What to Expect at Your First Indoor Archery Range Session

Walking into an indoor archery range for the first time can feel like stepping into another world — targets lined up down a long lane, bows hanging on racks, and everyone else already seems to know what they’re doing. If you’ve booked your first indoor archery range session and aren’t quite sure what to expect, you’re in the right place. Here’s the full walkthrough, from check-in to your very last arrow.

Before You Even Pick Up a Bow

When you arrive at OnPoint Archery at 40 Continental Place in Scarborough, the first thing you’ll notice is how spacious and organized the range is. With 28 lanes spread across the facility, there’s plenty of room — and you won’t be crowded shoulder-to-shoulder with other shooters. After signing a quick digital waiver, your coach will walk you through a 5- to 10-minute safety briefing that covers the range rules: never point a bow at anything you don’t intend to shoot, always wait for the “all clear” before retrieving arrows, and keep your bow pointed downrange at all times.

What about gear? Everything is provided. OnPoint supplies the recurve bow, arm guard, finger tab, and arrows — you don’t need to bring a thing. That said, closed-toe shoes are mandatory on the range floor, so leave the sandals at home. Avoid loose, billowy sleeves that could catch the bowstring, and if you have long hair, a simple ponytail keeps it out of the way. Comfortable, fitted clothing is all you need — think gym clothes, not a fashion statement.

If you’ve booked an intro session, you’ll also get a quick rundown of what to expect during your time on the range. The 1-Hour Archery Intro Event ($39.99 per person, ages 8+) is the most popular starting point, and it’s designed for people who have never held a bow in their life. You can also book the 2-Hour Archery Intro ($69.99) if you want to go deeper and shoot at longer distances — it’s the same session, just doubled up back-to-back. Browse all archery activities to see what fits your schedule.

Your first indoor archery range session is less about hitting bullseyes and more about learning to trust the process.

Your First 60 Minutes — Step by Step

Here’s exactly how your first indoor archery range session unfolds. Every intro session at OnPoint follows a proven structure developed by NCCP-certified coaches, so whether you’re coming alone or with a group from a corporate team-building event or birthday party, the sequence is the same.

1. Safety briefing and range orientationYour coach explains the range commands, whistle signals, and lane etiquette. This takes less than 10 minutes and nobody touches a bow until it’s done.
2. Equipment fitting — finding your draw length and bowYour coach measures your arm span, selects a recurve bow with the right draw weight (usually 16–20 lbs for adult beginners), and fits your arm guard and finger tab.
3. Stance, grip, and form fundamentalsYou’ll practice your stance — feet shoulder-width apart, perpendicular to the target — and learn how to nock an arrow, set your grip, and draw with your back muscles, not your arm.
4. Your first shots — and what “good” looks likeYou’ll shoot from 8 to 10 yards to start. Most beginners land arrows on the target within their first three attempts. The goal is consistent grouping, not dead-centre bullseyes.

By the end of the hour, you’ll have shot somewhere between 30 and 50 arrows. Your coach will give you individual feedback throughout — this isn’t a “here’s a bow, figure it out” kind of place. The coaching ratio is small enough that you get real attention, even in group sessions.

What Happens After Your Session

After your arrows are retrieved and the equipment is racked, most people have one of two reactions: either they’re grinning ear to ear and already asking about lesson packages, or they’re surprised by how much they learned in a single hour. Both are completely normal.

If you’re hooked, OnPoint offers a Start-Up Archery Lessons package — six one-hour sessions for $199 ($33.15 each) with a 90-day expiry. That’s the best path if you want to go from “I tried it once” to actually developing consistent form. For parents, the youth programs (ages 8–17) run year-round and are led by coaches who specialize in teaching kids and teens. The range is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 8 pm and weekends from 10 am to 8 pm — closed Mondays — so there’s plenty of availability around school and work schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my own bow to a first indoor archery range session?

No. OnPoint Archery provides all equipment — recurve bow, arm guard, finger tab, and arrows — at no extra charge. Just show up in closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing.

What if I’ve never held a bow before in my life?

That’s exactly who the intro sessions are designed for. OnPoint’s NCCP-certified coaches walk you through every step, from how to stand to how to release. Zero experience is expected and perfectly normal.

How early should I arrive for my first session?

Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. This gives you time to park (free on-site parking), check in, sign the waiver, and settle in before the safety briefing starts.

Can I bring a friend to watch during my session?

Yes, spectators are welcome in the viewing area behind the shooting line. They won’t be able to enter the range floor unless they’re also registered, but there’s a clear sightline to watch the action from the waiting area.

About the Author
Coach Taylor is a precision sports instructor at OnPoint Archery in Scarborough, Toronto, with deep experience introducing first-timers to indoor archery, airgun, and knife throwing. Coach Taylor believes that everyone — regardless of age, fitness level, or background — can learn to shoot with confidence inside their first hour on the range. When not coaching, Taylor can be found fine-tuning Olympic recurve form at 20 yards.