Brief History: Modern day boomerangs used for sport and recreation have evolved from
over 10,000 years where they were first used as hunting weapons or “throwing sticks” in many parts of the world,
including Australia, Africa, Europe and even the Americas. Returning boomerangs
were most likely discovered by accident from a throw stick that was shaped just right to cause it to come back. This accident eventually evolved into the recreational use and development of the boomerang. Today boomerangs are made from many different materials, including wood, plastic, composites and fiberglass.
How to throw: Hold the boomerang with the flat
side facing your palm. Pinch the boomerang and hold tightly between your thumb
and forefinger. Next face into the wind and turn between 45°
and 90° away from it to the right for right-hand throwers and to the left for left-hand throwers. Now, hold the boomerang straight up in the air so it is perfectly vertical.
Tilt the boomerang away from the vertical about 10° to 15°. Now for the release,
the most important part is spin, spin, spin! Throw the boomerang like you would
throw a ball, but snap your wrist at the end of the throw. You should release
the boomerang about 10° up from the horizon or aim for the tops of the trees that about 100
yards away.
How to catch: The boomerang should
circle around and flatten out until it is spinning horizontally. Different boomerangs
have different flight patterns and come in at the thrower from different angles, but most should hover toward the end of their
flight. To make the catch wait until the boomerang is about chest high and use
a horizontal clap to make the catch! Please use caution while throwing to
avoid damage or injury to yourself and others. Always clear your area before
throwing!
Throwing
boomerangs is like many other sports. To achieve consistent returns it takes
lots of practice, so don’t get discouraged, just keep throwing! Always
make sure you throw at a large field to avoid obstacles. You need a field the
size of a soccer field at a minimum.
To learn more about the sport, science and art of boomerangs check out the United States Boomerang Association at
www.usba.org!
