Think highways, and you’d picture vehicles rumbling by. Often, these long connecting expressways are hardly more than part of our route on our daily commute. But one such highway hides an entire archery range – take a closer look at West Coast Highway the next time you’re driving past, and you’ll spot Salt & Light Archery.
Salt & Light Archery, also known as Slarchery, makes use of quite the unlikely space – lined with astroturf and vinyl, their shooting range well utilises the the entire area with 16-lanes, complete with Olympic-standard range distances of 70M.
Unlike other outdoor ranges, you’ll also be able to shoot here rain or shine, at any time of the day, as the expressway also doubles up as a shelter from the elements.
Target distance ranges from 5M (for kids) to 70M
The main draw that comes with this location however, is the affordable price tag of $5/hour, or $25/day, for certified archers to unleash their inner Hawkeye. For those without equipment, you can rent a set – complete with a bow, finger protector, arm guard, arrows and quiver – from $10/day.
Student prices, monthly and annual passes are also available – view Slarchery’s price chart here.
As a complete greenhorn having only witnessed archery on-screen in The Hunger Games, my first thought walking in was: oh shoot, this doesn’t look easy.
We opted for their 1-hour Fun Shoot ($35/session), an introduction to the basics of the sport taught by a trained instructor with least 2 years of archery experience. For those just here to try something new, you’ll want to go with this package as it provides a comprehensive and quick overview of all you need to know to get started.
Pro-tip: don’t spend too long aiming or your arms will get tired quick.
Balloon challenge
After going through an introduction to the basic techniques, you’ll move on to a couple of staged challenges. Start with a 10 arrow challenge, with a secret prize in store if you hit the minimum score required, followed by a slightly trickier balloon challenge.
The toughest of the lot is the last challenge with a mini target, about a third of the size of a regular target. You’ll get to bring this home as a memento, so try your best to nail that bullseye here.
If you don’t shoot straight arrows in more ways than one, opt to move your board a little closer to you for an easier shot.
Fun Shoot sessions aside, other courses available include a 10-arrow Try-Out ($10) for those who just want a taste, and a 4-hour Basic Archery Course ($150/pax) to get a certification.
Ample seating is available for archers to take a break
Regardless of whether you’ve been inspired by The Hunger Games, or are simply looking for a new sport to try out, Slarchery at West Coast is a hidden, relatively affordable range to give the sport a shot. Be sure to sign up in advance by dropping them a call to book a course!
Getting there: From Haw Par Villa MRT, take bus 175 or 176. From Clementi MRT, take 30,51,143 or 200. The nearest car park is West Coast Park Carpark 2.
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Photography by Edmund Wong.
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