So I was expecting nationals to be so much worse than they actually were. I was certain I would prove myself to be a complete dope and screw up. I was sooooo wrong. Nationals were the most fun I have ever had at an archery competitions. Never have I ever met so many inspiring people who all had the same dream. Not one bad vibe or overly competitive attitude was given off. In fact, all my bale mates were EXTREMELY nice and I connected with them all quite well. This is why I love this sport because it truly is about sportsmanship.
Now let me tell you about my experience.
So after a long and tiring 12 hour drive to Kentucky, we arrived at the hotel friday morning. We checked in and dropped our stuff off. Then off to the convention center for the Practice with the Pros and the Pro-Am shoots. Best part of Practice with the Pros? I got to meet all of the awesome pros and gave them all my card. A lot of them asked about our blog and about my experiences. I love archery celebrities because they are 10x more relaxed than the Hollywood ones. Oh and did I mention I met Erika Jones and took a selfie with her? Yeah that was insane.
The Pro-Am shoot (I failed to realize) was an actual competition for money. I was having too much fun shooting and joking with my Pro, Steve Scott. An accomplished 3D shooter and Mississippi native, this dude was awesome. He had me laughing and smiling all throughout the shoot.
The night did have to end because I was shooting the 7am line on Saturday (oh joy getting up at 5am) I don't mind shooting in the morning. To be honest I've found that I actually shoot better in the early hours than I do in the afternoon. But that philosophy proved me wrong. Day 1 was a stressful day. Of all times to have an equipment failure it had to be during nationals. My sight decided not to cooperate. I was shooting a good group to the left and I kept moving my sight. Nothing changed. I moved it 32 clicks to the left and the thing didn't move a millimeter. Knowing I had another day to redeem myself, I calmed down, compensated, and enjoyed the rest of the shoot.
Day 2 was so much better. I had brought a backup bow and sight just incase this event happened.(because with my equipment, catastrophe is 99% possible) I shot so much better and made up over 30 points. I ended the day with a 274 and 20 Xs. I was pretty bummed I didn't break 280, but I was proud I kept my cool.
I had so much fun and I encourage you all to go to nationals one day. You don't need to be extremely good or have the best equipment. It's all about the learning experience.
Now let me tell you about my experience.
So after a long and tiring 12 hour drive to Kentucky, we arrived at the hotel friday morning. We checked in and dropped our stuff off. Then off to the convention center for the Practice with the Pros and the Pro-Am shoots. Best part of Practice with the Pros? I got to meet all of the awesome pros and gave them all my card. A lot of them asked about our blog and about my experiences. I love archery celebrities because they are 10x more relaxed than the Hollywood ones. Oh and did I mention I met Erika Jones and took a selfie with her? Yeah that was insane.
The Pro-Am shoot (I failed to realize) was an actual competition for money. I was having too much fun shooting and joking with my Pro, Steve Scott. An accomplished 3D shooter and Mississippi native, this dude was awesome. He had me laughing and smiling all throughout the shoot.
The night did have to end because I was shooting the 7am line on Saturday (oh joy getting up at 5am) I don't mind shooting in the morning. To be honest I've found that I actually shoot better in the early hours than I do in the afternoon. But that philosophy proved me wrong. Day 1 was a stressful day. Of all times to have an equipment failure it had to be during nationals. My sight decided not to cooperate. I was shooting a good group to the left and I kept moving my sight. Nothing changed. I moved it 32 clicks to the left and the thing didn't move a millimeter. Knowing I had another day to redeem myself, I calmed down, compensated, and enjoyed the rest of the shoot.
Day 2 was so much better. I had brought a backup bow and sight just incase this event happened.(because with my equipment, catastrophe is 99% possible) I shot so much better and made up over 30 points. I ended the day with a 274 and 20 Xs. I was pretty bummed I didn't break 280, but I was proud I kept my cool.
I had so much fun and I encourage you all to go to nationals one day. You don't need to be extremely good or have the best equipment. It's all about the learning experience.