How to get your archery game on in Charlotte

The 2016 Olympic Games in Rio are in full swing. The competition across all sports has been intense and inspiring, as it is for every Olympics. One less featured sport has seen a renaissance of sorts over the past few years.

I’m talking about archery. First part of the Olympics competition in 1900, it was an active sport over three more Olympics until 1920, then took a 52 year hiatus until 1972 and has been part of the Games ever since. Check out the schedule and results for 2016 here.

If you’re in Charlotte, you don’t have to just sit in front of the TV and imagine what it would be like to shoot an arrow. I recently stopped by Barefoot Archery, a place I first noticed when I was riding the light rail. It’s between the Scaleybark and Woodlawn stations, located at 4410 Old Pineville Road. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the Scaleybark Station.

Barefoot Archery isn’t quite what it sounds like. I expected to walk in and see people straight out of “America’s Got Talent.” Shoes off, focus tight, as they use their bare feet to shoot.

Not so much.

Owner Jesse Smith told me Barefoot Archery was the original name for the place, he just kept it. Now, the place features a pro shop and indoor shooting range for those looking to learn to shoot, or those who have experience and want to sharpen their skills.

Although Barefoot Archery carries simple bows, they cater to the sport hunting set, for people who know a thing of two about shooting.

When I was there I came across a couple from Fort Mill, S.C. Jim Horner has been an archer for many years and his accuracy was impressive. His wife Martha claimed to be a novice, but I got her to admit she was a bit of a ringer, having competed in her younger years. They said archery is a sport that requires a steady hand, a good eye and complete concentration.

As you can see, Jim is quite a shot.

The Horners also said the sport has seen a new generation of archery enthusiasts, thanks to “The Hunger Games” movies. The younger generation has become involved, trying to emulate their hero they see on the big screen, Katniss Everdeen.

Smith agreed, and said he is seeing a lot more teenagers and girls coming through his doors. Kids like Joseph Chen. He told me he has been shooting for about six months and loves it. He comes multiple times a week to sharpen his skills. (Side note: Barefoot Archery offers classes in late September for kids.)

The Pro Shop has everything you need to get started. They sell all types of bows, from traditional to the compound bow. Arrows of all kinds are also available. If it’s range time you require, it’s $25 an hour, which includes equipment. Or bring your own, and get your Hunger Games on.

Barefoot Archery: 4410 Old Pineville Road

Photos: Jonathan Lee

This story was originally published August 9, 2016 at 11:00 PM with the headline "How to get your archery game on in Charlotte."