Sunset Coast Archers > Frequently Asked Questions

ARCHERY CAN BE ENJOYED BY THE WHOLE FAMILY.

Archery is a sport for all people whatever their age, gender or level of physical ability. It is also a very versatile sport since it can be as simple or as involved as the archer wishes. It is possibly the only sport where the whole family can learn together, side by side. If you are going to book the kids in to a course you might consider doing it yourself. There is a discount for families.

Archery is a sport for all seasons and at Sunset Coast Archers we shoot all year round only taking a break for Christmas.

• Can I just turn up on a Sunday and have a go?
  If you are at the Club at 8.45am and have shot before and have your own equipment no problem. Otherwise please phone before coming down or come and have a chat on Sunday morning.
  
  
• What time do you start and finish?
  We start putting targets out at 8.30am and start shooting at 9am. On most Sundays we finish shooting at 12noon.
  
  
• How do I get started in Archery?
  You can sign up for one of our regular beginners courses. Information here.
  
  
• Do I have to book in advance for a beginners course, what does it cost and how long does the course go for?
  Yes you do have to book because we can only take a certain number for each course. More information here.
  
  The course goes for 8 weeks. What happens if I can't attend all 8 weeks?
  You must be able to attend the first two weeks. After that we will help you make up the week(s) you lose if necessary.
  
  
• Why 8 weeks?
  While you can do shorter courses at less cost elsewhere we believe that our course will actually cost you less in the long run because by the end of it you will have a good indication of whether you want to continue on with archery, pay club fees and purchase your own equipment. If you have done our course you can continue to our use club equipment at no cost until you are ready to buy your own. With a shorter course you may be tempted to pay club fees and purchase equipment just to keep shooting while you are still excited about archery. If you decide in the following weeks that you no longer wish to continue you can't get those fees back.
  
  
• Who teaches us?
  We currently have 4 qualified Archery Instructors and a Club Coach.
  
  
• What type of bow will I learn on?
  You will be taught how to use a recurve bow.
  
  
• Do I have to have my own equipment to do a beginners course?
  No. We will provide you with everything that you need.
  
  
• I just purchased some archery equipment. Can I use that in the beginners course?
  As long as it is a recurve bow, is not too strong for you to pull and the arrows are of the right length then yes you can. We can give you advice on that once we have seen your equipment.
  
  
• When should I be thinking about purchasing my own Archery equipment?
  This is a complex one and another reason why our beginners courses run for 8 weeks. While you are excited about starting up archery you will want your own equipment but we suggest that you don't get anything yet. Do the course using club equipment while talking to club members about their equipment.
  
  
• What age group do you cater for?
  11 years and upwards.
  
  
• What happens when I finish the course?
  At the end of the 8 weeks we would like to invite you to join our club if you would like to continue Archery.
  
  
• I have shot in a club environment, have my own equipment, and can shoot with a minimal amount of supervision but can't shoot very well. Should I do the beginners course?
  None of us shoot very well at times so don't worry about that! Over the 8 weeks of the course you will learn how to shoot using the correct technique so you will improve. It also gives you a chance to see if Sunset Coast Archers is the club for you. On the other hand you can bypass the course and shoot as a Temporary Member for 4 weeks for the cost of weekly target fees. After that you will need to join the club for insurance reasons.
  
  
• Once I have done the course can I still use the club equipment?
  If it isn't required for a beginners course then you can use club equipment at no cost but to improve you should start looking at getting your own gear.
  
  
• Can I use club equipment if I have done a course elsewhere or am getting back into the sport? Yes you can hire equipment for $5 a week.
  
  
• Do I have to become a member of Sunset Coast Archers?
  If you are a member of an affiliated FITA club in Australia or Overseas then you can shoot for the cost of target fees otherwise you will eventually have to become a member of Sunset Coast Archers. Fees will include membership to Archery Australia and Archery Western Australia so that you are covered by insurance.

• When can I become a member of Sunset Coast Archers?
  You can become a member at any time however at the end of the 8 week Beginners to Winners course, or after shooting as a Temporary Member for 4 weeks, you would need to become a member for insurance purposes.
  
  
• What if I didn't have to do the beginners course?
  If you have shot before in a club environment and don't need any supervision you can shoot as a Temporary Member for 4 Sundays before being invited to become a member. You will need to pay target fees of $5 on the days that you shoot.
  
  
• What if I have my own bow but haven't shot in a club environment. eg hunting?
  You can shoot as a temporary member for 4 weeks for the cost of target fees.
  
  
• Do you have open days?
  No not at the moment.