Not a bad weekend, my pain levels were fairly high, but I was determined that that wouldn’t stop me from trying something new.
For a while now I’ve been doing a lot of research into looking for an activity or sport that I could enjoy and get some exercise from.
So I asked myself some questions and this is the answer I came up with.
- I wanted it to be something with a social aspect to kt and not something I would have to do on my own.
- It needed to be something I really wanted to do.
- I wanted it to be something I could indoors or outdoors.
- It had to be something that wouldn’t be cost prohibitive as I not exactly rich.
- It also needed to be something I would enjoy and exercise for me at the same time.
- And finally it needed to be something I could do whilst using my wheelchair.
The big question – Did I find something?
The equally big answer – Yes I did.
After much research I finally contacted an Archery club last Wednesday, explaining what I wanted to do, and also asked if They catered for wheelchair users, I then asked if I would I be able to go along on Saturday to see the facility and ask a few questions, and also speak to a few members if possible, thankfully the answer was yes.
So on Saturday I arrived at the archery club around 9 am. I was feeling excited yet nervous. I met with Paul the head coach, who showed me around the range, and went through the range etiquette and rules with me, before introducing me to a couple of the other members.
Firstly he introduced me to Colin, who is also a wheelchair user. Colin was a really nice guy, we had a really good chat and a laugh, the other guy was Neil who was another coach and also a nice guy. Now because I hadn’t completed the beginners/safety course I wasn’t actually able to shoot any arrows. ThankfullyColin allowed me to sit in his wheelchair, then they showed me how to sit properly, then hold and use a bow.
As a beginner and a wheelchair user they let me practice with one of the club bows, the type of bow I practiced my technique on was called a compound bow.
The reasoning behind using one of these is.
- They are easier to use as a beginner shooting form the seated position
- They are fairly light.
- They look damn cool
- And the pressure can be adjusted.
I now realise I have muscles where I didn’t know I had muscles, so I will definitely be getting some exercise.
So everything on my needs & wants list ticked. Result. I will be doing my initial training course on the afternoons of 10th & 17th August and I can’t wait.
Take care
Gary x
I want to learn archery too but never made the time for it. You have inspired me. Enjoy!
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Good for you Gary
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Gotta admit it’s taken a while to convince myself to take the plunge and go fort it.
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