Beginner's Bow help

[Whiskey1]

I've been wanting to get into archery for awhile, and have done a fair bit of research on it as well.  What I've garnered so far is: (and PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong)
1-I should start off with lessons before buying a bow
2- My first bow should be a light draw weight for me.  I'm planning on a 45 lb draw weight @ 28"

My problems are living in Hawaii I can't find archery lessons, and I don't know what bow I should buy because of it.  I want a take down recurve but, should I shell out the money now get a good bow and light limbs assuming I can just change them later? Should I get a cheaper bow and try to figure out what kind of riser I would want based off of whatever "standard" riser that cheap bow comes with?

Any advice would be appreciated
~mahalo

[Kavogt]

I don't think formal lessons are necessary-just find someone or a group to hang out with and get some pointers.

Another benefit to this is that you can get an opportunity to handle and shoot a variety of bows and see what you like. Handling is key with a bow. If it's not comfortable to you, you're not going to enjoy the sport as much as with a bow that "feels right". Even an expensive, bells-an-whistles, custom bow may not feel as good to you as a some manufacture's off-the-shelf beginner bow.

I recommend you handle as many bows as you can and see what works for you before investing in your own bow.

[JRY309]

Hello and welcome,are there any archery clubs in your area? They can be helpful,maybe some of the guys there could give you alittle help.I would look for a used recurve in the classifieds,you can find a reasonably priced older recurve to shoot.I would try that before investing in a new bow.There alot of great info on this site on everything from shooting and everything else.Just ask

[Jaikarr]

In my experience, if you have never done archery before you should go for a lot lighter than 45#, something closer to 30# will be more than enough as you build up the strength in your back muscles.

Get a cheap trainer bow to get started if there are no clubs in the area that can lend you one and work on your shooting form. This is where having someone who can tell you what you're doing helps, so even if there are no clubs, if you can find archers nearby you'll be okay.

Once you're comfortable in your form and can draw your bow easily you can start looking for more expensive kit.

[Whiskey1]

There is an archery club that also run an archery range.  I just wasn't sure if it would be appropriate showing up at their archery range with no bow and a bunch of questions.  
The 45# bow is because i have a freakishly short reach (I should have mentioned it in the first post). I have short arms for someone of 5'7", I estimated my draw length being around 25" so that said should I still get a 30#? or did I do the draw weight conversion right?

[Rustic]

Welcome to Trad Gang...
I went "Traditional" 2 months ago.
I, too, thought 45# would be a good start but when I started shooting bows at that "draw weight" I quickly found out 45# was way too much!! So, I bought a used 35# recurve. Practiced with it everyday and just recently bought a Bear 45# Grizzly and I could not be happier.
As for going to the archery range empty handed, Just go, I'm sure somebody will start working with you. Start  researching and dont be afraid to ask questions.

[Encino Man]

Whiskey1,

 I started with a used 45# Martin Hunter recurve. It only took me a month before I was shooting it comfortably. It really depends on your stature and age. I'd say at your draw length you should be fine. Just get out and enjoy yourself. It really helps to have mentors. Those that can show you how to tune your arrows, how to take care of your equipment and all the other little details that might take you years to figure out on your own. And by all means. Do as much reading as you can on this site. These guys know their stuff and are more than willing to help.

By the way. You may progress onto another bow. And when you do, don't be to quick in trading in the old one. I wished I had mine back. There is no better way to find a shooting buddy than to have an extra bow lying around.

[KHALVERSON]

welcome
there are several members here from hawaii
i dont know which islands but maybe you could hook up with one of them and try out there bows
and pick up some pointers
ryan sanpai  goes by s-2 bowstrings comes to mind
heck of a nice guy too boot also

[RM81]

Welcome to TradGang.  I'd just show up and see if there's someone there to help point you in the right direction or maybe have a light weight bow for you to try.  I think you'll be fine with that #45 bow if your draw is truely 25".  That should put you around #35.  Typically, you lose/gain about #3 per inch of draw under/over 28".

I'd also start out with a used bow.  If you want to sell it later on when you move up in weight, you should be able to recoup most of your investment to put towards another bow.

[Whiskey1]

I'm going out to that archery range this weekend to see if I can take a look at other people's bows.  

I really appreciate everyone's help, please let me know if there is anything else to keep in mind while starting out.

~Mahalo

[bow_man_66]

Welcome Christopher. What island are you on?? I have a son going to school out there that would love to help you out some. He has his 45# Bob Lee with him. He is near Honolulu and shoots at a range not far from where he lives. PM me if that might work out, I'm sure he could help you out getting started. He would love to shoot with someone again.