Predator's Archery Provides a New Family Experience

When I lived in San Jose, California there was an archery store/range across the street from one of my regular haunts. Whenever I'd go out for a smoke I'd find myself staring at this place and pondering what it would be like to take up archery.

Sure, I'd fired a bow and arrow as a child, but never as an adult. I'm not sure why this place fascinated me or why I never actual took action, but that's just the way life is, sometimes.

A few months back a friend moved to an apartment in downtown Gilroy. Looking out his bedroom window one gazes upon the storefront of Predator's Archery. Once again, my curiosity was piqued.

I asked my daughter, Z what she thought of trying out archery and received a lukewarm response, so let it slide. When we were trying to pick a camp for her in February we saw an archery camp, but there was absolutely no desire to attend. While at Gilligan's Island camp last week Z finally got to try out archery. She loved it.

So, I dropped $30 on an hour long lesson for each of us yesterday. It was great. The shop is like any other niche retail environment - stocked to the rafters with items nearly unidentifiable to the uninitiated, full of regulars speaking the relevant lingo, and staffed by a few friendly folx willing to educate the newcomers. We got lucky that there was a class opening that evening. They're usually booked 1-2 weeks in advance.

All of the equipment was provided as well as very attentive and helpful instruction. We each shot around 40-50 arrows, our skill and accuracy slowly increasing each time we pulled our arrows from the targets. The instructor was great as well, building confidence while laying down the basics and allowing us to find our own pace of development.

I found it to be a very Zen experience. Focusing completely on the shot, everything else falls away. For a short time I had total control of my universe - a very comforting feeling.

They offer 5 free lessons with every bow rental (adult compound bows start around $175), and it's something I'd certainly consider. However, I have no idea when/where I'd ever be able to shoot. Most likely I'll simply return for a few more lessons, just to get the chance to use the range once again.