Archery in Hermanus (Hermanus Times : Grethe Augustyn)

Archery is an extremely popular sport worldwide and increasingly so in South Africa. What makes the sport particularly attractive as either a sport or hobby are the many disciplines or avenues participants can follow.

 

Chairperson of the Gansbaai Bow Hunting Club, Paul Legros, says the club was started about three years ago. Although they are not a big club their members are highly skilled, experienced and perform very well at provincial and other competitions. Both Legros and fellow archer and club member, Jannie Nel are passionate archers and both of their wives have also taken up the sport. They have been doing this for years now and are strong competitors. Legros explains that their main aim at the moment is to attract the youth to the sport. “Children who do not play rugby, cricket, hockey, soccer or netball have nothing else to do except play computer games all day. Some children are not included in sporting teams because only a certain amount of players can be accomodated. Archery is accessible to everybody - boys, girls, men, women as well as disabled persons who are able to use their arms, and there is no limit to how many people can participate,” says Legros. The sport allows each individual to develop at their own pace in the direction they prefer.

 

At the Gansbaai club the focus is on outdoor target shooting. Both Legros and Nel practice target shooting and bow hunting, but Legros explains that since bow hunting is still considered illegal in most areas in the Western Cape, it is more expensive for locals who have to travel to other provinces such as the Eastern Cape or Gauteng where it is not prohibited by law. No license is required for a bow.

 

Discipline is key in archery and all clubs and teams are governed by the South African National Archery Association (SANAA) that in turn adheres to the rules and standards of the International Archery Federation (FITA). This ensures that all awards, achievements and rankings are recognised internationally and that the sport remains structured. Legros says local players measure up extremely well nationally and internationally and adds that although Gansbaai is “slightly out of bounds, it is definitely not out of touch”.

 

Legros and Nel hope to establish a club in Hermanus in the future, but first have to attract enough local interest in the sport. Then they have to find at least 100 m in length of open ground where it is safe to shoot at targets. In Gansbaai the club is located next to the gun club and strict safety measures and rules are adhered to, particularly when children are involved. According to Legros one senior member is asigned exclusively to teach and oversee children at the range. “There are many archers in this area, but most of them practice by shooting at targets in their own backyards.” Legros invites adults to join the club, but says he especially would like to see more children taking part. To make it fun they play games at the club such as “darchery” - darts played with arrows.

Although taking up the sport can become expensive the club has various bows available that people can try out first.

 

In fact Legros urges people who are interested in archery to first visit the club so that they can give them advice on what equipment to buy and to come for a few practice sessions to make sure they would like to pursue the sport.

 

Club members practice and teach on Saturdays from 09:00 until 11:00. Club fees are minimal and children are always supervised. For more information on archery in South Africa or internationally visit www.archerysa.org.za or www.archery.org or contact Paul Legros on 082 321 1210 or Jannie Nel on 076 470 2565.