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Jedain at the range with his recurve
Jedain at full draw

Howdy, I’m Jedain.

Get started with archery right now. I’ll show you how.

Plain answers for recurve, compound and crossbow beginners: what to buy, how to shoot and what to skip, plus one email a month.

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// Start here

New to archery? Start right here.

The order I’d hand a friend who just bought a bow. Three short guides that take you from “where do I even begin?” to shooting your first arrows with confidence.

Go in order. Each guide picks up where the last one left off, so there’s nothing to figure out on your own.

Begin with guide #1
  1. Your bowHow to choose your first recurveBow length, draw weight, ILF or one-piece.8 min →
  2. Your practiceA 90-day practice planWhat to practice each week for your first three months.3 min →
  3. Your setupDraw weight: start lighterWhy 25 lb beats 40 lb for your first year.6 min →

// What’s new

Latest posts

Read the blog →
Find Your Dominant Eye and Pick Your Bow HandLatest post · Archery & TechniquesAll bowsFind Your Dominant Eye and Pick Your Bow HandOct 30· 5 min readRead the post →
How to Wax a Bowstring in 5 Steps and How Often to Do ItMaintenance & RepairsAll bowsHow to Wax a Bowstring in 5 Steps and How Often to Do ItOct 30· 7 min readCarbon or Aluminum Arrows? 6 Differences Before Your First SetEquipment & SuppliesRecurveLongbowCompoundCarbon or Aluminum Arrows? 6 Differences Before Your First SetOct 29· Updated Oct 2026· 7 min readFollow-Through: What to Do After the Arrow LeavesArchery & TechniquesRecurveLongbowCompoundFollow-Through: What to Do After the Arrow LeavesOct 29· Updated Oct 2026· 5 min readThe 100 Grain Field Tips I Practice With: 12 Screw-In 5/16″ PointsEquipment & SuppliesRecurveLongbowCompoundThe 100 Grain Field Tips I Practice With: 12 Screw-In 5/16″ PointsOct 28· Updated Oct 2026
Jedain at the 30-yard line with his recurve
one good arrow at a time

meet the author

Start light.
Get fitted.

I shoot a traditional recurve on a backyard range in Washington. My first bow was 45 lb, and the first time I got maybe three shots in before I was done. So start lighter than you think, and get fitted at a shop before you buy.

Gear I own gets a review from my own shooting. Everything else is researched and says so. No sponsors, no freebies.

Jedain Aaron signature

// What I shoot right now

View all gear →
Sanlida Royal X8 60″ One-Piece BowBowsSanlida Royal X8SUNYA Archery Hip QuiverQuiversSUNYA Hip Quiver

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// Free printable