Bob Wesley or Rick Welch

[Keith Langford]

I want and am ready to go to a shooting school, my dilema is I am a 3 hour drive from Bob Wesley, and 17 hours from Rick. The Wesley school would be alot cheaper overall due to travel. My question really is would Rick's class be that much more instructional than Bob's to warrant the extra time off,and money invested. Please all info possible would be greatly appreciated.

[McDave]

I haven't attended Wesley's class, so I really can't compare them. When I attended Rick's class, it was one-on-one for the 1 1/2 days of the class. When I've attended other classes with a number of participants, I've enjoyed that too.  But being personally instructed all day accelerates learning, no doubt, although it does wring you out a bit.

If I had to drive 17 hrs, with the price of gas, I think I'd fly into Little Rock!

[The Night Stalker]

I drove from western NC but I do dumb stuff. I had a great time.

[cedar swampman]

ended both schools and while they are different in their methods results are good with both. I came away with a greater understanding of form as well as proper setup of equipment. I shoot 3 under and use Ricks technique and it is very effective. Both gentlemen are great instructors and very nice guys. While I was with Bob I got to shoot one of Howard Hills arrows and that weas a thrill.

[TSP]

Having not been to either school I don't have any hands-on-based experience to add, and bow design certainly isn't the only factor, but if it's a D-style 'real longbow' you shoot then Wesley might make sense and if a heavy-risered hybrid or recurve is your choice then Welch seems logical.  Dunno.        

[Rob DiStefano]

i think both rick and bob are good instructors, and each leans at least a bit to their style of form and aiming.  i'd say you'll get good stuff from either, but you'd get more if you go with whatever instructor is closer to your style and bow, or what you wish to learn.

[Greg Dearth]

Another school that you may want to consider, is Rod Jenkin's clinic. Rod travels to different areas, through out the country, for his clinics. Check with Rod to see where his next clinic may be. I have attended both Rod's and Rick's classes. By attending both schools I have learned alot of techniques and drills that are helping me become a better shot.

[Rob DiStefano]

yes!  rod jenkins!!!

[3Bears]

Another vote for Rod Jenkins.

[Pete Darby]

I attended Bob's Class and will always count it as a high point in my archery.  Intrspersed with his teaching are his stories of Howard Hill, his mementos and good coffee.

[Looper]

I think I'd lean towards going to Bob's school. Not to be morbid, or anything, but he's not going to be around forever. Besides, how many fellows learned to shoot directly from Howard Hill? Even if you decided his methods weren't for you, you'd still have a unique experience.

[arrow flynn]

I went to Bob Wesley's in. 95 I was never sorry I went Bob is a great instructor of the longbow I flew to missisipi from California we took a walk on his private hunt club no hogs but we both teamed up on an armadillo. I got to shoot his English longbow.and his scrapbook w hhill memorabiliagreat trip. I haven't been to see any other archery instructors but I recommend. Bob Wesley if you want to learn the longbow.

[Rob Lee]

I haven't been to Bob's class but I've talked to him on the phone ,and I have his shooting video and I learned a lot from it and he is a pleasure to talk to. I have also been to Rick's school and he is a great teacher also like the others above if I was shooting a D shape longbow I would go with Bob if not I would go with Rick either way you will learn a lot.

[BOHO]

Id think it depends on how you want to learn to shoot. Bob shoots point of aim and Rick shoots from a sight picture. My choice, Id fly into Little Rock and have Rick come get me or take a rental to his place.

[Donald]

Keith,
I attended Bob Wesley's school in 2006.

He is a great instructor, an excellent shot, and a fine gentleman.

His school includes good shooting form, indirect aiming, and developing a perfect practice routine.

He likes, teaches, and shoots 3 fingers under,  especially for 3D competition and for tree stand hunting; but he certainly knows split finger shooting and the difference between the two.

IMO Bob Wesley, Rick Welch, and Rod Jenkins all teach more target style shooting.

[GANDGOLF]

I attended Rick Welch's class in 2010. Every shot He teachs is about Hunting. He strives to make you the best shot you can be. Unfortunately, his style does't always work for EVERYONE. I think you find someone enables you to find the Shot in YOU. IMO.  

[Lil Okie]

I went to Rick's school in 2010. Rick is a good teacher.

Go prepared to shoot lot's of arrows

[kestimator]

Originally posted by Donald:
Keith,
I attended Bob Wesley's school in 2006.

He is a great instructor, an excellent shot, and a fine gentleman.

His school includes good shooting form, indirect aiming, and developing a perfect practice routine.

He likes, teaches, and shoots 3 fingers under,  especially for 3D competition and for tree stand hunting; but he certainly knows split finger shooting and the difference between the two.

IMO Bob Wesley, Rick Welch, and Rod Jenkins all teach more target style shooting.

Donald,

I apologize for making you repeat your statement...but are you saying that Mr. Wesley also shoots 3 under?  I find that fascinating if so.  I've got his video and book and have corresponded via email with him before.  I'd love to be able to shoot split (Hill Romantic among many other idols) better....but truly I shoot better on average 3 under day in and day out.  Friends have advised me to pick one or the other and settle down with one or two bows and really develop one style....anyway..I'll await your reply.