There are two main styles of bow in common use; compound and Recurve. Also used, but not as common, are traditional longbows, bare bows and crossbows.

The Recurve bow:

The Recurve bow fits the image most common today of what a bow should look like. There are many variations to the Recurve bow but they all have the same style. The Recurve curves away from the holder. If you notice the longbow, it only curves one way; whereas the Recurve curves like a longbow but then curves back, thus the Recurve. Modern Recurve bows are sophisticated devices. Typically made in three sections with a handle made from cast or machined aluminium, with flexible limbs on each end.

Recurve equipment is the classic archery style and the only equipment used at the Olympic games. In the Recurve style, few technical devices are permitted to enhance accuracy, assuring that the archer's strength and skill become the main factors that determine performance.

This section features;

• What is Archery

• Archery Equipment

• Beginners Course

• Terminology

The Long bow:

The long bow is the most basic bow. It is shaped from one piece of wood and the grip is normally made using a strip of leather around the bow. A small shelf is cut into the side of the bow for the arrow to rest on. There is no bow site. Shooting is accomplished by aiming with the tip of the arrow at full draw pointing at the target.

The Bare bow:

The bare bow must be bare, except for the arrow rest, and free from protrusions, sight marks, marks or blemishes or laminated pieces (within the bow window area) which could be of use in aiming. The un-braced bow complete with permitted accessories must be capable of passing through a hole or ring of 12.2cm inside diameter.

The Compound Bow:

A compound bow is a modern bow that uses a system of cables, cams and pulleys to draw the limbs back. The limbs of a compound bow are much more rigid than the limbs of a Recurve or longbow. This enables the bow to store more energy and to release it quicker and faster than a normal bow. Compound bows vary in length, with end-to-end measurements of 33 to 48 inches. The shorter length is for young shooters, and the longest is for adult use. The compound bow uses eccentric wheels at the end of both limbs to create its power. The bow string itself is connected to the ends of the steel cables, which are attached to the top and bottom wheels. The draw weight can be varied by adjusting the bolts on each limb or by adding modules to the cams. As technology gets better the design of the compound bow is ever-changing.

The Cross Bow:

Crossbows have been around for perhaps 2,500 years, having first been developed by the Chinese. They have been developed in parallel with other bows and were mainly used for military purposes. The crossbow was still being used in warfare well after the introduction of firearms and it could be said that they are the "link" between the bow and the firearm.

The crossbow has a relatively short, transverse prod, lath or bow fixed to a stock or tiller. The tips of the bow limbs are connected via a cord or string. The bow is effectively a pair of leaf springs and is a means of storing energy. The string is drawn back to the catch or latch which forms part of the trigger mechanism. When the latch is released, the string moves forward to propel a bolt or arrow. The bolt is guided by a track or bolt rest.

Compared with "vertical" bows, the crossbow is relatively cumbersome and slower to shoot. The crossbow is generally more accurate than the vertical bow, however modern target compound bows are not far behind.

The cross bow is classified in some Australian States as a weapon and must be registered with the police.

Arrows:

Arrows are made from either aluminium or carbon tube or a combination of aluminium tube wrapped in carbon fibre. These arrows provide a combination of both strength and lightness that allows them to reach speeds of up to 300 feet per second.

Ancillary Equipment:

Arm guard.

chest guard.

finger tabs.

release aids.

stabilisers.

telescopic sights.

quivers.