My First Steps into English Warbows

[Helen Grace]

Hello everyone,
I’ve recently been getting more interested in English Warbows and decided to give it a try myself. The sheer draw weight and history behind these bows are both intimidating and inspiring at the same time.
For those of you who have built or shot an English Warbow, what was your first experience like? Did you start with a lighter draw weight before moving up, or did you go straight into the heavy ones?
I’d love to hear your stories and any advice for someone just starting out.

Thanks!
Helen

Tunnel Rush Game

[Del the cat]

Hi, it's virtually impossible to go straight into heavy bows.
As a bowyer I started making bows that were in the 40-70# range. I then got a commission for a 90# which I couldn't draw.
(A friend who was getting into warbows at the time could draw it). I persevered and got close to full draw.
As the warbow community became more established (the Mary Rose bows and Youtube videos being a big influence) people started to get a better appreciation for the technique needed to draw a heavy bow (it is nothing like the target archers "T" draw).
When I turned 60 I thought if I don't draw 100# (and shoot over 300yards) now, I never will, so I trained up (20 push ups night and morning plus other shoulder exercises).
I made an 100# Elm warbow (heat treated belly) and shot over 300 yards.
I'm somewhat older now and my left elbow gives me trouble, so about 60# is my limit.
You can enjoy the fun of a long draw and warbow style with lesser weight bows 70-80 shooting an 11/32" or 3/8" medieval lookalike arrow.
It's all about having fun doing what you fancy and finding like minded individuals with whom to enjoy it.
Here's one v short video showing how a T draw doesn't work for long/heavy draw.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWJd34g_fpI
There are lots of warbow related videos on my channel.And plenty elsewhere showing technique.
Here's my mate JT shooting one that I made.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mNWg68Eg1E
Del
 

[Helen Grace]

Hi, Del
When you were building up your strength, how long did it take before you felt comfortable moving from, say, 70# to 90#? I imagine the technique is just as important as the muscle strength.

[Del the cat]

Difficult to put numbers on it 70-90 is a bit of a jump. Most reckon 10# steps is sensible. Those rubber band trainers are good. It's a matter of listening to your body, but it's an odd thing, I find it easier to draw a bow with an arrow on the string, some tell me they find the opposite.
There is a point where you just can't get to full draw, but once you do it, then you find it relatively easy, there is an element of  confidence as well as technique. It helps to have some lowish poundage, but long draw bows, so you can get the feel of the technique.
The mechanics of drawing with your drawing hand high, works as follows:- If your right hand (assuming that's the one drawing back the string) comes back high, as if wiping your forehead, it (and more important, the elbow) then moves in a long downward arc of say 12" yet this only draw the bow back an extra 4"... this is effectively giving you a 3:1 leverage, like one of those over centre clips/clamps.
Hope that makes sense and helps.
One exercise I found good was to lean back into an open doorway with your elbows out at shoulder height. Your  elbows press on the door frame and stop you falling backwards... shuffle your feet forwards a little so you are leaning back more (don't slip!) and then use your back muscles to force your elbows back and your chest forward. It gives that feeling of engaging the back muscles.
Any exercise that improves shoulder strength and mobility helps.
This post from my blog shows me almost getting the 90pounder back. It just need that bit more, a higher draw and getting the elbow over the top... a bit like getting a compound over the hump...that's effectively what the high elbow does, it acts as a cam.
https://bowyersdiary.blogspot.com/2012/01/shooting-90-longbow.html
Del