Bows have been used in many ways, including for survival (both food gathering and protection), sports, recreation, and in spiritual practices like Zen meditation. This 2-session course is a continuation of these ancient practices. You will learn the skills to build a long bow: how to choose the wood, what are the tools needed and their uses, how to tiller (bend the wood) to your strength, how to finish the wood, and how to make a bow string using a traditional string making technique. During the final session, the bow will be ready to shoot, and you will be taught the “instinctive” shooting method. You will leave the class with a finished bow and enough understanding to be able to build a bow on your own. The course also includes a free arrow to take home!
This class is for beginners - no prior knowledge and experience are required. Mature youth, ages 14-17, may sign up if accompanied by a registered parent/guardian. Parents need to be sure their youth is able to do the work, and is prepared to stay for the duration. All materials and tools will be provided. If you would like to take notes, bring a notebook and pen. Please bring lunch (there are also many eateries nearby) and waterbottle.
Please note that the Make a Wooden Long Bow, Make a Leather Backpack, Make a Wooden Pack Basket, and Making Leather Shoes courses will run concurrently, and you may sign up for only one of these three courses.
