In northern Alberta, an archery club, Lac La Biche, has its sights keenly set on establishing a world record. Becoming the first in Canada, Lac La Biche is set to host the World Archery Field Championships in September 2024.
The club’s president, Rene Schaub, expressed his ambition for the event, mentioning his aspiration to make the event “special”, a celebration that will attract thousands of enthusiasts worldwide. Echoing his enthusiastic spirit, Schaub explained, “We have one of the finest archery facilities in North America and I thought: ‘What could be more thrilling than the privilege of hosting world records?'”
The province of Alberta is already a proud possessor of nine massive spectacles including a 2,700-kilogram pyrogy sculpture and a 12.8-metre long fishing lure and hook, among others.
Recalling his conversation with Schaub, Jamie Sturges manifested his shared enthusiasm and noted, “So when Rene approached us with his idea to craft the world’s largest arrow, we immediately saw the prospects and agreed wholeheartedly.”
Running Savailin Enterprises, a welding and fabrication shop in Lac La Biche, Sturges and his usually busy workers, took on a week-long adventure this year. Their meticulous endeavor resulted in an 80 feet 1⅜ inches long arrow for Schaub which gained the attention and admiration of everyone in Lac La Biche.
Manufacturing a not-so-flimsy, 6061 T aluminum 24-meter- long arrow was quite the challenge. Its construction ensured it could be a regular proving that size does not compromise functionality.
Placed beside a 100 feet long building, the arrow’s overwhelming presence was prominent. It stood out, reflecting Schaub’s desire to do something out-of-the-box.
The club’s president, Schaub, in turn, expressed his feelings about the project, equating it to a dream come true, especially seeing the huge arrow transported to the club was deemed extraordinary.
Even though the gigantic arrow seems impossible to shoot, Schaub contemplates doing it someday and proudly mentions that he wouldn’t exclude building a complementary bow to match the immense arrow.
The project became a sweet victory for Schaub and the club, largely due to the team’s effort. The giant arrow was symbolic of what the community could achieve together, setting the stage for the much anticipated 2024 World Archery Field Championships, which will take place from September 16 to 22.
Reportedly, Schaub’s efforts suggest that this could be the largest arrow on the planet, albeit it is yet to be officially recognized by Guinness World Records.
