Scott Wilson prefers quiet. Technically it’s solitude that he’s after, but he’s happy with silence. Twenty years ago the seasoned ultra-runner with an affinity for the isolation of trails, decided that taking up archery, and the stillness of the outdoors, made complete sense.
Now, two decades and a World Championship later, the co-owner of Central Coast Archery is trying to slow things down even more, which is a tough order with a flourishing year-old family business.
The all-round outdoorsman recently quivered his arrows, delegated customer care to his son and sat still long enough to talk about family, making a living out of a passion and releasing arrows in exotic locales.
Which superpower would you most like to have?
I think super human endurance. I have spent many hours on the trail running ultramarathons although I always got it done and finished every run I started, it would be pretty cool to run with the record setters.
Which historical figure would you like to share a campfire with?
I really love spending time outdoors. I enjoy the solitude of being in the wilderness. I have read several books about John Muir and I really relate to his appreciation of being alone in the woods and seeing the beauty that was created for us.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
As I grow older life is teaching me not to sweat the small stuff. I’m constantly trying to slow life down, enjoy others more and love people more as I get to know them on a more personal level. I want to make myself more available to others.
Where would you rather be right now?
Somewhere remote with my family. Maybe hiking in the back country, fishing some epic river in the wilderness, or just about anywhere where I can enjoy the stillness of the outdoors.
What is it about archery and being outdoors that made you want to make it your life?
I feel so blessed to be able to make a living doing what I love. I really enjoy people, especially when they are doing something fun or learning something new for the first time. This sport has led me around the world competing and making new friends along the way. Having my family enjoy the sport allows us to spend quality time together.
Has archery taken you to any exotic locations?
I have competed with my bow in many places in our country. I was selected to compete in the World Field Championships twice in both South Africa and Scotland, where our team won gold medals and individually I brought home a gold and a silver medal.