot a bow before and found it difficult.

Yet there were one or two who were naturals at the sport and by their third quivers were hitting the bullseye almost every shot.

Everyone had fun, however.

Katherine Ihlenfeldt, a club committee member, said the day comprised just a shallow introduction to archery, without too many technicalities that might have put newbies off the sport.

“We just want people to pick up a bow and shoot safely today, and hope the archery bug bites,” she said. “Archery looks easy but it is not, and anyone can shoot but not everyone can shoot well. It takes practice.”

It is for this reason the club has designed a specific six-week course aimed to make a beginner good enough to start shooting at competitions.

And Marks Parks hosts many local and national championships. Its Target Championships in December last year saw the best of the best from all over the country compete for glory.

Ihlenfeldt added that archery provided great exercise as the force needed to pull the strings all day was equivalent to lifting a car up two times.

“It helps children focus and be disciplined in a sport. You also walk plenty.”

Marks Park Cricket Club chairperson, Mahmood Takolia also tried his hand at archery during the Open Day, along with his family.

“Our clubs are neighbours but I have never tried archery before,” he said. “It’s [archery] is lots of fun. I would encourage anyone to try it out.”

ALSO READ: Bulls-eyes at Marks Park 

Details: Marks Park Archery Club charmaine@metier.co.za; 082 389 1727.