THE SCA

"The SCA is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe.  Our "Known World" consists of 19 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members residing in countries around the world.  Members, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events which feature tournaments, royal courts, feasts, dancing, various classes, workshops and more."

More information on the SCA can be found at www.sca.org .

The SCA is  LOT of fun!!  Archery is a particularly good sport for women, because it exercises our upper back muscles, a set of muscles that can be overlooked in your usual workout routine, or, if you type a lot on a computer (like me!).  I enjoy the sport and the people in it.  Archery is very much a part of the SCA culture.  We are lucky in our local Barony (that's SCA speak for the city we live in), to have access to a great indoor range staffed with wonderful folks who understand the unique needs of our sport.  You can check us out at www.montengarde.org .

Check out the "pictures" section and you can see up close what the local SCA is up to, including archery!!

So, what DO you need to get started in archery, in the SCA?  Well, you need a traditional style bow.  No peep, no sights, no cams and no mechanical releases are allowed.  This does leave a lot of room for different bow styles, ranging from the long bow (which is my bow of choice), to flat bows and recurves.  Crossbows, though used in the SCA are frequently not welcome at the commercial ranges, so we won't be addressing the unique needs of the crossbow shooter here. 

I recommend purchasing a good bow from a reputable dealer.  Bows that might look great at a garage sale or on an online auction might be priced right, but they could have some flaws that could compromise the bows strength and integrity.  Buying a bow from a dealer also allows you the chance to shoot it yourself and see which bow suits you best.

Besides the bow, a set of arrows in next on your list.  As participants in the SCA, we are attempting to portray the Middle Ages.  That being said, we must use wood or bamboo shafted arrows with feather fletchings and we have to use target points since broadheads will tear up the targets.  You can buy arrows, or if you choose to make your own, you can find what you need at the Calgary Archery Centre.  Making arrows that are matched to you draw length and bow weight is a whole different science entirely.  I recommend buying your arrows to start!!

Finger and arm protection is next, and they can also be bought at a reputable archery dealer or website.  Quivers are also fairly easy to come by.  You can use either a side or back quiver, both were used in the medieval times and both can be found fairly easily.  If you are handy, Tandy Leather,  www.tandyleatherfactory.com , sells a pattern for a back quiver that is fairly simple to follow.