One of the problems with Kyudo is the steep initial price of equipment. I say initial, because if you take care of the equipment, it can last you for 20-30 years or more. Which is far cheaper than say, skiing or mountain biking.

To try it out before you invest is a good idea (since we're talking about around a $800- $1000 investment ). So your best bet is to find a dojo. Usually they have class equipment you can use during the class. Then, as you go, you gradually buy what you need.

In the bay area, there's a couple dojos that I know of, San Fran & Berkeley (not sure if the latter is still functioning... get ahold of Lucy Halverson : email kyudoka@juno.com or call 415-681-1185 . They practice at a church in Japantown.

Can you study it by yourself? I wouldn't recommend it at all. You'll just end up developing some hard-to-erase bad habits if not destroying your equipment with wrong technique.

Good luck!