On the banks of the Guer river, an introduction to archery at the Sports et Nature centre
Every summer, the activity leaders from Sports et Nature in Belle-Isle-en-Terre put together a programme of physical and outdoor activities to appeal to the whole family. Slacklining, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, treasure hunts, orienteering, disc golf - there’s something for everyone and all levels. And all at affordable prices.
Introduction to archery
This Tuesday, we have a 2.30 booking for an introduction to archery with Léo Denais. Our group of twelve includes holidaymakers, a father and son and grandparents from Finistère with their two granddaughters. The grandmother tells us that she chose archery in the countryside to make a change for the girls, as they live near the sea.
Instructor Léo leads us to the archery range in verdant surroundings on the banks of the Guer river. It’s here that the lesson begins: the vocabulary of the archer, what we need to know about using the bow and, most importantly, safety information. We mustn’t forget that bows are weapons.
The younger ones can practise with suction-cup bows. A small group forms, helped by the instructor and the grandparents who have listened carefully to the instructions.
Listen carefully and concentrate
Targets are set up a few feet away for the older children. Léo then explains in more detail how to hold and handle the bow, how to set up the arrows; it sounds simple, but it’s important to have listened to the instructions. Then, in groups of three, we shoot our first arrows.
Concentration is more important than strength. The bows are suitable for beginners. If a few arrows end up in the little wood beyond, the majority hit the target with varying degrees of accuracy.
Some of the group even seem to have been doing this all their lives. For example Lena, just ten years of age, who gets all the arrows in the bullseye at her first attempt! I don’t have the same success, but it’s an accessible activity, and we quickly gain confidence and really enjoy having a go.
Archery and a quiz
To spice things up a bit, instructor Léo suggests a quiz. For this part, you’d be advised to brush up on your knowledge of the Léguer valley and its wildlife... You answer by shooting to the left of the target for true, and to the right for false. Your aim may be improving, but it’s still handy to know that the Léguer is not 200 km long (as long as you don’t say we’ve given you the answer!)
Then, things get a bit more complicated. You have to get close to the centre of the target, which symbolises l’île Rouzic, to land the gannets that nest there. Everyone gets involved in the game, and the challenge is now more technical. We finish with a points competition, and I have to say that I and my teammate - young Yanaël from Plounérin - did incredibly well.
(© Text by: Publihebdos)
