So I was recently convinced to try out archery. I’ve had a vague interest in the concept for a while, but SCA-wise, always had other things to focus on. But, been chatting with a friend who’s an excellent archer who convinced me to try it out.
I tagged along to fight practice tonight, strapped on a bracer, a childs size finger cover thingie for my child sized hands (shut up, I don’t know the lingo yet), picked up a bow and started firing wildly.
Ok, there was a bit more instruction than that, but you get the idea.
As a world reknowned know it all, and someone who has had quite enough of being Awkward and Foolish in her life, I tend to be a little self conscious when learning new things where other people can see, especially when such New Things involve large pieces of curvy wood and long pointy things that I can look extremely awkward while trying to coordinate. Thankfully, as it turns out, it’s actually surprisingly difficult to shoot yourself in the foot. Much easier to just hit the target.
My first few shots went a bit crazy, but even so — they flew! In the general direction they were intended to! Hmm. Interesting. So, more suggestions, adjustments, and other general teaching type things, and I even managed to hit the close target (12 yards, I believe) a few times. Neat.
So, I started getting better at aiming, and we switched to the further target (20 yards or so). I managed to do fairly well. On my second to last attempt, I hit the target with every shot. Including two in the bullseye (read: a little piece of plastic jammed in the target.) On my last attempt, I got all but two. My instructor had said he wasn’t letting me stop until I got six in the target in one go. How about ten? Ten is good.
I am so, SO pleased with myself. I’m told I did quite well, especially for my first try. I’m chuffed, albeit humbly blaming beginners luck and fully expect I will suck ass next time I try. Am not exactly the next Robin Hood. For one, I don’t like wearing tights.
I will also credit an excellent teacher, despite his assertation that he “doesn’t teach newbies”. Well, y’know, maybe if more newbies were as awesome as I am… (hah!)
I also have a hell of a bruise on my arm from the half dozen or so times I let the string hit me. Ow, ow, ow. Pain is an excellent teacher, I’m going to try to avoid that.
Of course, now I have visions of combat archery and other such fun. Sure, I said I’d never be in armor, but this is different: If someone tries to hit me, I can scream like a girl and run away (or whatever other form of yielding I prefer.) I know the last thing I need is another expensive hobby, but… but… I can shoot things! And people! With arrows!
Fuck me, this isn’t going to be cheap. I know exactly how much armor costs, I lived with Nick for over two years while he upgraded his armor kit every other month.
Must go for headshots. When the zombies come, shooting them in the body will just piss them off. And you know archery is going to be more useful than guns, because eventually we’re going to run out of ammo.
