story by MARIO BOUCHER
A bow, an arrow, a target—and the thrill of hitting the mark. Once essential for hunting and battle, archery has evolved, yet its spirit endures: focus, precision, and the rush of landing the perfect shot. Calm meets excitement with every draw, and hitting the center becomes an addictive challenge that sharpens skill and boosts confidence.
“As a child in my parents’ backyard, [I found] the speed and the sound of the arrow connecting with the target mesmerizing,” says John Kristoff, owner of Lifetime Archery in Raleigh. “Shooting self-ascribed targets like trash cans and wheelbarrows with suction cup arrows was my introduction. The brief moment after release, anticipating and hoping for a ‘bullseye,’ was equally addictive.”
Kristoff left a full-time IT sales job to help an outdoor sporting goods store expand into archery gear and lessons. He opened Lifetime Archery in 2013. Kristoff is a USA Archery Level 4 NTS Coach, a National Field Archery Association Master Coach, and the Archery Training Director of the Durham County Wildlife Club.
John Kristoff turned his childhood passion into a thriving career. Photo courtesy of Lifetime Archery
Bows and Brotherhood
Shiv Patel co-founded ArcheryBros in 2023 in Morrisville with his brother, Ohm; both now coach at the facility. A USA Archery Level 1–certified instructor and the reigning champion in the USA Archery NC State Indoor Championships for seven consecutive years since 2019, Patel says he was drawn to archery by its emphasis on consistency: “Every shot depends on repeating the same process, and even small adjustments make a big difference. That focus on consistency is what makes the sport both challenging and rewarding.”
ArcheryBros supports relaxed, fun shooting sessions as well as archers aiming to compete at the state or national level. The program emphasizes skill-building, confidence, and a welcoming environment for ages 7 and older. “We wanted to build a place where people could learn archery the right way, feel supported and grow confidently at any level,” Patel says.
Archery 101
For anyone who has never tried archery, Kristoff says many people taking their first lesson get very excited “when their first arrow hits the target and they react with a big smile, ‘I hit it!’ With beginner-friendly instruction and quality equipment, we can get most people on target within a few minutes of starting.”
Essential fundamentals include safety and proper equipment use. “Technique and form are the backbone of archery,” Patel explains. “They create consistency and allow archers to improve safely over time. In archery, slowing down and learning fundamentals early leads to better accuracy and long-term improvement.
“Hitting the bullseye provides instant feedback and instant gratification, which keeps people engaged,” he adds. “Every shot feels like a personal challenge, and that is what makes the sport so appealing.”
Finding the Perfect Fit
Lifetime Archery helps archers gear up the right way from the start. “Beginning archers with properly fitted equipment will be able to focus less on the physical demands and more on the technique, which requires mental focus,” Kristoff says. “Our equipment is sized for any beginner, for either dominant hand and does not require great strength.”
Kristoff adds that the biggest mistake beginners make is purchasing equipment without proper guidance. “Often, the equipment will not fit properly or will be of poor quality, with limited options. Before ‘selling’ a bow to a customer, we carefully select equipment sized to the intended archer, the purpose for the bow, and potential future use.”
Patel notes, “Beginner programs and rental equipment allow new archers to start without a large upfront investment. When choosing a first bow, proper fit and appropriate draw weight are far more important than brand or appearance.”
Anyone can become an archer
Lifetime Archery welcomes archers of all abilities—including those with physical or developmental needs—and offers introductory group or private lessons for ages 8 and older. “Continuing group lessons are available for youth five days a week and adult-only lessons three to four days a week,” Kristoff says. “Private lessons for individuals or private groups looking for off-site or team building events such as birthday parties and reunions can be scheduled most days of the week with advance notice.”
For a beginner class or lesson at ArcheryBros, Patel says, “People of all ages and backgrounds can participate and succeed, even without prior athletic experience. Archery can be adapted for a wide range of ages and physical abilities. Youth programs are especially important because they help build discipline, confidence, and focus in a supportive environment.”
ArcheryBros in Morrisville teaches proper form and technique. Photo courtesy of ArcheryBros
Reaching new heights
A recent addendum to the report, “Target Shooting in the United States: Participation, Demographics, and Relationship with Hunting and Fishing,” published in 2022 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, found that the National Archery in the Schools Program—which reaches more than 23.5 million students in over 9,500 U.S. schools—has boosted archery participation, especially among youth ages 6–15.
“Archery will continue to grow as more people look for activities that improve focus and reduce stress,” Patel says. “With increased visibility, better technology, and stronger youth programs, the sport will become even more accessible while still respecting its traditional roots.”
Kristoff is excited about the sport’s growth through local, state and national tournaments, without the need to qualify to compete. “Olympic and World Cup archery with dedicated live streaming coverage is significant for growing awareness of the sport. There are many archery-specific content providers on social media.”
With robust youth programs, growing media exposure, and an inclusive tournament structure, archery clearly has a bright future—proving an age-old skill can thrive in the modern world.
Shiv Patel co-founded ArcheryBros with his brother Ohm, offering coaching for all ages and levels. A USA Archery Level 1 instructor and seven-time state champion, Patel emphasizes consistency, skill-building, and confidence. Photo courtesy of ArcheryBros
Featured image: Young archers refine their aim at Lifetime Archery in Raleigh. Photo courtesy of Lifetime Archery