The Bow – Your Trusty Sidekick

These are the main bow styles you’ll see on Scottish field courses:

• Barebow – No sights. Simple setup, big challenge. Great fun if you like learning fast (and missing honestly).
• Recurve – Versatile, widely used, can be barebow or sighted.
• Compound – Cams/pulleys reduce holding weight. Precise and capable, especially on tricky shots.
• Longbow – Traditional classic. Elegant, demanding, and always a conversation starter.
• Traditional / Historical – Heritage style with modern safety and club-friendly setups.

Tip: Start with a bow you can draw comfortably for several hours without your shoulders turning into wet concrete.

Arrows – Not Just Pointy Sticks

Your arrows should match each other: length, weight, spine (stiffness), diameter and fletching style. Consistency matters — especially when distances and angles change all day.

Parts of an arrow

• Nock – Clips to the string
• Shaft – Wood, aluminium, carbon or composites
• Fletching – Feathers or vanes that stabilise flight
• Point (pile) – The business end

Tip: Number your arrows. When one disappears into bracken you’ll at least know which child has wandered off.

Extra Bits You’ll Probably Want

• Quiver – Hip is practical; back looks cinematic but can be awkward in woodland
• Arm guard – Prevents string slap and colourful bruises
• Finger tab/glove – Saves your fingers and improves consistency
• String silencers – Stops your bow sounding like an irritated banjo
• Arrow puller – Especially helpful on foam targets

What’s Optional vs What’s Required?

Required for most competitions:

• Bow setup that fits your style’s rules
• Matched arrows
• Basic protection (arm guard, finger protection)

Smart extras in Scotland:

• Waterproof outer layer
• Boots with grip
• Small towel or cloth (dry grip, dry hands, dry sanity)
• Thermos of tea (because tea fixes most things)

Keeping It Legal

• No crossbows
• No mechanical draw devices (unless your specific class permits it)
• Arrows must remain within IFAA speed limits
• Your bow must be held and shot without external support

If in doubt ask your club. Scottish clubs are used to beginners and would much rather answer questions than watch you accidentally turn up with something that doesn’t fit the rules.