Pop culture books and film lead to growth in classic sport
Thanks in part to the popularity of The “Hunger Games” films, archery has become the sport du jour.
Wilcox Bait & Tackle in Newport News has an indoor archery range and recently began a Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) program for those ages 8-20. Through JOAD, students learn how to shoot with a bow and arrow for recreation or competition. Though JOAD focuses on the younger set, anyone can participate.
“Archery is a non-discriminatory sport,” says Tom Wilcox, co-owner of Wilcox Bait & Tackle. “It doesn’t matter if you are weak or strong, short or tall, young or old. Anyone can do it. I’ve been doing it since I was 10. I get a charge out of it. It’s a lot of fun.”
Wilcox and his employees offer service in proper sizing and fittings of the bows, as well as instruction on how to correctly handle a bow and arrow, how to stand, how to aim for the target and shoot, and other safety measures.
Beginning at age 6, children can take up the sport. Archery teaches focus and concentration, patience, safety, self-confidence and self-discipline. Drawing a bow strengthens core muscles, adds balance and stability, and improves hand-eye coordination.
Cassie Swartwood, a junior at Woodside High School in Newport News and a member of Wilcox’s JOAD program, took up archery competitively in the eighth grade. She learned the sport from her father.
“One of my favorite things about archery is when you shoot, it’s you and the target and nothing else,” Swartwood says. “All outside noise disappears and you get in this zone. I’ve learned several things in archery but the number one thing while shooting is patience, and to have fun.”
In addition to the indoor archery range, there are outdoor ranges at Newport News Park and at Lone Star Lakes Park in Suffolk. James City County offers instruction through its parks and recreation department, as does Virginia Beach.
“Children and adults that are involved with archery learn to engage their bodies and minds in order to excel at the sport,” says Katie Whanger, a recreational specialist for outdoor programs with Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, and a USA Archery instructor. “Archery lessons should include range rules, safety information, whistle commands, information on equipment care and maintenance, and demonstration of proper shooting form and technique.”
Whanger advises parents to find a reputable program before enrolling their children.
“Archery equipment can be quite dangerous, for the child or others around, if used incorrectly,” she says. “I like that it is a skill that most people can pick up through practice and repetition. It is a sport where listening, being mentally engaged and continued practice are just as important, if not more so, than strength, agility or stamina. You don’t have to be the biggest, fastest or quickest person to excel at this sport. For that reason, I think it appeals to all types and all ages of people.”
Some places in Hampton Roads that offer archery instruction include:
James City County Parks & Recreation
Providence Classical School in Williamsburg
Newport News Parks & Recreation
Newport News School Division
Norfolk Parks & Recreation
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation
Wilcox Bait & Tackle
Local archery organizations:
Kingsboro Bowmen Archery Association (kingsborobowmen.com)
Tidewater Bowhunters & Archers Association (tba3-d.com)
Wilcox Bait & Tackle (wilcoxbaitandtackle.com/archery-range)