When I received an invitation to play Archery for the first time, I was so thrilled about the idea I couldn't resist to say YES! and to have it played (indoor) at KODANDA ARCHERY RANGE together with my husband and fellow mommy bloggers Lally and Rackell makes the experience exceptional.
Today, I am thrilled to share with you my personal discoveries about KODANDA (meaning: he who has a bow, Sanskrit origin) and the sports itself.
KODANDA ARCHERY RANGE
SHOOTING AREA
The space provides a shooting distance of 5, 8 and 10 meters. The target sheets are attached to a movable board so it would be easier for beginners to start from 5 meter range, then move to 8 meter distance up to 10 meters in case they feel the need to level up. In my case, I chose to start at the minimum and level up to 8 meter distance after half an hour.
GEARING UP
To play, you need to have the basic tools - A bow, an arrow and a target. In Kodanda necessary equipment or tools will be provided/lend to you. The staff will be the one to assist you and will give instructions and reminders even before you can start shooting.
(Arm guard) - to protect your arm being hit by the bowstring.
(Quiver) - an arrow carrier bag worn around the waist
(Finger tab) made of leather and steel to protect fingers when arrow releases.
READY TO SHOOT
Archery is a physical sports it is thrilling and fun but can also be tiring (though in my case the word TIRING is not in my vocabulary during that moment). Now, I wish I have stretch my arm a little before I have even started (lol). Also our instructor/photographer KUYA VER was kind enough to be with us all throughout the play. He taught us the proper posture and correct handling of the equipment, aside from those listed on the guidelines. Mind you Kodanda bows are marked with numbers and you must remember yours.
HOLD, AIM AND SHOOT
Get your bow from the stand and hold it properly. You can rest by letting one of its edge placed on top of your shoe. Now grab one arrow (at a time) from the quiver or carrier and slowly place it on the string (from right arrow head turning slightly to left). You will find a dent on the bowstring make sure to click the end of the arrow and place the front on the rubber rest at the side of the bow. Hold your bow up and grasp the string around the arrow, your index finger on top of the arrow, your middle and ring finger below. Place you little fingers and thumb away from the string and the rest of the finger holding the arrow. Gently pull the string back, aim by using the sight (left eye to close) and release immediately. Do not attempt to delay your shooting, relax, once you already pulled back the string and found your target, release immediately because you may lose your balance, it can be tiring and your hands will start shaking, you will lose your target. Wait for the whistle blow before you start shooting same goes when you are to retrieve your arrows. Never go inside the range when everyone is shooting and there is no signal from your instructor to do so.
I learned that if you are aiming for the bull's eye you need to keep your balance while holding the bow with its sight on a right angle. Pull your strings as it reaches (just below) your chin, a little distant in a middle of your face. Your body on a perpendicular angle with your left foot place on top (away from)of the line and right foot outside of the line. Aside from pure luck (lol) you got to have a good eyesight and skills in releasing the arrow.
THE RESULTS
Check out my sheet (the sheet only haha) this is what I have achieved so far... not bad for a first timer I guess...
I had so much fun and was thrilled to have finally experience Archery. It was something new to me and I am grateful to have learned and gained new skills. Playing archery were both engaging and empowering for me, for an hour I felt like I was Katniss Everdeen (lol)... but kidding aside I fell in love with the sport and I love to do it again!
KODANDA offers ARCHERY LESSONS, for your inquiries and interests please see the details below.
KODANDA ARCHERY PLAY
P 550.00 PER PERSON/HOUR
INCLUSIONS:
- equipment rental
- range fee
- instructor
ARCHERY LESSONS
For Inquiries
Contact RONNA MAY at
0932-843 - 6614 | (02) 774 - 5410
Location
KODANDA ARCHERY RANGE
Unit FB-D3a, Upper Basement,
Makati Square
Chino Roces Avenue, Makati
Opens Mondays to Sundays
from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm
Aim for the Bull's eye!