With the popularity of movies like the Hunger Games and The Avengers, it’s no surprise that C and B Archery in Hicksville is thriving. The indoor archery range allows archers of all skill levels and ages to tap into their inner superhero, as they learn how to use arrows and shoot bows at targets over 40 yards away.
Manager Dustin Cimato says he has seen all different types of shooters, including those who are blind and in wheelchairs.
“I’ve seen every different type of person coming from every different walk of life be able to do this sport,” Cimato says. “Anyone can do it.”
C and B Archery offers lessons six days a weeks for archers of all skills levels and ages. There are many reasons people may come into the range—some want to better their hunting skills, while others just love the sport. Cimato says it’s rare that someone will come in for a lesson and never return.
“A lot of people who come in here have always had a passion for it,” Cimato says. “This sport has a huge draw and a lot of people seem very passionate about it, so they come back all the time.”
Owner Ralph Allocco says he decided to open in Hicksville seven years ago because it would be in the middle of other similar facilities in Patchogue and Queens. But unlike other indoor archery ranges that had walls covered in deer heads, Allocco wanted to make C and B Archery family friendly.
“And now we have the largest youth program on the eastern seaboard,” Allocco said.
For the fall season, about 200 students have signed up for junior league, where archers ages seven to 17 hone their skills. There is also a Junior Olympic Archery Development class.
New shooters will begin by taking lessons, while avid shooters new to the range will be evaluated by staff before being permitted to shoot on their own. Archers can learn how to shoot both traditional and compound bows.
C and B Archery is located at 11 Commercial Street in Hicksville and is open Tuesday through Sunday. Lessons, which includes bow rental, an hour of range time and a paper target, cost $25.50. Bows and arrows are also available for purchase at the facility. For more information, visit www.cbarchery.net or call 516-933-2697.
