A Report From Ukraine Through the Archer’s Eye
I have a friend from Kyiv who is an archer. She and I met in China during an archery event there back in 2018. She was part of a Ukrainian team of five, and the Irish team of five, of…...
Category Personal journeys
The Bowman’s Banter Column
My first bow was a Diana longbow made by a Polish company called Lukbis. It was a wonder that felt as light as air, built to simplicity and beauty, and at a draw weight of 38lb, felt in your hand more like a toy than a weapon. Not only was this bow my first foray into archery; it was the foundation of my bow-wielding journey, one that taught me a great deal about form, technique, and the kind of unfathomable, silent connection that exists between archer and arrow.
Like so many newbies, I started shooting wooden arrows with plastic nocks, a sensible combination ideal for mastering the fundamentals. However, as my interest grew, I began seeking alternatives, motivated by a commitment to embrace the old-school craftsmanship of the sport.