Probably the most famous bow in the world is the English Longbow; a traditional archery bow. If a member of the public was asked to name a famous archer they would undoubtedly think of Robin Hood, and not the current Olympic Champion.

Traditional archery is archery in its simplest and original form.

Wooden arrows fletched with feathers, a wooden bow, shooting glove, bracer and quiver is all the equipment you need to compete along side other traditional archers.

Traditional archery relies solely on the archers skill, or instinct, to hit the target. This make it a very challenging, but extremely rewarding discipline.

Occasionally used at some target events, but traditional archery's real home is in the woods shooting unmarked distances.

The only bow style allowed at the Olympics is the recurve bow.

Modern engineering, sights, stabilizers, and carbon arrows makes the modern recurve a far superior bow than it traditional predecessors, but there still limits on the types of equipment allowed.

Associated mainly with target archery, and often the first bow a new archer is introduced to, the recurve is the most popular style of archery.

The latest progression of archery is the compound bow. A relatively new invention (around 1970), but over the last 10 years this bow has experienced a huge growth in the number of archers using this type of bow.

The compound bow is designed for maximum accuracy. The eccentric cams on the end of the limbs assist the archer by reducing the holding weight when they reach full draw position. This improves the archers ability to hold steady and also accelerates the arrow from the bow increasing speed. A mechanical trigger called a release aid is used to let go of the string, telescopic sights are permitted. Almost anything is allowed provided it is not electronic or electrical.

But don't be fooled into thinking this makes winning easier. Your competitors will have these same advantages too!