I had a fellow respond on one of my bamboo backed bow build-a-longs. It just so happens that he lives in rural Ga just an hour away. His name is Jaap, and he has spent many years building bows from bamboo. When I asked him how long he had been building bows, he responded by holding his hand about knee high. I knew immediately from his accent that he wasn't from around these parts. He has spent many years in Ontario running Yumi Bows (
http://www.yumi-bows.com/yumi.html). He has spent much time in Japan and Korea, learning and teaching the ways of the primitive laminated bows. He is now in Georgia growing his own bamboo for bow making. I really wish I could remember the name of the variety that he grows and sells, but I can't. It is some really beautiful stuff though. He says the most important part in quality bamboo is the curing. The quality of work is amazing. I toured his shop, drying racks, and his grove of boo. This gentleman is a true treasure to our sport. I was able to buy five planks of the best quality bamboo that I have ever seen. Here is Jaap under one of his drying sheds.
![](http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/YumiBows-1.jpg)
This is Jaap prepping a boo plank for backing.
![](http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/YumiBows-2.jpg)
Jaap showing me some of his fine bows.
![](http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/YumiBows-3.jpg)
Some of the bamboo planks that I purchased.
![](http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/YumiBows-4.jpg)
The grove of boo! This will require a few more years before harvesting.
![](http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/YumiBows-5.jpg)
Unlike most of the bamboo you buy for bows that is used for Tiki bars and other decoration, this boo is raised, cut, and cured specifically for bow building.
I enjoyed this visit a great deal, and plan to return often.