Once upon a time, when blogs were new and cool, I had a blog.
Bow Meets Girl, documented my archery journey from beginner to competitor to coach. The old look and feel are dated now, but my writing voice is familiar ground and was my practice where I learned to really write.
One of my big bones to pick with the industry as a whole during that time was the practice of “shrink it, and pink it.” Which, if you’ve met me, you would know how strongly that did not land.
So much so, that I advocated against this by presenting at the ATA during that time around the topic of how to sell to women. At 7 am, it was a full room. And, not everyone agreed with what I had to say.
Curiosity piqued this morning, a quick check of the Hoyt Archery site revealed that they have developed both recurve and compound editions which automatically do not offer oversexed product names (Stiletto comes to mind, blegh) or toy box colors.
Prois branding, “Tough. Elite. Prois,” offers women-only rugged wear for serious work and adventure. Not a pink scrap in sight.
Lancaster Supply still has their starter packs, which come in pink for young shooters. I do miss starting little girls and watching them grow confidence and attitude over a short six weeks. If they want pink rainbow sparkle gear to feel good about what they are doing, I’m not arguing. It’s a super parent/kid way to spend time, and if that tips them into trying it, fine.
Hunters still use pink arrows, as that color makes it slightly easier to locate a lost arrow in the deep thickets or under matted grass. Arrows are expensive and losing or bending one is a sad occasion for anyone. The bent ones just mock you and find new employment supporting tomato vines.
I’m glad this particular world has changed for the better since I visited. My body doesn’t miss the wear and tear, but spending time outdoors with friends listening to the satisfying thunk of arrows hitting their mark never got old.
