It’s an ancient art engaged for hunting and warcraft whose origins trace back to 20,000 BC but it’s alive and well in Arthur Park, North Lismore.

If you’re curious about archery then now is a good a time as any to head over to the Lismore City Archers Club on a Saturday morning to chat to the friendly devotees who meet for a weekly shoot. Don’t be deceived by the fierce looking variety of bows they all handle, these people are friendly and passionate about their sport of choice and can answer any questions you might have if you’re ready to unleash your inner Legolas or Catness in a safe and fun environment that adheres to world archery standards.

"We’re all inclusive here, we have a concrete shooting line, we have in the past had members in wheelchairs so its all accessible. We’ve got people from all sections of the community here,” said club secretary Jodi Gill.

The next beginner’s course is running for two Saturday afternoons, February 27, and March 6, from 1pm to 3.30pm and costs just $90 and even better you don’t need your own gear, the club provides it all.

“We teach right from the basics…this is a bow this is an arrow, right through to being able to shoot.”

Club President Phil Gill said fitness and more visibility in pop culture are some of the reasons people get into archery. But it also has the potential for a high level of competition for those who want to follow that path.

“You can take it from grass roots level right through to the Olympics stage if you wish. It’s completely up to you. If you just want to be a backyard shooter and come down on the weekends, that’s fine. There are pathways for you as a junior to come right through the ranks, travel the world, if you wish.”

Phil cites the example of local athlete Remy Leonard who rose through the ranks of the club as junior to an international level representing Australia in numerous competitions in Europe and America.

“It’s very good for the ability to practice your mindfulness because really you’re only focussing on the whole action. You can’t think of anything else," said Lisa Daw, club treasurer and archer who joined the club via the beginner’s course just two years ago.

"You’ve got to really think about all the steps involved. From that perspective it’s quite a good stress relief.”

A Target Qualifying Ranking Event, hosted by the Lismore Archery Club and open to all members from the South Queensland Archery Society, which covers the Northern Rivers area, is on February 20. A QRE involves rounds of bow inspections, practice and scoring all based on Australian Archery regulations.

Members of Lismore City Archery are planning to compete in the week-long National Championships which are held in Burnie, Tasmania, in October. A series of selection events in Brisbane leading up to the national championships has to be attended and scored first to make the state team.

The club has been active since the 70s and has its own dedicated space which they share only with the occasional flood. As well as the target range there is a field course along the river bank.

The Saturday morning crew are very family oriented and have numerous club members who are families shooting together. A great advantage for families being that it's not a matter of taking turns but all ability levels shoot at the

same time.

Visit Lismore City Archers Facebook page to make contact.