Your child may be showing interests in archery at an early age. But what age is too early, and is there ever a “too old” age group? Although there is no definitive age to have your child begin archery lessons, here are some helpful insights in determining whether your child child is ready to begin learning this awesome sport.
The Younger, the Better!
It can be a little nerve-wracking watching your little one struggling to handle a bow and arrow. But don’t stress! If your child has shown interest in learning archery, it’s actually recommended that you start them on lessons that teach them the proper hold and grip of a bow. Ideally, your child would be around 8 years old or older, but it’s up to your discretion if you think your child is ready to begin. In fact, there are archery kits available for children as young as three years old!
Hobby vs. Sport
A child in the 3–8-year-old age range is more likely to be interested in archery as a fun hobby, but as they get older, the hobby can become more focused and disciplined. However, experts will be willing to work with your child regardless of their initial motivation. As long as your child shows an interest and is able to pay attention to their instructor, they will benefit from taking archery lessons.
Let’s Talk About Cost
Archery is an investment, but remember it is an incredibly useful one. Hunting, scholarships, and competitions are just a small portion of opportunities the world of archery can offer. You will want to have a consistent archery range for your child to visit, and lessons that continue growing your child’s skillset. But most importantly, the bow and arrows are the first big investment you will need to make. The archery professionals at Buck & Doe’s are well versed in helping your child get started.
Which Bow is Best for Your Child?
Each child is different, but the ways to identify which bow is best for your child remains the same:
- Determine their dominant eye. You can do this with a simple test of putting an image on a wall. Have them cover their right eye and point to the middle of the image. If their finger stays pointed to the middle of the image, it means their left eye is the dominant eye. If their hand drifts to the right, that means their right eye is the dominant eye. This will let you know if you need to purchase a right-handed or left-handed bow.
- Next, measure your child’s arm span. Have them spread their arms out on either side of them, with their palms facing you. Measure from one middle finger to the other and divide that number by 2.5 to determine the ideal draw length for your child.
- Lastly, finding the right size and height for the bow will be determined by your child’s own height and weight. Typically, youth bows range from 30-40 inches in length, but that can vary. If your child weighs 50-80 pounds, a 10–15-pound bow should be comfortable for them. You don’t want a bow that is uncomfortably heavy or tall – The archery experts at Buck & Doe’s will work with you and your child to find the perfect size bow that fits both your child and your budget.
It’s Never Too Late to Get Started!
There is never a “too old” age group for learning archery. You can start building your skillset at any time, with the right lessons and instructor. Beginning archery is open to all!
At Buck & Doe’s Mercantile, our archery experts can help you determine the right fit for your child. With an impressive inventory, state-of-the-art archery range, and archery lessons for all levels, we are ready to get you started!