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Longbow building in process lots of wood chips and a partially built longbow

Bow Making Immersion

Come build something real.
Come listen to the wood.
Seven Days on the Sunshine Coast, BC
Come to coastal BC and spend a week immersed in all things bows. This is slow craft - a deep, hands-on journey into the bow world - shaping wood, learning by feel, and making something that will last.

Limited to 5 students per session. 2025 dates now open - 1 workshop left this year!
Not just a course. An apprenticeship in old ways.
Over 7 days, you will:
  • Craft your own Pacific yew longbow, starting with a raw stave
  • Add tip overlays or horn caps
  • Make a dozen arrows tuned to your bow
  • Get a chance to shoot using instinctive archery techniques
  • Identify yew trees and what to look for when harvesting
  • Swim in hidden river pools, rest on quiet beaches, and take time to reconnect
Classes are small, personal, rooted in patience, respect, and the old ways of learning by doing.
2025 Dates
June 1-7: Full
June 29-July 5
September 14-20: Full
October 19-25
Register Here
Wooden Bow Workshop
Over 900 student bows built to date!

Rhythm of the Week
​
7 day in-person workshop: 9am - 4:30pm each day
Location: Sunshine Coast, BC (qathet regional district)

We begin on Sunday morning and finish end of day the following Saturday, giving you a full week to immerse in the bow building process - with time to breathe, shoot, swim and sink into the rhythm of the craft.
What it Costs
Course Fee: $1400
  • Includes all materials & use of tools for bow and arrow making
  • Deposit of $200. Balance due 2 months prior to start date
  • List of lodging options located within walking or short driving distance provided upon request
Note: We have limited space and keep workshops to 5 participants maximum.
What You'll Build
  • A Pacific yew bow, longbow, flatbow, paddlebow: shaped by your own hands
  • Your choice of tip overlays or horn caps
  • A dozen arrows matched to your draw length and bow weight
  • Plus the deep, personal experience of learning to listen to the wood
The Bow Craft Process
You'll start with a raw stave of yew, and over the course of the week, slowly and respectfully bring it to life.
The process includes:
  • Shaping and tillering your bow by hand
  • Learning how to read the grain and tension of the wood
  • Understanding the different bowyer tools
  • Flemish twist bow strings
  • Backing options available, though not needed
  • Adding handle wraps and finishing touches
  • Guidance on caring for your bow long term
We don't rush. We take the time each bow - and each builder - needs. This is slow craft at its most rewarding.
Arrows & Archery
You'll also build a set of 12 arrows, tuned to your bow's draw weight and length.
This includes:
  • Self-nocks and wrapping
  • Cutting and gluing fletching
  • Adding field points or broadheads
You'll leave with a fully usable set of arrows and the confidence to make more. During the week we will take some time to head up into the bush to try out your new bow & arrows. We will touch on yew identification & sustainable harvest, as well as shooting technique & safety.
Note on Readiness
Skill level: No prior experience needed - just curiosity, focus, and a willingness to learn
We recommend coming well-rested. The workshop is both rewarding and full. Some days are long - not because we rush, but because the craft invites you in (you may be dreaming bows by day 3). There's always time to pause & stretch :)
Come build something real. Come listen to the wood.
​Leave with a bow - and the memory of making it.
Register Here
    The bowyer's bench is waiting.
    ​This year's dates don't work? Leave your email and you'll be the first to hear about future dates.
Submit
Wooden Bow Workshop
Yew wood splitting

qathet, BC, Canada
604.413.2209
[email protected]
Ravenbeak Natureworks Yew Wood Bows
Picture
  • Home
  • Bows
  • Custom
  • Arrows
  • Staves
  • Immersion
    • Registration
    • UK Longbow Workshop
  • Knacks
  • About
    • Highlights
    • Reviews & Media
    • Contact Us
    • Warranty