Von Thomas Koch
The „Arquebos de Bosque“ are looking for members. But first things first. I suppose I should start by explaining what 3D archery actually is. Our club has a six-hectare site. It is situated just above Los Realejos in the north of Tenerife.
„Arquebos de Bosque“ – which translates as „Archers of the Forest“. And it hits the nail on the head. It is a large forest of sweet chestnuts, which gives way to a grove of eucalyptus trees further up.
All around there are life-size foam animal dummies, which, of course, can also be targeted from various distances. We shoot intuitively – that is, without sights or any other aids – relying purely on instinct.
The only archery range of its kind in the Canary Islands
Sometimes the shots go straight ahead, sometimes uphill or downhill. It’s quite tricky, but that’s exactly what makes it so much fun. And with a bit of practice, you’ll find you hit the target surprisingly well.
After all, our course is the only permanent one of its kind in the Canary Islands. A competition takes place almost every month, and to ensure fairness, the targets are moved to different positions each time.
Archers from other Canary Islands also come to the competitions, and some even from the mainland. After a competition, we know how to celebrate. Sometimes we all go to a pub, other times there’s a huge paella on the field. Or everyone brings something along and we have a brilliant buffet.
Tenerife: Archers welcome all age groups
The terrain has some changes in elevation, but it’s certainly manageable. There are wide paths. And when it gets a bit steeper, there are steps and a handrail. A very nice señora from La Laguna once asked me during a tournament how old I was. ‚Sixty-five,‘ I replied. ‚Oh, well then you’re the same age as my son,‘ she said. I think that explains the slopes of the terrain best.
As mentioned at the start, we’re still looking for some lovely new members. We currently have around 30 archers, and the huge grounds could easily accommodate many more ’stick-pushers‘.
New archers on Tenerife are warmly welcome
Anyone who fancies giving archery a go, with no strings attached, is very welcome. All the equipment is, of course, provided. We have bows in various draw weights – from children’s sizes right up to those for athletes. Guest archers are, of course, also covered by our public liability insurance.
First, you’ll be given a briefing on the safety rules, then you’ll head to the practice range where an instructor will teach you the basic techniques of archery. Afterwards, if you’d like, you can do a lap of the course with the instructor. Depending on your fitness level and the size of the group, this takes about three to four hours.
The „taster session“ costs 30 euros per person. This includes insurance, all the equipment and, of course, arrows that disappear into the bushes never to be seen again or break when they hit a stone. The coaches work on a voluntary basis and receive no payment.
Tenerife: New archers wanted
Anyone who is already an archer and would like to shoot with their own equipment is also very welcome. FITA bows and compound bows are also permitted. However, we do not have any instructors on site for these shooting techniques.
Please don’t be offended, but we’re looking for regular members. If you’re only on holiday for 14 days, please refrain from making enquiries. Winter visitors or residents who can see themselves taking up archery with us as members are always very welcome. And of course: if someone comes along for a taster session and realises that archery isn’t their thing after all, nobody will be upset. That’s exactly why we offer taster courses.
Our trainers all speak Spanish, of course – except for one, and that’s me. (Hablo un poco español) Almost all of the trainers also speak English.
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