Archery involved much more than I was expecting

AFRICA Genesis Archery South Africa recently trained seven new Basic Archery Instructors (BAIs). On the weekend of August 17-18 the newly-trained BAIs received their certificates, and amongst the group was someone I have known for decades … it was yours truly.

What this means is that there are now seven more trainers with the ability to set up an archery range safely, guide new and existing archers in the sport, and teach others about the safety aspect as well as the technical side of archery.

With the upcoming national competition taking place in Kimberley, it was essential for me to be trained, as I would be taking photos on the courses throughout that week of shooting. After I completed my training, I can now see why archery is the second safest sport in the world.

Now I know you are probably thinking, “What is the first?” But we’ll get to that a bit later.

There’s much more to archery than meets the eye. More than picking up a bow and arrow and shooting. No, it’s about safety, discipline, composure, self-reflection, and calming yourself to the point where you become one with the equipment in your hand, and the inner Robin Hood emerges.

Archery can positively impact both children and adults by improving their character, academic performance, and self-awareness. Before exploring these benefits, let’s look at the rich history and evolution of archery in South Africa.

History of the discipline

Archery dates back thousands of years, serving as essential tools for hunting and warfare. In South Africa, indigenous people like the San used bows and arrows for survival, passing down their skills through generations, creating a deep connection to archery.

Modern archery in South Africa began to take shape in the mid-20th century with small local clubs and a few enthusiasts. These pioneers laid the foundation for a growing and vibrant archery community.

The sport gained formal recognition in the 1950s when the South African National Archery Association (SANAA) was established, marking the beginning of organised competitions, standardisation of rules, and participation in international tournaments. SANAA’s establishment also helped bring archery to people from all walks of life.

Today, archery has expanded to include various disciplines such as field archery, 3D archery, and target archery, with South African archers competing on the world stage in competitions such as the Olympic Games, World Archery Championships, and the African Archery Championships.

Archery’s benefits

As I stood on the training field, bow in hand, I realised that archery is about more than just hitting a target – it’s a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

I thought about how this sport can influence children.

Archery offers children a unique opportunity to develop skills that go beyond physical strength. It teaches them patience, focus, and discipline – qualities that are often in short supply in today’s fast-paced device-in-hand world. In a society where instant gratification is the norm, archery stands as a reminder that some of the most rewarding accomplishments require time, effort, and unwavering dedication.

The structured nature of archery offers children a clear sense of progression. As they advance from shooting at short distances to longer ones and enhance their accuracy over time, they learn that improvement comes through consistent practice. This sense of progression extends beyond archery, imparting a valuable life lesson that can be applied to academics, hobbies, and future careers.

Moreover, archery is a sport that emphasises safety and responsibility. The importance of following safety protocols is drilled into every archer from the very beginning, even before they have even picked up a bow.

Children learn to respect the equipment, the range, and their fellow archers. This culture of safety fosters a sense of responsibility and maturity, as children understand that their actions can have serious consequences.

In an era where children are often shielded from real-world responsibilities, archery provides a controlled environment for them to develop accountability and self-discipline.

But perhaps one of the most profound effects of archery on children is its ability to boost self-esteem and confidence, because success is not defined by competing against others but by personal achievement. Each arrow released is a test of the archer’s focus, technique, and mental fortitude.

As children see their skills improve and their scores increase, they gain confidence in their abilities. This newfound confidence often extends beyond the archery range, positively impacting other areas of their lives.

A therapeutic pasttime

The lessons learnt in archery are not limited to children. The sport has the power to change people of all ages for the better. In our fast-paced world, where distractions are endless and stress levels are high, archery offers a rare opportunity to slow down, focus, and connect with oneself.

Archery is often described as a form of moving meditation. The repetitive nature of drawing the bow, aiming, and releasing the arrow requires a level of concentration that can quiet the mind. For many, archery becomes a way to escape the noise of everyday life and find a sense of inner peace. This mental clarity achieved through the practice of archery can have profound effects on one’s well-being.

Moreover, archery teaches resilience. Not every shot will hit the target, and not every arrow will land where intended. But rather than becoming discouraged, archers learn to analyse their performance, adjust their technique, and try again. This ability to bounce back from setbacks is a valuable skill that cannot be picked up from screen-gazing.

The sport also fosters a sense of community. Archery is often seen as an individual sport, but it is also a deeply social one. Whether it’s practising at a local club, participating in competitions, or simply sharing tips with fellow archers, the camaraderie that develops within the archery community is truly special. Those who might feel alone or disengaged in other aspects of their lives may find particular significance in this sense of belonging.

Archery can also play a role in improving physical health. While it may not be as physically demanding as some other sports, it still requires strength, coordination, and endurance. The act of drawing a bow engages multiple muscle groups, and with regular practice, archers can improve their upper body strength and posture.

The physical benefits, combined with the mental and emotional advantages, make it a holistic sport that can contribute to overall well-being.

So, what’s safer than archery?

Now, as promised, let’s address the question that’s been lingering since the beginning: What is the first safest sport in the world? You might think it is swimming, golf, or even running, but the answer is table tennis.

Like archery, table tennis is a sport with a strong emphasis on safety and discipline. Both sports require participants to follow strict safety protocols, which is why they are considered among the safest sports globally.

As I reflect on what it took to become a Basic Archery Instructor, I am reminded of the transformative power of this sport. Like how it develops qualities that can change lives for the better, whether it’s the patience and discipline that can be derived, finding inner peace, or fostering a sense of community, archery has a profound impact on those who practise it.

In South Africa, the growth of archery as a sport is not just a testament to its appeal but also to its ability to enrich lives. As more people discover the benefits of archery, I believe we will see even more stories of personal growth, resilience, and transformation.

So, if you’ve ever considered picking up a bow and a quiver of arrows, I can tell you, you will not be making a mistake. You might just find that the target you’re aiming for is not just on the range but within yourself.