Western Isles Archers Club

Island Archers

Welcome to the official site for the Western Isles Archers / Island Archers on the Isle of Lewis

ABOUT US

WELCOME TO ARCHERY IN THE WESTERN ISLES!

We are a growing, friendly community of archers shooting in the Western Isles, meeting twice a week shooting various bow styles.

The club supports a wide range of abilities, from complete beginners through to more advanced archers. We have a number of qualified instructors providing invaluable support to novice archers just starting out and progressing in their archery journey.

The Western Isles Archers club is Archery GB registered, and the club has sent a number of archers to competitions across mainland Scotland - sometimes placing well and always enjoying themselves in the process!

BOW STYLES

Recurve, Barebow, Longbow, and Compound

We shoot with a variety of bow styles at the club - here is a little about each of them!

Recurve

The majority of archers in our club shoot recurve bows, with a wide range of ages and abilities from complete novice to experienced archers.

Recurve bows are a great introduction to archery, featuring limbs that curve away from the archer when unstrung. This unique design allows the bow to store more energy and deliver a smoother, more powerful shot. Often seen in the Olympics, the recurve's simple yet elegant construction helps beginners develop proper form and balance while connecting with archery’s rich traditions.

Compound

Compound archery is a recent addition to the club, but our group of compound archers is steadily growing, becoming a well-integrated part of the club.

Compound bows incorporate a modern system of pulleys (or cams) that makes drawing the bow easier and holding it at full draw less tiring. This mechanical advantage means you can focus more on aiming accurately, which is especially helpful for those just starting out. The precision and efficiency of a compound bow not only boost confidence but also provide an accessible entry into both competitive and recreational archery.

Barebow

Most of our club members start out on basic Barebows before progressing to a Recurve or Compound Bow.

Barebows are essentially recurve bows used without additional accessories like sights or stabilizers. This minimalist approach encourages archers to rely solely on their instincts and refined technique, making it an ideal choice for those looking to strengthen their core skills. Shooting with a barebow offers a rewarding challenge by simplifying the equipment, thus sharpening your focus on proper form and the natural rhythm of the shot.

Longbow

To date, longbow archery is the smallest part of the club, but we do have a couple Longbow archers shooting with us.

Longbows represent one of the oldest and simplest forms of archery equipment. With their tall, slender, and gently curved design, longbows emphasize the fundamentals of archery without any extra gadgets. For beginners, this means a pure and engaging experience where every shot reinforces the basics of body posture, draw, and release. Their traditional style also offers a tangible connection to centuries of archery history.

When and Where...

...the archery happens

The club meets twice a week for shoots - the more experienced members meet on Monday mornings at the Lochs Football field all year through for long-distance (30-90 m) practice shoots, weather permitting. The wind may blow REALLY blow sometimes, but that only means plenty of outdoor resilience experience is picked up!

On Wednesday evenings archers of all abilities meet for the club shooting night - this is where most of the coaching happens within the club. In the winter months we shoot indoors (10-20 m) at the Barvas Sports Centre. When the days get long enough, Wednesday evening club nights move outdoors as well. We used to shoot on the Lochs football field or outside Barvas, but our Wednesday summer shoot location is still TBC.