Nanay Moments: Kodanda Archery Range Mall of Asia

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Kodanda Archery Range Mall of Asia

I was given a chance to visit the newest Kodanda Archery Range in Mall of Asia. Since I am new to archery, I was thrilled with the idea so I took the opportunity. I'm not really an athletic type of person but I'm up to try something different especially when it's for free!

The branch is situated at the MOA Arena Annex at the back of Alfamart. You have to go thru the parking area for the entrance. For first-timers, the place is quite difficult to find but once you're there, you'll be greeted by big signage.

I brought my husband along with me and took the chance to have our "us" time. We want to build memories and try new stuff together as much as possible.

10-lane, fully air-conditioned facility

When we arrived, we rest for a bit. There's only one instructor during that time (I guess because we were early) and she is currently attending to a student. By the way, Kodanda is also offering archery lessons.

Equipment

Before we started, the instructor gave us a set of equipment that we will be using and assisted us in putting them on. We were given an armguard, an arrow, a quiver, a finger tab, and a bow.

Range Rules

The instructor briefed us regarding the rules. Though archery is one of the safest sports, it is no exception when it comes to rules. Below, you’ll find the complete list as well as the proper etiquette:

Basic Steps

The instructor taught us the basic steps: Place your feet (stand with one foot on either side of the shooting line). Nock your arrow. Grip the bow. Push the bow away while pulling the bowstring. Find your anchor point. Release.

I thought that was easy!

Whistle System

The instructor will give you three whistles: 1st Whistle: archers may proceed to the shooting line. 2nd Whistle: archers may place an arrow on the bowstring and begin shooting. 3rd whistle: archers may walk forward to the targets and pull their arrows.

Now I'm ready!

Here's the result of our first round. Obviously, the one on the left side is mine. Hahaha!

After the first round, I felt my arm is already aching. I think the bow is too heavy for me. When the second instructor arrived, he advised me to rest the bow on top of my shoe while reloading. Phew! What a great relief. It's also a good thing that we have to rest while waiting for everybody to finish shooting before we can reclaim our arrows.

I managed to make few more rounds but I really felt tired, my muscles were beginning to tense up. My shooting is becoming worst to the point where I was missing the target paper completely. Hahaha. Then I thought, it wasn't easy at all! I'm thankful I have my husband who is very competitive and enjoyed every single round.

He tried doing the same thing every single time until he finally gets the proper coordination. Consistent practice helps shooting becomes more instinctive. And it was evident on his target paper. As for me, I took rest and skipped some rounds to regain strength and enjoyed taking pictures of hubby instead.

We tried a long distance before we consumed our 1 hour and we were both in agreement that it is easier to shoot when it is farther. But you have to be still. Even the tiniest movement can make a huge difference. One twitch and the arrow won't even hit the target paper. This happened to me several times. Hahaha!

Here's the final result:

I guess it's not bad at all, especially for first-timers. We brought this target paper home as a souvenir!

Archery may look easy but learning how to shoot the right way is more than simply slinging arrows, it requires focus, strength, and coordination.

I am thankful to Kodanda for this one of a kind experience. It's very relaxing and fulfilling. Who would have thought that I'll be able to play archery in this season of my life? Well, I'm glad I did and I'm glad to have the experience with my husband. This deserves another visit, hopefully with family and friends.