Tag The Bowman’s Banter Column

The Bownan’s Banter Column

Aiming for Connection Archery isn’t just a sport or a skill—it’s an invitation to step into a world that challenges and rewards in equal measure. It prompts precision, patience, and self-awareness, and it always gives something more in return. Whether you…

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.

The Bowman’s Banter

Why did the archer bring a ladder to practice? Because they wanted to raise their game! Now, if only all of us had such practical solutions to the peculiar challenges of this noble sport. Archery’s grand, to be sure, but if you’re imagining serene moments of poetic precision, free of mishap or interference, you’ve likely never shot a single arrow on this rain-soaked isle. No, the truth of it is that archery in Ireland has a way of humbling even the steadiest hand, often with the help of a few choice characters.