As you all might know, archery involves releasing arrows from a bow and bows, releases arrow at such a high speed because it stores energy in either it's shape or construction material or both (refer to this post for Bow). Inevitable, the close proximity of the archer to the bow, the speed of the launched arrow and also the recoils produced combined together will produce hazard. Hazard in turn produces risks for injuries. I have seen many injuries related to incorrect release or use of equipment in archery. Believe me - you don't want that.
So in this post, I wish to introduce you to common archery safety equipments. There are myriads of other items used in archery, mainly depending on the purpose and/or the style of the archery itself. If you want to have a go at field archery, you will not be using some of the equipments in bowhunting and vice versa. These are the universal accessory equipment that an archer use.
Bracers or Armguards
Worn around the forearm of the archer's bow hand (the hand that's handling the bow). The purpose is to protect the arm from abrasion by the string during the bow release. In some cases, the string nock may even tear the skin of the arm not protected by these. It must be worn on the inside of the arm, a little of the archer's bow arm's elbow. Considered a mandatory protection each time, anywhere an organized archery is held- So you know how serious this is.Finger Tabs or Gloves
Both finger tab and gloves have a purpose to protect the arrow fingers (usually 3 fingers - index, middle and ring fingers) and to comfortably allow the archer's fingers pull/release the bowstring. During the drawing of the bow, the force and energy of the bow stresses the finger face, hence it may cause a some discomfort. When releasing the arrow, the archer may even feel a little pain. And boy, it's just ONE arrow! During training, I sometimes fire a thousand arrow in a day. Without further warning, WEAR this!
Chest Guards
Ahah! This.. is a Boobguard, er... Chestguard! Pardon the pun, guys. But I really had a lot of trouble convincing some guys to wear this. Even the girls in my class, sometimes they had to be told a story about how the legendary Amazonian (Women Warriors, expert bowgirls) usually cut up their left breast for a good reason.
Without a chestguard, it is possible the strings will 'pull' ur shirt and maybe some flesh during an arrow release. Worse case, a busty girl over-drawing her strings pass her sternum and releasing without wearing this. No dirty words intended - but she might just go home a nipple short! No more jokes, this is serious. Also, the contact of ur soft shirts WILL disturb the string during release, therefore it may considerably reduce accuracy.
Quiver
Well.. Some of you guys may not consider this as a kind of safety equipment, while in effect and practice, it IS! Letting your arrows lying around are bad archery practice and arrows are not cheap! Not to mention that arrows are still 'hazardous to health' while not in flight. Certainly it will not cause you a brain cancer or anything, but any arrows out of it's owners quiver, better be on the target. If it's not, its an 'unaccounted for arrow'. All such arrows, bring hazard and risk. Especially if you are bow-hunting using a broadhead tip! The end of the day you might be surprised to see ur friend limping home with a leaking foot.
