ehagerty
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2001
Heard about the new archery lesson / option at FW - probably through allearsnet - and booked it for a low key day during the WLV portion of our stay. I walked over to FW, spent a little time in the horse barn (pictures, soon), then met up with my post-exam-week, late-sleeper sons.
A little background - with 2 boys - and a karate instructor husband - well let's just say I haven't spent much time in a dance studio! DS21 is a decent marksman (Eagle Scout) and we are all martial artists. Doesn't mean we love weapons, but we aren't afraid of them, either. (Actually DS fashioned a Glock pistol and a rifle out of Legos when he was about 10 - will have to take picture...) .
DSs checked in (forget the name of the building - middle of FW, near the new pool), and waiting (Mom hoofing it across the bridge to get them caffiene ASAP):
The "event" is lead by two cast members - the same ones who conduct the FW Segway tours. It is very well thought-out and safe. They practice all dimensions of the mini-routine, using drumbeats (so as not to confuse the lifeguards, who are within earshot at the new FW pool, with shouts / whistles / bells). Here is a picture of the "rules":
... and some tips (get, it? "tips"?)
Everyone picks up his/her bow (I was the only "her") from the rack and returns it after each "round."
There are a series of 3 firing lines, and everyone shoots from the same line:
The CMs walk up and down the line, couching with reminder tips up; tips for safety and accuracy / form:
... picture of an example of "form" - the "finish" of the right hand by the ear - much like the "finish" form in bowling, or a golf swing....
Each person retrieves, his (I'm just dropping the "her" for the rest of this report) arrows and returns them to the "quiver" - together, properly removing the arrow by the appropriate place ON the arrow:
Some do better than others - and make funny faces for the camera:
Conclusion:
Would we do it again? YES - boys had low expectations and really liked it.
Would we recommend it? YES - if it aligns with your interests and you are nearby.
Tips:
Bruises are possible - as a black belt, I finish my punches with a straight, locked down armed. I have little upper body strength at this point, but good form. This form does NOT work for archery - my elbow was directly in the path of the bow-string when the arrow is released. Quite a bruise - didn't really bother me - just mentioning it, so you know. Nothing like a little life lesson to improve my archery form quickly.
I am relatively good aerobic condition, but not much strength. I did about 80% of my arrows, and could have finished, but elected to let DSs use my arrows for 2-3 rounds. Worked for all of us, and the CMs were OK with it.
My right middle fingertip was quite numb for a few days. Was expecting a callous, but it did not materialize. I kept looking at it and rubbing it, though - which may have confused onlookers! My right shoulder, which I was expecting to be sore, was not at all.
A little background - with 2 boys - and a karate instructor husband - well let's just say I haven't spent much time in a dance studio! DS21 is a decent marksman (Eagle Scout) and we are all martial artists. Doesn't mean we love weapons, but we aren't afraid of them, either. (Actually DS fashioned a Glock pistol and a rifle out of Legos when he was about 10 - will have to take picture...) .
DSs checked in (forget the name of the building - middle of FW, near the new pool), and waiting (Mom hoofing it across the bridge to get them caffiene ASAP):
The "event" is lead by two cast members - the same ones who conduct the FW Segway tours. It is very well thought-out and safe. They practice all dimensions of the mini-routine, using drumbeats (so as not to confuse the lifeguards, who are within earshot at the new FW pool, with shouts / whistles / bells). Here is a picture of the "rules":
... and some tips (get, it? "tips"?)
Everyone picks up his/her bow (I was the only "her") from the rack and returns it after each "round."
There are a series of 3 firing lines, and everyone shoots from the same line:
The CMs walk up and down the line, couching with reminder tips up; tips for safety and accuracy / form:
... picture of an example of "form" - the "finish" of the right hand by the ear - much like the "finish" form in bowling, or a golf swing....
Each person retrieves, his (I'm just dropping the "her" for the rest of this report) arrows and returns them to the "quiver" - together, properly removing the arrow by the appropriate place ON the arrow:
Some do better than others - and make funny faces for the camera:
Conclusion:
Would we do it again? YES - boys had low expectations and really liked it.
Would we recommend it? YES - if it aligns with your interests and you are nearby.
Tips:
Bruises are possible - as a black belt, I finish my punches with a straight, locked down armed. I have little upper body strength at this point, but good form. This form does NOT work for archery - my elbow was directly in the path of the bow-string when the arrow is released. Quite a bruise - didn't really bother me - just mentioning it, so you know. Nothing like a little life lesson to improve my archery form quickly.
I am relatively good aerobic condition, but not much strength. I did about 80% of my arrows, and could have finished, but elected to let DSs use my arrows for 2-3 rounds. Worked for all of us, and the CMs were OK with it.
My right middle fingertip was quite numb for a few days. Was expecting a callous, but it did not materialize. I kept looking at it and rubbing it, though - which may have confused onlookers! My right shoulder, which I was expecting to be sore, was not at all.
! We're all looking forward to doing it on our next trip
.
