Archery Not Anarchy

One multi-day archery competition: standing in a crowd, waiting your turn, and watching hundreds of arrows fly. From people with hypnotic routines to those who just wing it, the day-to-day rhythms and unexpected moments consume your attention and teach lessons you can’t get from practice alone. I've been thinking.....again. As always, you can email archerynotanarchy@gmail.com or find us on Blue Sk...

In the second (and actually the third one too) part of my EIAC review, things get a bit cranky. The Flint round took more out of me than expected, the scores aren’t where I hoped they’d be, and my competitive brain is having serious words with me. As always, you can email archerynotanarchy@gmail.com or find us on Blue Sky and the Strongbow Archers Facebook page. Stay in by the wall and mind the ar...

This episode is a sleep-deprived, slightly overheated ramble through day one of the EIAC and, honestly, it’s exactly what you’d expect from recording in a hotel room that feels like a sauna, at an hour when no thoughts should be verbalised. It’s my first proper competition, and I go into everything from the evil early morning start (no, I did not make the 6am practice), to shooting with a genuinel...

After a long, unintended radio silence, I’m back again. In and out like a blue arse fly at this stage! Anyway, I'm slightly battered, definitely bruised, and standing (mostly upright) on the shooting line. This episode is a proper catch-up: clusterfuck training sessions, imposter syndrome creeping in, anchor points randomly changing for absolutely no reason, and random waffle that will help you fa...

Haaaaaaaapppyyyyyy New Year!! After a couple of quiet months and more skipped sessions than planned, Roberta talks honestly about nearly walking away from archery. Not in a dramatic way, but in the slow, avoid-the-bow-and-hope-it-goes-away kind of way. This is about burnout, expectations, stalled progress, comparison, and how a hobby you love can quietly turn into something heavy. There’s no comeb...

This week, Roberta dives into the world of archery misconceptions which include what her friends think she does to the messy and often humbling reality of practice. Her brain has given up so this episode is brought to you by a rogue chia seed. Roberta breaks down myths like “archery is easy,” “you just point and shoot,” and “it’s a calm hobby”. There’s even talk of why anger might sometimes help y...

We'd love your feedback and episode ideas — email us at archerynotanarchy@gmail.com

Roberta and Owen talk about what it takes to practice archery at home; the safety checks, the setup, and the occasional chaos. They cover everything from choosing a good backstop to keeping neighbours, dogs, and footballs out of the firing line. As well as some audio issues from Owen's mic, there's a lot of not sticking to the subject by Roberta, a lot of trying to stick to the subject by Owen, a...

This week’s episode is a little different and, for Roberta, extra special. She is joined by her child for a thoughtful and totally unscripted conversation about archery, family, and what it’s like learning a sport together. They talk accidental bullseyes, sharing what they've learned from each other, and witnessing a parent's decent in to insanity - it’s a warm mix of curiosity, laughter, and chil...

In the second episode of our chat on The Mental Game of Archery, we dive into the heart of resilience and mental toughness. From bouncing back after a bad day on the line to learning when to let go (and when to laugh at yourself), we explore how archery challenges not just your aim, but your mindset. We talk about the role of self-reflection, how to handle frustration without taking it home, and w...

Roberta and Owen are back, this time diving deep into the mental side of archery. From battling target panic and turning Spiderman’s head into a bullseye, to learning how self-talk, focus, and suppressed rage can actually shape your shot, this episode is full of honesty, laughs, and unexpected lessons. Whether you’re an archer looking to sharpen your mindset, or just curious about how this sport b...

After a break to catch her breath and juggle life (new job, too many commitments, and a cold), Roberta wanted to pop in with an honest update. The podcast isn’t going anywhere, just evolving. Roberta shares what’s been going on behind the scenes, why she had to step back, and what’s coming up next. From practicing at home and setting up DIY ranges, to bow anatomy, burnout, competitions, and even e...

Our first of a mini series about Roberta's road to her first indoor competition, we explore the early stages of preparing for indoor archery competitions, focusing on the 18-meter format. Roberta discusses her transition from casual practice to structured training, while Owen provides insight into technique, anchor points, and the benefits of routine and reflection. We also review scoring, equipme...

STRONGBOW ARCHERS invite affiliated archers to our inaugural Flint Competition!  When? 9th & 10th August Where? Harbour House Archery Range (Lougharbour, Ardellis Lower, Athy, Co. Kildare, R14 XR83) Double IFAA Flint Round, outdoor each day Adults €30 / Juniors & cubs €15 (Covers both days) Winning scores will be the best of both days. Online registration only, link on our Facebook page 8:...

Michèle Castiaux joins Roberta for a conversation about how she stumbled into archery, what keeps her coming back, and why sustainability is at the heart of everything she does, even when it comes to making her own arrows. From coaching and family weekends in the woods to longbows, lost arrows, and eco-conscious decisions, this chat explores how archery can be, amongst a lot of things, surprisingl...

In this second part of our interview with Colleen Moore, we dive into the real, often unspoken challenges women face in archery, from managing periods on the course to coping with menopause, dodgy toilet access, and the occasional cold sweat mid-shot. Colleen brings straight talk, wit, and decades of life experience to the table, making space for honest chats about female health, respect between c...

In this first episode of a two part interview, Roberta sits down with the brilliantly frank and fierce Colleen Moore (Level 4 coach). A devoted archer and all-round straight shooter, Colleen talks through her late start in archery, the stubborn refusal to conform, and the determination that kept her going when others would’ve walked away. From horsebow to coaching, and the joy of lightbulb moments...

This week, it’s the start of my “Roberta and Guests” series, and I'm joined by Anna Szymanska. We talk about her journey through archery so far, from nerves and self-doubt to quiet confidence and the love of practice. About focus, frustration, progress, and showing up, even when it’s hard. Honest, down-to-earth, and full of insight, it's a chat that reminds us why we love this sport and this commu...

Ever wondered what archery and a bit of healthy chaos have in common? In this episode, Roberta and Owen dive into everything a beginner needs to know before stepping onto the competition field. From waxing your string to why you really don’t need to bring a compass. Plus, a brief near-death experience involving a candle and a cup of tea. Expect personal stories, coughing, and plenty of practical a...

This week, David joins Owen for a calm and reflective conversation about discovering archery later in life and the quiet rewards it brings. What began as a passing interest soon became a valued part of his routine, offering focus, structure and a growing sense of community. David shares his journey from beginner nerves to confidently shooting a traditional one-piece bow, and reflects on the appeal...

We return for the second part of this two-part episode with more honest and unfiltered reflections on Roberta's journey through archery thus far. From awkward anchor points to unexpected breakthroughs, we continue the conversation about physical setbacks, mental focus and what it really means to chase consistency in a sport that refuses perfection. With humour, sharp insight and a healthy dose of...

In this episode, Owen takes the interviewer mic and Roberta takes centre stage. We’re looking back on nearly a year of archery, chats and general chaos, and digging into what keeps people coming back week after week. It’s not just about hitting the gold, it’s about headspace, routine, and remembering who you are outside of the school runs and day job. Roberta opens up about what archery has done f...

We’re back with another episode where absolutely nothing is planned but everything somehow comes together. This week, there is a bit of chat about Roberta’s new bow (christened “Bain”), the joys and disasters of string making, archery safety, Metallica dreams, and losing arrows in the woods. One of us did the homework, the other… well, sure look. Come for the random conversation, stay for the arch...

In this episode, Roberta chats with Veronica, an archer, coach, and all-around warrior spirit, to explore how archery became more than just a hobby - it became a lifeline. From the thrill of her first shot to the moments of doubt, burnout, and rediscovery, Veronica shares how archery has helped her grow in patience, confidence, and mental resilience. We talk about the unseen emotional and physical...

In this technical episode, we dive into the world of archery styles, from Olympic recurve to 3D animal rounds, field formats, and the simple beauty of traditional wooden bows. Owen breaks down every major format: indoor vs. outdoor, target vs. field, 3D rounds, and the nuanced differences between traditional, barebow, recurve, and compound setups, while Robbie tries not to have a breakdown. We tal...