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Longbow building in process lots of wood chips and a partially built longbow
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Bow Making Immersion |
Come build something real.
Come listen to the wood.
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!
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:
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
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.
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
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
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:
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
Arrows & Archery
You'll also build a set of 12 arrows, tuned to your bow's draw weight and length.
This includes:
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
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 :)
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.
Leave with a bow - and the memory of making it.
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