Visit Hunter'sfriend.com, read the tutorials on begining archery. That should be a start. Go to a pro shop and get measured, handle some bows ask about beginner's classes for archey. Go to an archery range nearby and watch what guys are doing, ask questions about setups and shooting. Search on this site and PM members who are experienced archers. All these things worked for me. When you are ready to buy, check out the classifieds on archerytalk.com. lots of good bows for good prices there.