Budgeting: The cost of archery as a hobby: courses, club and kit
The cost of archery as a hobby covers a beginner course, club membership and, once you're hooked, your own bow, arrows and accessories. In a worked example, a first year costs about 600.
By Wealtie Team · 3 min read
Key takeaways
- The cost of archery as a hobby covers a course, a club and your own kit.
- In a worked example, a first year costs about 600.
- Most clubs lend equipment to beginners, so don't buy too soon.
- A second-hand starter bow is often the best value.
What is the cost of archery as a hobby?
Archery is a calm, focused sport that people of almost any age can enjoy. Most people start with a beginner course at a club, where equipment is provided. After the course, you join the club and use club bows for a while, before buying your own kit once you know which style suits you. In a worked example, a first year costs about 600, including your own bow and arrows. If you keep using club equipment for longer, it costs much less.
Clubs vary in price and facilities. Some have indoor ranges for winter, which can add to the membership cost but let you shoot all year.
Archery is also one of the more social individual sports. Club sessions mix beginners with experienced archers who are usually happy to share advice, which saves money on extra coaching. Many clubs run regular friendly competitions that cost little to enter and help you track your progress. Visiting a couple of clubs before joining lets you compare facilities, coaching and atmosphere, and find one that suits your schedule and budget.
What does a first year of archery cost?
Here's a worked example, in round numbers that work in any currency:
| Item | First year |
|---|---|
| Beginner course | 100 |
| Club membership | 150 |
| Bow and arrows | 250 |
| Accessories | 100 |
| Total | 600 |
Accessories include an arm guard, a finger tab, a quiver and a bow stand.
What are the main archery costs?
Beginner course
A course teaches safety, technique and the basics of each type of bow. It usually runs over several sessions, with all equipment provided. It's the best way to find out whether you enjoy the sport before spending more. Many clubs run courses several times a year, and some offer a free taster session first, which costs nothing and gives you a feel for shooting before you sign up for a full course.
Club membership
Membership gives you access to the range, coaching and club equipment. Some clubs include insurance and a national association fee in the price. Junior, student and family memberships are often cheaper.
Bow and arrows
Beginners usually start with a simple recurve bow. Arrows need to match your draw length and bow weight, so ask a coach before buying. Your first bow can often be second-hand, and many clubs have members selling starter kit as they upgrade.
Accessories
An arm guard and finger tab protect you, and a quiver holds your arrows. A sight and stabilisers come later for some styles.
What else adds to the cost of archery as a hobby?
Arrows break and get lost, so replacing them is an ongoing cost. Buying a few spares at the same time as your first set saves a second order and keeps your arrows matched. As you improve, you may want a heavier bow or better limbs, which means new arrows too. Competitions bring entry fees and travel. Indoor range fees in winter can add up if your club doesn't have its own. Some archers move to more advanced bows, like compound bows, which cost much more. A yearly kit budget helps keep upgrades in check.
Travel to the range is another cost to consider, especially if the nearest club is some distance away. Sharing lifts with other members cuts fuel costs and makes it easier to keep going regularly through the year.
How can you do archery for less?
Use club equipment for as long as you can. Buy a second-hand starter bow, ideally with advice from a coach. Choose a bow with limbs that can be swapped, so you can increase the weight without buying a whole new bow. Look after your arrows and shoot at the right distance to avoid losing them. Ask about cheaper membership options and family discounts. How to save money on sports kit has more tips.
Compare with other hobbies
Archery club membership can cost less than a gym or golf club. The cost of golf covers a hobby with similar membership costs. Work out the cost per use of your membership: the more often you shoot, the better the value. For children, many clubs run junior sessions, and how to save money on kids' activities has more ideas. How to save money on a hobby covers keeping costs down overall.
How do you track archery costs in Wealtie?
Add club membership as a recurring transaction, so it logs itself on its date. Put kit and competition costs in a sport category among your expense categories, and set a budget for it.
Questions people ask
In a worked example, a first year costs about 600 for a beginner course, club membership, a bow and arrows and accessories.
No. Most clubs lend equipment to beginners, so you can wait until you know which style suits you.
A simple recurve bow with swappable limbs, often second-hand, chosen with advice from a coach.
Not at first, since clubs lend kit. Costs rise with your own equipment, replacement arrows and competitions.
This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.
