The best way of getting into archery for those with no or very limited experience (such as on an activity holiday) is to take a proper beginners' course at a GNAS-affiliated club. These courses should not only to teach how to shoot, but also the points of archery etiquette which are essential for safe and enjoyable shooting.

SCOA normally hold two beginners' courses each year with a total of 24 places; one on Tuesday nights and one on Friday nights running from late April to early June. The courses run for six weeks plus an introductory "kitting out" session. All equipment is provided.

We have a minimum age limit of 12 years. We also require juniors to be accompanied by a shooting or non-shooting parent/guardian.

Details of those who enquire about starting archery are added to our mailing list and application forms for the courses are sent out in March each year.

Click here to contact us with enquiries about beginners' courses and membership of SCOA. If you want to go straight onto our mailing list, please provide the names of all the prospective participants, their dates of birth if under 18, a postal address and contact telephone number.

If you are a more experienced archer and wish to contact us with a view to joining, please also use the link above.

If you are new to archery and thinking of buying equipment...

1. Wait until you've done a beginners' course. You'll have a much better idea of what will suit you.
2. Go to a specialist archery shop. These are run by archers for archers and you will get better service and equipment than that available at any general sports shop that we might mention (but won't here). Details of suitable shops can be accessed from our Links page