I've shot compounds for years. I want to try bare bow shooting. I've got a recurve that passed inspection from the local archery shop. So, now what? What do you guys try to convey to someone taking their first shot? I do have a rest on the bow (some kind of bristle thing stuck to the riser). I want to shoot without sights. How bout some ideas? Thanks

Hhahahahahahahahhahahahahaaaaaaa!DON'T DO IT ,IT'S A TRAP!

Let er rip

Try to find someone local to walk you thru the basics of shooting traditional gear,if not available read and watch trad shooting books/video (recomend masters of the barebow video).

Start with a light bow and work up to a heavier one. Your draw length will be shorter than with a compound.

Industrial strength velcro makes a good inexpensive rest, feathers on shafts.

Many ways to "aim" read watch observe and work it into your style that works. Like Robert said be careful once you start you may not be able to quit.

I learned without a coach and by reading and watching videos. I recommend G. Fred Asbells "Instinctive Shooting" video and books.

Recently "Masters of the Barebow" DVD came out and I wish it had been around when I started. Every time I watch(at least once a week), I learn something different. It's Awesome for a beginner and a old timer.

There are quite a few different aiming methods. When I came over from the "Wheel" bows I decided that I would learn to shoot instictively. It has been very tough and challenging, but also very rewarding. It takes a lot of practice and a sizeable committment.

If you need advice there is lots of it here. Both good and bad but all is meant to be good. Nice to meet you and if your like me get ready for persecution from your "Compound" buddies. GOODLUCK AND GOD BLESS!!  DAVE

I think the people who enjoy our sport are those who are process oriented: "I enjoy shooting a lot of arrows."  I think the people who don't enjoy our sport are those who are goal oriented: "I want to become proficient at this sport.  What is the quickest/best way to get there?"  Nothing wrong with either personality type, just my observation as to who will probably enjoy traditional archery and who might enjoy something else more, i.e. shooting with sights.  Nobody is all one way or the other, of course.  We all want to improve, and we all enjoy shooting arrows; it's just a matter of which "want" carries the most weight.

Because the average traditional archer, excluding the few "Mozarts" and "Einsteins" among us, doesn't improve quickly, and there aren't many secrets.  Just the basics of good form, which is vitally important, then concentrate on the target, pull 'er back, and let 'er go.  Repeat thousands of times, and listen to the messages your body is sending you.  If you enjoy that, fine.  If not, that's fine too!

Start with a light bow.  40lbs would be great.  Take some lessons with someone who knows what they are doing.  I took lessons with Ricky Welch this year, and wish I had done it years ago.  You can save yourself years of frustration if you do this simple thing.