Beginner Archery Lessons

Coach Nancy Chee guides a first time archer.

Please see our homepage for this year’s beginner lesson dates. You must sign up and receive an Eventbrite confirmation in order to attend a lesson. If you have any further questions, please feel free to email us at info@goldengatejoad.com.

If you cannot wait for our next beginner lesson, we suggest you call Pacifica Archery in Daly City. They have an indoor range, are a for-profit business (we are a volunteer group), and can accommodate immediate requests.

Do I need prior experience or equipment?

Our lessons are tailored to complete beginners, and all necessary safety and archery equipment is provided as part of the lesson.

How is the lesson structured?

The first approximately 30 minutes of the lesson are instructional. A coach will give a safety orientation and walk through basic archery form with a stretch band, after which we will issue you a bow and a set of arrows and walk you through your first shot. After the instructional portion, you are free to practice for about 90 minutes. During that time our instructors will watch your form, offer suggestions, and answer your questions.

What are your instructors’ qualifications?

All of our archery coaches are USA Archery certified as Level 1 or Level 2 instructors. David, our head coach, is a Level 4 (Regional) Coach.

Anything else I should know?

Waiver and Code of Conduct

All participants will need to sign both a waiver and a code of conduct. It helps us greatly if you show up with these pre-signed, but we do have some available at the range. Unfortunately, we do not accept these electronically at this time. Minors must have a liability release signed by their parent or legal guardian.

Arrive on time

We ask that you arrive ten minutes before the lesson (usually 10:50 AM, as our lessons typically start at 11:00 AM) in order to get your paperwork in order. It can be difficult to accommodate late arrivals and if you arrive late you may not be able to take a lesson.

Dress appropriately

The weather on Saturday mornings at the Golden Gate Park Archery Range is often nothing short of stunning. As with all of San Francisco, it can go from foggy to 75 degrees and sunny in the span of thirty minutes. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing a bottle of water, a hat, and sunscreen.

Definitely don’t wear a big baggy shirt, or a shirt with lots of zippers. Don’t wear a lot of dangly jewelry on your face or ears, or big necklaces. Things that dangle or stick out are likely to catch on the bowstring and get torn off your body.