A year in at Glasgow Archers

A Noob's Tale: Twas winter season 2024 when Finlay first darkened our door with his newfangled compounding ways and a beard you could hide a badger in. A year on, how has he found life at GA?

First steps 2024

I suppose I should explain how this all came about. So, our resident sports journalist George asked me to write about my first year as a member of Glasgow Archers (GA) and more importantly as the only (beginning from scratch) member that shoots compound.

It’s no secret that compound is top tier where everyone is jealous of our good looks and superior aim. However, as of a year ago, I had never even held a compound let alone shot one. At this point I should point out that Glasgow Archers are mostly recurve (the archery gods chosen people - ed), but you can’t blame them for that.

After a few emails back and forth, I was invited to the Wednesday night shoot just to make sure I wasn’t full of it and could shoot safely. Shooting recurve in the past helped but for a complete beginner, GA does hold numerous beginners’ courses which are a hoot. After a quick assessment from the wonderful Michael, I was let loose. I wasn’t long getting my hands on a compound and shooting.

Steely eyed compounder man 2025

This is where the fun began. The disgust on George’s face when I came walking in with my very reasonably priced Topoint 36 Starting bow was only equalled with his eagerness to help where he could. You could say that for everyone. They weren’t too sure how to take all the pulleys and cables, but it wasn’t long before I was accepted.

With the help of YouTube and from Mr Ross (notorious compounder from East Kilbride Archery club), I was soon hitting the target inconsistently. But I will point out that was with my arrow rest put on upside down and my peep the wrong way so all in all not bad. (Trust but verify your video sources guys)

Between the interclub competitions plus their own events that the club organise both indoors and outdoors, it’s been a fantastic place to grow and meet your goals.

With everything said, GA is a club and a club is only as good as its members. Here Glasgow Archers have some crackers. I have met some absolutely wonderful people through GA. One or two are borderline insane (George & John), but everyone gives 110% and wants to see the club grow and last long after they hang up their quivers. For that reason I would highly recommend Glasgow Archers. Not only for compounders but to anyone looking for a club or wanting to try archery. So if you are thinking about it, get in touch and begin your journey.

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No compounders were tied to a chair and made say nice things about Glasgow Archers on pain of hex key action around their cams. Honest mister!