Local shooting complex on target for world domination
If you thought that clay pigeon shooting was synonymous with the muddy fields of England, think again. The Algarve is home to what is fast becoming one of the most visited shooting centres in Europe.
Rui Terra was working in bars until 1996 when a request from friends to use his family's land for clay pigeon shooting gave him an idea. More than 20 years later his shooting centre, Complexo O Pinhal, is rated one of the best in Portugal and attracts the world’s premier shooters.
The complex at Vales De Pêra features six shooting ranges, an accommodation building with six bedrooms, and an on-site restaurant run by Rui’s wife, Silvia, which serves traditional Portuguese food at very reasonable prices.
“Shooting is not as big a sport in Portugal as it is in the UK, so I am attempting to bring the top competitors from around the world to promote the sport in my country,” Rui says. A highlight in his journey came in 2012 when O Pinhal hosted the Universal Trench World Championships. “It really put us on the map,” he says.
Abbey Ling (née Burton) is one of those competitors who visited the complex in 2012. Now the five-time British Champion, World Cup & Commonwealth medalist visits the complex regularly with her husband, Ed Ling, a Team GB bronze medallist in the men’s trap at Rio 2016. London 2012 gold medalist Peter Wilson MBE is another regular. Now a coach, he often brings his protégées such as James Dedman to practice in the Algarve.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese team have used O Pinhal for their qualifying shoots for many years, and now the complex is increasingly used by the international teams from France, Great Britain and Luxembourg.
Explaining what draws big names to his complex, Rui says: “One of the main reasons is the weather. We have lots of sunny days in the Algarve, and the light is great throughout the year. I am also focused on quality; my traps are some of the best in the world and that means the teams keep coming back.”
Recent world championship silver medallist and former Essex Ladies shooter Jacqui Poole is a coach at the complex. She shows me the ranges where flying targets appear from traps in the ground. “With numerous different targets available, this provides a good introduction to the sport. If I am working with beginners I don't like anyone to leave without having hit a target, so we adapt it to your level.” I ask what makes a good shooter. “It’s just instinct and good co-ordination,” says Jacqui, adding: “It’s a lot of fun having a go and we get lots of groups coming for a day out or for stag dos.”
For a better understanding of the sport, check out the next competition set to take place at O Pinhal, the First Algarve Premier Olympic Trap (which is on the FPTAC calendar) on March 4th and 5th. To enquire about lessons or group bookings, get in touch.
[CONTACTS]
www.ctopinhal@gmail.com
+351 282 322 563 / 914 082 704
