What Is an Archery Range Session Like? A First-Timer’s Walkthrough
So you’ve booked your first archery session — or you’re about to — and now you’re wondering what actually happens once you walk through the door. Good news: at OnPoint Archery, Toronto’s largest indoor archery facility in Scarborough, a first-timer’s session is built to be relaxed, coach-led, and genuinely fun. No experience is required, and every piece of equipment is provided. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of what to expect from your first arrow to your last.
Before You Arrive: Booking and Prep
Your first step is booking a 1-Hour Intro Event at just $39.99 per person — the perfect entry point for absolute beginners, ages 8 and up. If one hour isn’t enough, upgrade to the 2-Hour Archery Intro for $69.99 and save $10 while moving onto recurve bows at longer distances. Both options include everything, so there’s nothing to rent or buy.
You don’t need any gear. OnPoint provides bows, arrows, arm guards, and finger savers as part of your session. Wear comfortable, close-fitting clothes and closed-toe shoes, and tie back long hair so it stays clear of the bowstring. Leave dangling jewelry and bulky jackets at home — a clean draw is easier without them in the way.
Arrival and Check-In
OnPoint Archery is located at 40 Continental Place, Scarborough, ON, with free on-site parking. The range is open Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (closed Mondays). Arrive about 10 minutes early so you have time to check in, complete a quick waiver, and get oriented before your lane time begins. Because the range is fully indoors, your session runs comfortably year-round — no need to worry about Toronto heat, rain, or snow.
The Safety Briefing and Equipment Fit
Every session starts with a short safety briefing led by an NCCP-certified coach. You’ll learn the range rules, how to handle a bow safely, and the line commands everyone follows. Then your coach fits you with a bow matched to your draw length and strength, plus an arm guard to protect your forearm and a finger tab or glove for a clean release. Even if you’ve never touched a bow before, you’ll be ready to shoot within minutes.
Your First Shots
With a coach watching your form, you’ll learn the fundamentals in order:
- Stance — feet shoulder-width apart, standing sideways to the target
- Nock and draw — loading the arrow and pulling the string to a consistent anchor point
- Aim — a relaxed focus on the target, not a forced squint
- Release — letting the string slip cleanly off your fingers
Your coach stays right beside you for the first few arrows, making small corrections so you don’t lock in bad habits. Most first-timers are surprised by how quickly arrows start landing on the target.
Shooting at Distance
Beginners usually start close to the target — around 10 yards — and back up as confidence grows. By the end of your hour you’ll have shot several ends (rounds of arrows), and your coach may add a friendly scoring challenge to keep it competitive. Want to go further? The beginner archery events page explains your distance options in detail.
Wrapping Up and What’s Next
At the end of your session you’ll return your equipment and talk with your coach about next steps. Loved it? You can book the 2-hour intro to go deeper, join a structured archery lesson package starting at $199 for six sessions, or try a combo event that pairs archery with knife throwing or airguns. Whatever you pick, your first arrow is only the beginning.
Ready to see it for yourself? Book your first archery session at OnPoint Archery in Scarborough today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own bow and arrows?
No. OnPoint provides all equipment — bows, arrows, arm guards, and finger savers — included in the price of your session.
Is archery hard for a complete beginner?
Not at all. An NCCP-certified coach guides you through stance, draw, aim, and release step by step, and most first-timers are hitting the target within their first hour.
How long does a first session last?
The standard intro is one hour ($39.99 per person), with a two-hour option ($69.99) that adds recurve bows and longer distances.
What should I wear to the range?
Comfortable, close-fitting clothes and closed-toe shoes. Avoid loose sleeves and dangling jewelry, and tie back long hair so it stays clear of the string.