Here at Hotcourses we’re passionate about learning and every member of the team takes a ‘hot course’ – either to improve their skills, enjoy a new hobby or just to try something completely different. Natalie Vincent, Hotcourses’ Editorial Account Manager, tells us about how her archery course hit the spot…

Name: Natalie Vincent
My hotcourse: Archery
Institution: 2020 Archery

As I arrived at an old carpenter’s workshop at 2020 Archery for the start of my course, I could hear the distant thwack of an arrow thudding into its target. Cue flashbacks to Girl Guide camp, where I picked up a bow and arrow for the first time. Miraculously enough, I managed to hit the targets and not the instructor and I’m hoping that I’ll be even better now that I have age and experience on my side.

Target practice
After greeting my fellow archers, we were all led to a room by our instructor Lee, where a row of eight targets was waiting for us. There was palpable excitement in the air as we went through a  brief warm-up to loosen up our computer-tense shoulder muscles. We were fitted with arm guards, finger shields and measured  for our bows and arrows (as there are different arrows for different  arm lengths). To my surprise,  my bow stood exactly the same height as me.
 
After our health-and-safety briefing, we were ready to start shooting in earnest. I found pulling the bowstring back towards my nose a slightly daunting prospect, after all, I’m quite attached to it and didn’t want to damage it! Our tutor Lee wandered down the line of archers as we were preparing to shoot, ensuring our shoulders weren’t too high and making sure the bowstring was pulled right back.

On target
By the second week we could  all shoot fairly well and Lee began to instruct us on technique. Our arrows were landing close together in small clusters; a sign that we were improving. Now all we had to do was hit that elusive yellow circle.
On my second lesson, I spoke to 2020 manager Heidi Nicoll, who’s a County Coaching Officer for London and competes in indoor events. Heidi explained how 2020 Archery began: ‘I started 2020 Archery at the beginning of 2008, initially hiring a bit of space in sports centres and working out of a school field. The queries just kept coming in, so I decided to rent a big old warehouse to start the first permanent indoor archery range in London. People can come and practice, take lessons or take part in fun archery events.’

New skills
Archery is having somewhat of a renaissance thanks to more places offering it, as well as being accessible for those who want a great workout without the risk of injuries that come with more physically demanding sports. I thought the lessons were excellent value for money and great fun. Move over Legolas, there’s a new archer in town!

For more information visit: www.2020archery.co.uk