NYC Archery Club Frequently Asked Questions
About this Meetup › NYC Archery Club Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to have prior experience to participate in this club?
No. We welcome people 21 yrs. or older interested in learning and practicing archery.
2. Is there a membership fee?
As of April 1, 2007 membership to this club will be $10 a year. Membership fees will be used for the cost of maintaining club equipment (2 recurve bows and one compound bow plus arrows and fletching equipment), the creation and down payment of club t-shirts, reimbursing club drivers and administrative cost of our Meetup membership.
If you would like to attend an event before paying a membership fee, visitors pay the club $5 to attend, and if they then decide to join they would pay the remaining balance.
3. What kinds of events does this Meetup group have?
The core mission of this group is to promote the sport of archery by engaging in a variety of enjoyable group activities centered around the sport.
We meet over dinner to discuss the development of the club, meet new members, share training and technique information, and to celebrate individual and group accomplishments. The level of camaraderie and support is high in this club.
We get to the range at least 3 times a month and our events cover: hands-on training opportunities, outdoor shooting trips, and fun events around archery in films and books.
Overall, the group is passionate about the sport and welcoming to anyone with a genuine interest in learning and practicing archery.
4. When does the Archery Meetup Group get together?
In the past, we practiced at least the first two Friday evenings of the month and the 4th Saturday morning to afternoon of every month.
However, as of August 2007 we had to switch to multiple Saturdays a month because we no longer have hosts for our Friday events. As the club continues to grow we are looking forward to adding Friday practice events back to our calendar.
Currently, most members like the Saturday meetings because it leaves them most of Saturday to still get other things done, so that is our largest crowd.
In 2007 we've worked on going to an outside range one Sunday a month, while the weather permits. This adds another type of shooting experience that includes wind and distance elements an archer can't learn about in an indoor range.
5. Where can I practice?
At this time there are 3 archery lane locations in the NYC area. Two are located in Queens, and one is located on Long Island.
The range in Long Island is about 45 minutes by the LIRR.
We accompany all new members and beginner archers to the range whenever possible, to help them start off with a positive introduction to the sport of archery.
At this time, we are very happy to report the range we visit on the 4th Saturday of every month offers our club a discount to shoot and will reserve lanes for our club.
It is this kind of benefit that makes joining a club entirely worthwhile.
6. How much does training cost?
Depends on which of the ranges you go to and if you opt for personal training by the hour. All ranges offer training and rental equipment. It can be as low as $17/per hour for basic training and equipment usage.
Since pricing can be subject to change without our knowledge, we cannot go into detail for each range. You would have to speak to each location about pricing before going to a particular range to practice or receive training.
It should also be noted, experienced members are very helpful to novice archers receptive to pointers that can improve their practice experience. We're here to help and are happy to do so!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of March 2005, the LIRR offers a "City Ticket" fare for round trip travel on weekends from Manhattan to Queens or Brooklyn, for only $6!!! You can read more about this here: http://www.mta.info/m...
7. What am I required to do as a member?
In order to remain a member of the club you must attend at least one archery event every 60 days.
This club is about actively supporting the sport of archery through participation, training and socializing with other members. Our members support one another and improve the value of the club by adding their knowledge, personalities, humor, and insights to the events. In short, we are a community of individuals who love the sport of archery and enjoy socializing with people who feel the same way.
Inactive membership is detrimental to our continued success and we encourage all members to contact the Organizer if they are unable to participate in events after 30 days.
After 60 days, your membership will be deleted if you have not participated in any events.
We shoot for about two or more hours. Currently, most members like this time for the event because it leaves them most of Saturday to still get other things done.
However, members can always go to the range at other times and invite other members along for company. Just email the Organizer and she will work on making your trip an official event.
8. Where can I purchase archery equipment?
The most important thing about buying equipment is getting your "reach" right and making sure you have your "dominant" eye correct. Getting fitted for a bow should be done by a professional/expert.
Someone who knows what bow would be a good fit given your reach, dominant eye, upper body strength, type of archery you want to practice, and fits your budget.
Without a doubt, it should be done by someone who sells archery equipment for a living, not someone who only does so sporadically during the week.
You can purchase equipment online but it is not recommended.
9. How much does archery equipment cost?
The short answer is less than golf, but more than bowling.
You would have to pay for equipment, training and actual lane time, just as if you were learning to bowl.
The long answer is:
Compound bow basic archery equipment is: $300 - $700
And includes:
- Bow
- 6-12 Arrows
- Quiver
- Bow accessories: sight, hand grip, arrow rest, release
Recurve bow basics (riser/handle & limbs): $200 - $800
Just for the bow, NOT including the arrows, quiver & bow accessories.
You don't need to own your own equipment to learn archery! All ranges rent bows.
10. Yay! I have my bow, but am I breaking the law?
No. Article 265: FIREARMS AND OTHER DANGEROUS WEAPONS of the New York penal law does NOT list bows as a dangerous weapon.
It can be classified as a "dangerous instrument", but so can a pencil.
A dangerous instrument refers to using something to menace with the intent to harm, and is more about your conduct while in possession of a bow and arrows.
To travel with a bow and avoid any unfortunate situations I strongly advise you to carry it in a case, that can be locked. To be clear here, you can buy a bow case that can be locked, buy a cloth case or even stow it in luggage, but make sure that the bow is not readily identifiable as one.
Bow cases with a picture of a bow and arrows or painted in camo is a bad idea.
11. Besides attending one event every 60 days, are there other requirements for membership?
Yes. This club is sociable, fun and friendly and the Organizer is committed to keeping it that way.
Essentially, the sport is about using what is a dangerous instrument. Thus, we have a strict No Jerk policy.
We prohibit any behavior that endangers other members, makes it uncomfortable or unpleasant for them to practice the sport or any behavior or language designed to belittle the skill level of other members. This group exists to support and encourage beginners, experts and every skill level in between.
We are uninterested in having any member who does not know how to conduct themselves in public or who is comfortable being an all-around jerk.
Otherwise, there are no other requirements for maintaining membership beyond participation.
However, by RSVPing you keep the Organizer informed of your interest, what types of events members are interested in and what she can do to help members participate.
12. What does the RSVPs, "yes", "no" and "maybe" mean?
- Yes: You have cleared your schedule and are attending. (Think of "yes" as a date to go to court.)
- Maybe: You are unsure that you will be able to attend, but you'd like to go and will make an effort to do so.
- No: You have noted the time and place of the event and either detail eliminates you as a possible attendee.
People shouldn't feel uncomfortable saying no, if it is practically impossible they'll be able to make an event, but they should always be aware of the "60 day" requirement for keeping their membership active.
13. I confirmed "yes" and now I can't attend the event. What should I do?
Out of consideration for the time and efforts it takes to make arrangements for events, use the information from the FINAL DETAILS email (sent prior to all events), to contact the host/organizer and alert them as soon as possible you will be unable to attend.
We appreciate that things happen that can prevent your attendance and have every expectation you will extend the same consideration for our time that you would want extended for your time. We would appreciate you taking a moment to let us know that you can't attend and why.
If we have reservations for an event and you are a no-show without a phone call or email, regrettably your membership will be deleted.
14. Why is this group "approval" only?
Candidly, meetup.com has made it a simple click for anyone to join a club, and in the past that has lead to a lot of people joining who do not have the time or the motivation to participate. The approval process allows us to identify the people who are serious about taking up or practicing the sport and those who have a passing interest and no time to dedicate to archery.
This club is about building and maintaining a community of archers and spreading this sport throughout NYC. Toward that end we are looking for sociable, active and motivated individuals who greatly enjoy socializing with others will learning and practicing this unique skill.
Thanks for taking the time to read our FAQ.
The NYC Archery Meetup Group