First Flight Archery is a full-service archery pro shop and indoor shooting facility located in Raleigh, North Carolina. As a comprehensive archery destination, the business combines retail sales, professional coaching, equipment services, and public range access under one roof, serving both recreational shooters and competitive archers throughout the greater Raleigh area.
The facility features a 26-lane indoor range extending up to 35 yards, designed to accommodate archers of all skill levels. The range is open to the public during business hours with flexible access options: day passes are available for $20 if bringing your own equipment, hourly rentals for $35 that include all necessary equipment, a 12-day range pass for $150 with no expiration date, or an annual unlimited pass for $450. The spacious and welcoming environment makes it an accessible option for first-time visitors and experienced archers alike.
Beyond range access, First Flight Archery offers a robust selection of classes and instructional programs. Beginner-focused intro classes are held Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. and Tuesdays at 1 p.m., with all equipment provided for the one-hour sessions. The facility also offers private and group lessons for archers ranging from beginners to advanced competitors, with flexible pricing structures depending on group size. For youth and adult development, First Flight Archery participates in USA Archery's Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) program, with classes held multiple days per week at different skill levels. The shop also hosts competitive league nights every Friday during the season from November through March, welcoming walk-in participants.
The retail operation stocks a wide selection of quality archery equipment for all ages and skill levels, with customers consistently praising the impressive arrow selection and thoughtful approach to equipment recommendations. The technical expertise of the staff is particularly noteworthy—the shop provides comprehensive bow and equipment services including complete bow setups, sight installation, paper tuning, arrow customization, string services, and detailed equipment adjustments. All products purchased at First Flight Archery include free installation, and the owners, Lesley and John, are both former USA Archery team members who bring significant competitive experience to the business.
Customer reviews consistently highlight the exceptional service quality and community-focused approach. Reviewers emphasize the staff's technical knowledge, patience with learners, and genuine passion for the sport. Parents particularly appreciate the instructors' ability to teach complex concepts in understandable ways while maintaining a strong focus on safety and proper technique. The facility has earned recognition for supporting competitive archers through the Raleigh Revolution competition team, which develops skilled athletes who compete at state, regional, and national levels through NFAA, USA Archery, and S3DA organizations.
First Flight Archery operates Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., remaining closed Sundays and Mondays. The shop is closed from December 24 through January 1 annually. Located at 6718 Old Wake Forest Road, the facility serves as a genuine community asset for anyone interested in learning archery, improving their technique, or pursuing competitive shooting in the Raleigh area.
