Carlos Estrada

Background

I was introduced to archery at 44 years old in 2022, and from the moment I picked up a bow, I was hooked—though thankfully not literally! The sport’s precision, discipline, and mental challenge kept me coming back, and I quickly found a passion for refining my technique.

One of my most memorable moments was during a League Night Matchplay, where I achieved my first all-gold grouping. If you'd asked me beforehand, I would’ve said it was planned—but honestly, it was the perfect mix of practice, coaching, and pure fun.

Career Achievements

• Eliza Indoor Matchplay Winner – because hitting the target is way more fun than missing it

• 2nd place – 1 arrow shoot-off at Moorabbin 2025 – one arrow, all pressure, no room for error

• A few short-distance club records – apparently, I was too stubborn to let them stand unchanged

• Yering District Committee member (3 years) – liaison & member representative – because archery isn’t just about shooting arrows; it’s about building a great community

Favourite Discipline

I love both field and indoor archery, each offering a unique challenge. Field archery is like an adventure—every shot is different and the terrain loves to throw in a surprise or two. Indoor competitions are all about precision, consistency, and trying not to let your nerves convince you that your sight just moved.

Most Memorable Archery Experience

Competing at Nationals in 2024 was an incredible experience—stepping onto that stage, feeling the pressure, and realizing that no amount of practice can prepare you for the sudden urge to double-check every piece of equipment before shooting.

Another highlight was my first perfect all-gold grouping during an Eliza League Night Matchplay. Let’s just say I stared at that target longer than I’d like to admit, making sure it wasn’t some kind of trick.

My Best Advice

• Start with expert guidance—guessing your way through gear decisions is a risky (and often expensive) game. A trusted store like Eliza can help you avoid the “Why did I buy this?” moment.

• Your gear should grow with you—you don’t need a fancy bow on day one, but don’t underestimate the value of well-fitted equipment. Your shoulders will thank you.

• Focus on the process, not just the scores—archery rewards patience and consistency (and sometimes lets you blame the wind, even when you're indoors).

• Enjoy the journey—some days your arrows will fly true; other days, you’ll swear your bow is sabotaging you. Either way, have fun with it.

Why I Love Being an Eliza Ambassador

I’m passionate about helping beginners start their archery journey the right way—with guidance, quality gear, and a community that truly supports them. Eliza offers exactly that, making it the ideal place for new and experienced archers to build skills, confidence, and a lifelong passion.

Oh—and if you ever spot someone using aircraft seat belts to hold a quiver, that’s probably me! Aviation’s been a huge part of my life for the last 20 years, and whether it’s archery or airlines, precision and attention to detail are everything.