Looking for somewhere to learn archery in Greenville, SC? Let us introduce you to Upstate Archery Academy where you can learn how to perfect the art of shooting a bow and arrow!
Learning archery is a really fun endeavor and you can do it right here in Greenville at Upstate Archery Academy. Literally anyone can learn archery and the academy makes it accessible for all, offering youth, adult, and homeschool classes, date night experiences, birthday parties, and even corporate events.
We visited and have all the details on how to enjoy this cool sport!
About Upstate Archery Academy
The history of the Upstate Archery Academy is pretty fascinating. It’s a family-owned business where both owners – husband and wife Shelley and Jack Williamson – are natives of Greenville and essentially started the business to meet a need for archery instruction.
When their daughter was in 7th grade at Riverside Middle School, she took an archery class during gym and fell in love with it. Her dad researched how to become certified as an instructor and while the middle school wasn’t interested in pursuing archery as an official sport for students, once his daughter got to high school, they were able to form a team and start competing.
Word got around that Jack was trained as a coach and people in the community started to inquire about lessons. After offering archery lessons at their home for awhile, Shelley was able to partner with the City of Greer to offer instruction both outdoors and indoors at one of their facilities a few times a week. But people kept coming and Shelley and her husband realized they needed to find a space of their own to host classes.
It took three years to obtain the space they are in now right off of Wade Hampton Boulevard. The space is perfect for them as it was a former shooting range and easy to convert to an archery range. They opened there in 2023 and have continued to grow.
They offer homeschool classes, adult and youth classes, camps, date nights, birthday parties, corporate events, monthly open range hours, and private lessons. They also have a great shop where you can purchase a wide range of archery equipment. And they fix bows as well.
Classes, Lessons, Camps, and Dates
The main thing I learned from Shelley is that anyone can learn archery. She is adamant that the sport is for anyone who wants to learn no matter your background or skill or age. She is so welcoming and encouraging and patient that it’s hard not to believe that you can shoot bullseyes all day long.
The family-owned business offers classes for adults, youth and homeschoolers, and leagues. You can do a one-hour date night here, which I think is just so much fun. There are plenty of nearby restaurants, so you could easily pair this with dinner and make it a unique adventure.
Classes and events vary in price so follow the links to see what suits you best. Classes are usually in the afternoons so people who work or kids who are in school can come and enjoy the range.
You could also hold a birthday party or private event here. There is plenty of space to bring your own food, and Shelley is a pro at setting up the place to cater to whatever you’d like to do.
Upstate Archery hosts events, which are listed on their website. These can include things like tournaments or league nights.
Open Range and Memberships
Like a gym, Upstate Archery hosts open range hours where guests can pay for an hour ($10.50) or an all-day pass ($15.50). There is plenty of space to practice here so the open range is fun for anyone who has taken a basic class and wants more time to hone their skills.
If you don’t have equipment, that’s okay. You can rent equipment from Upstate Archery for around $22-$28. Or if you’d like to purchase your own equipment, they have a beautiful selection available right at the shop.
For open range sessions, you can pay by the hour or day or purchase a three or six-month membership.
Mom Review
I love learning new skills and while I have shot a bow and arrow before, I had not ever done so in a range with the kind of equipment we were using. It was fun to learn how to use it and how best to get that bullseye – which both my daughter and I did!
I also really like how accessible the sport is and that it is a family-owned business. Shelley and Jack are there daily and can answer pretty much any questions you have. There are also so many options to get started or dip your toes into the sport to see if you like it and want to pursue it.
The atmosphere is totally relaxed and safety is a huge part of what you learn when visiting (for good reason). There are so few places to learn archery in the Upstate and it’s obviously a growing sport given how much interest Upstate Archery has had over the past several years. And honestly, it’s just a super cool skill to learn!
Visiting Upstate Archery
Upstate Archery is located right off Wade Hampton Boulevard next to Safe Harbor resale shop and Maverick Biscuit.
To sign up for classes, visit the website. And don’t hesitate to call or email if you have questions or want to book a private event there. Shelley is happy to help you out!
Upstate Archery Academy
2830 Wade Hampton Boulevard Suite 25, Taylors, SC
864.775.5898 | shelley@upstatearcheryacademy.com
Upstate Archery Website | Upstate Archery Facebook
