Forget Robin Hood and men in tights, a new generation of archers is making waves in the Western Bay following the release of The Hunger Games.
The book series and film follow a female character who uses archery skills in a battle to survive.
Since the movie released about amonth ago, Tauranga Archers, which is the only archery club in the Western Bay, has noticed a sudden surge in popularity among teenage students who want to know more about the sport.
Club captain Kerry Turner, who oversaw inquiries for beginner classes, said in the past few weeks the number of calls from prospective archers had increased significantly.
"We would probably get one to two a fortnight but now we're getting at least six a week," she said.
"They don't have to put their age down, so I can't give you an exact age, but there are quite a few around the age of 15. Most of them are teenagers."
Ms Turner said the recent release of The Hunger Games books and film could explain the sudden interest among teenage girls in the traditionally male-dominated sport.
"It looks like the perception of the sport is changing, although a lot of boys do archery. The club has about 25 males and eight females but there are a lot of female inquiries at the moment. And I think that's come down to the fact the lead in the movies is female and that is what's making it more popular to girls instead of the traditional Robin Hood perception.
"It's certainly become a talking point and everyone knows it's out there."
Her 16-year-old son, Mykel, a multiple national age-group champion, said he had not seen the movie, but heard it was "pretty good". He hoped more young people would pick up a bow and arrow after watching the film.
Ms Turner said the rise in interest was pleasing but was yet to translate into new memberships. The club had about 33 members, who ranged in age from 10 to 80.
"Archery is a sport that anyone can do because the bow weight depends on your own strength."
Those interested can go along to club days on Sundays at Graham Park. A beginner course would be held on Saturday afternoons, for three weeks beginning April 21. For more information, email John Rigby on jw.mr.rigby@kinect.co.nz, phone 578 4957.
