Are you SURE that lost arrow was high and to the right?
If you get the chance to shoot outdoors in the winter, there's a few things you need to know ...
Outdoors?! … in a Scottish winter!?!
Don’t panic, stay calm. So, what do you need if shootie in the freezing cold is your intention because winter archers generally fall into three categories:
- The Optimist, who arrives in a hoodie because "it isn't that cold."
- The Mountaineer, dressed for a solo expedition across the Antarctic.
- The Experienced Archer, who quietly owns six layers, a flask, hand warmers and a thousand-yard stare.
Lets get you sorted out as an experienced archer.
Clothing
Obviously when the temperature drops you are going to need to stay warm, but you cannot just bulk up clothing without it getting in the way of your form and the string. That’s frustrating like you won’t believe. So … here are a few things to wear but won’t add to your archery woes.
A Hat: Here you need a beanie/woolly ski hat or a waterproof bucket hat. This will keep your ears and head warm. The sillier the better as it keeps the other archers spirits up when they get to see you in a Winnie the Pooh hat or hats with cat ears. Huge pompoms are a sign of status with archers so careful you don't make a terrible faux pas. For the bucket hat, just ensure the brim is big enough to keep water off your face but small enough not to interfere with your string at full draw.
Upper body and legs: Lined walking trousers or thermal layers are useful in cold weather. Jeans are NEVER a good idea. Once wet, they become cold, heavy and generally determined to ruin your day. For your upper body, think layers rather than one thick chunky sweatshirt or similar. Things like double thickness compression teeshirts are great with extra layers. Avoid bulky sleeves and anything that can catch the string.
Jacket: You don’t want a thick jacket. This is something else that will get in the way of your form or the string. Think more wind breaker with some water resistance if it's snowing or light rain ideally tailored. Soft shell jackets do a good job here especially gilets (a sleeveless jacket resembling a waistcoat). These keep your core warm and shed a little rain while allowing free movement of arms with no impediment to the string.
Don’t forget your chest guard will be extremely useful when wearing a jacket and remember to tuck the jacket collar inside the jacket as they can interfere with your anchor.
Gloves: A pair of gloves are pretty important. Put your gloves on as soon as you come off the shooting line. Don't wait until your fingers have reached the “small blocks of ice” stage. Also wear when walking to collect your arrows. Fingerless gloves are less useful given your fingertips are exposed and those are the bits you need feeling in. It's usually best not to wear gloves while shooting as this will radically affect the bows position in your hand.
Feet: Thick socks are essential. No trainers. Winter archery fields can have a unique relationship with mud. A field that looked perfectly reasonable at 9am can, by 10:30, develop the consistency of warm chocolate pudding and the ability to remove footwear without consulting the owner first. Waterproof boots or wellies are your friends. Several GA members have heated socks .. Words still fail us.
Accessories
Tubular Bandage: A great way to gather up any loose clothing i.e. jacket sleeves and tuck them out of the way are tubular bandages. They are elasticated tubes so when pulled on over loose clothing, they immediately compress them into a state that they don’t get in the way of the string. One on your bow arm is ideal then your bracer goes on top.
Hand Warmers: These fall into the categories of reusable, chemical or USB. All do the job. Between ends these stop your hands freezing. Once your fingers reach a certain temperature you stop shooting arrows and start launching enthusiastic guesses in roughly the direction of the boss.
NO! Definitely NOT that sort of flask!
A Flask: THIS IS VITAL but it's not the flask that’s important, it's the Coffee or Tea or Soup in the flask. Honestly, you will look forward to that beverage break every 12 arrows! By the second dozen it has become a religious artifact around which archers gather for warmth, hope and life advice. You might even be able to feel your fingers afterwards!
Remember toilet facilities are available at the clubhouse Sunday mornings.
Conclusion
Despite appearances, winter archery is entirely possible. You may question several of your life choices while doing it, but with sensible clothing and a little preparation, there's no reason to give up your archery just because the temperature has dropped.
Obviously, if there's a blizzard and the Finnish have gone indoors, reconsider.
* * *
PS: Unique Winter Rounds
Frostbite: 36 arrows at 30m on an 80cm face. Must be SHOT IN THE WINTER!
Ironman: 2 frostbites back-to-back plus another 12 arrows in between just to make you suffer a bit more! (84 arrows at 30m on an 80cm face)
For an even more radical approach to staying warm in winter .. check out The Hottest archer in Scotland
