Please note: The electronic version of this text is furnished as a service of: http://www.flight-toys.com/ If you enjoy boomerangs as a sport or hobby, please visit Boomerang World at http://www.flight-toys.com/boomerangs.htm For more information about boomerangs, email Ted Bailey at [email protected] or call (734)-971-2970 or write to: Ted Bailey; 3245 Edgewood Drive; Ann Arbor, MI 48104; USA This document is distributed with the permission of Mrs. Anim Smith, in memory of her departed husband - Herb. This document can be freely distributed to others, provided this notice remains attached. This software cannot be sold or used commerically without the express written consent of Mrs. Anim Smith. A small fee for shareware distribution is, however, permitted. To obtain permission for replication and distribution, you can call Mrs. Anim Smith at 0903 723721 or write to her at: 15 Malin Road; Beaumont Park; Littlehampton; West Sussex BN17 6NN; United Kingdom. BOOMERANGS MAKING AND THROWING THEM by HERB A SMITH Acknowledgements Grateful acknowledgement is made to the following for their kind help and information:— Mr. B. Cranstone, Asst. Keeper Ethnographical Dept., British Museum. The librarians of Australia House, London. The Publications Dept., The Australian Museum. Sydney. Arun Sports, Littlehampton, Sussex. My thanks also to my friends for their kind words of encouragement, and to the Graphic Designer and Artist, Malcolm Kemp for the superb art work and illustrations. Printed in England by Littlehampton Printers, Sussex CONTENTS Introduction 2 Chapter 1 A brief history of the Boomerang and its possible evolution from the throwing club. 6 Chapter 2 Making the Boomerang. Tools and materials required. 10 Chapter 3 Cellulosing, Decorating and Staining 17 Chapter 4 How to throw the Boomerang 21 Chapter 5 How to catch the Boomerang 25 Chapter 6 A four bladed "Boomerang" and cardboard Spinner 27 Chapter 7 Distance Boomerangs and how to make them. 29 Dedication This book is dedicated to the Australian aborigine, for giving to the world a unique and fascinating throwing missile. Introduction Welcome to the fascinating sport of boomerang throwing. Throughout the world there is a rapidly growing interest in the unique throwing missile of the Australian aborigine. the return type boomerang, and as a sport. boomerang throwing is becoming extremely popular amongst all age groups. At nearly every major agricultural and cattle show in Australia individual throwing skills are demonstrated with the boomerang, and good throwers are always in great demand as added attractions at Fetes and Festivals. Strange as it may seem, boomerang throwing is not only confined to Australia. There are thousands of enthusiasts throughout the world who practice regularly for the sheer enjoyment of throwing and for the beneficial exercise it affords. In America a recent Boomerang Tournament attracted nearly a hundred enthusiastic competitors to the Mall in Washington, where throwing took place for best part of the day, with boomerangs which most of the competitors had made themselves. There were handsome prizes for the more skilful throwers. The interest in boomerang throwing in America is due in no small measure to Mr. Ben Ruhe of The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, who is himself a very keen and competant boomerang thrower, and has, for the past few years, been instrumental in organizing winter workshop classes at the Institute for boomerang enthusiasts. Mr. Ruhe also compiles and publishes a periodic circular which gives useful information on the latest in boomerang designs, and details of the various boomerangs which are available on the market. In recent years, several scientific articles relating to boomerangs, have appeared in various publications and magazines. Notable amongst these is a detailed account of the boomerang and its aerodynamic properties, which was featured in an issue of the Scientific American and was written by Mr. Felix Hess of Groningen University. In this excellent article. Mr. Hess goes into the subject very deeply and explains in detail, with the aid of drawings and equations the reason why a boomerang will return back to the thrower. Perhaps the world wide interest in boomerangs is not altogether surprising when we consider its uniqueness, for here we have a missile (which the humble aborigine has been throwing for hundreds of years) with no rudder, tail fin, or other means of guidance, which when thrown outwards through the air will return, unerring, back to the point from which it was thrown. Incredible ! you might say, but nevertheless, perfectly true. When thrown correctly, the boomerang will travel outwards on a near circular orbit, and, depending on the thrower's skill, return very accurately back to the throwing mark. Not only this, it will, during its flight, perform a series of bird like movements, as it spins away from the thrower, almost parallel with the ground. rises in the air, turns, and then comes swooping back, sometimes having made several pendulum like swings before finally coming to rest at the throwers feet or being caught by him before it touches the ground. The boomerang in flight is really amazing to watch, as I'm sure you would agree, seeing one thrown for the first time. The wonder of its flight is even more amazing, and fascinating, when you have learnt to throw it yourself, imparting to it on its release from the hand, varying angles of tilt, and using all your skill and guile in an endeavour to outwit the ever changing breeze. I have been making and throwing boomerangs for several years, but am still just as amazed by their flight behaviour, as on the day I threw my first boomerang, and stood, unbelieving as it went spinning away, and then, returned as if under the control of some unseen influence. Boomerang throwing is not only a fascinating sport, but also a healthy outdoor activity, and because boomerangs can be made in a variety of weights and sizes, to suit each individual, it is a sport in which the whole family can participate with equal success and enjoyment. Furthermore, the art of throwing is not difficult to [earn. or physically exhausting. I have taught the basic techniques of throwing to seven year olds and folk in their seventies. Many beginners have made successful return throws after only a few minutes tuition whilst others have had the thrill and satisfaction of an accurate return flight on their very first attempt. However, like any other sporting activity where accuracy and skill is required, "Practice makes perfect.'' My interest in boomerangs can be traced back many years, when as a schoolboy, I tried to make one from a piece of bent hazel wood. The inspiration for my effort was derived from a school lesson which featured various weapons of Australian aborigines. I was so intrigued by accounts of the boomerang that I decided to try and make one for myself. Unfortunately. I had only an illustration of a boomerang to work from. which gave no indication of size and thickness. or the fact that it possessed a certain sectional shape. Furthermore, I didn't know how a boomerang was thrown. Consequently, my attempts to get a piece of bent hazelwood to fly and come back to me, were, to say the least, both disappointing and unsuccessful. So I gave up the idea of trying to make and throw a boomerang. The thought did cross my mind that perhaps boomerang throwing was an art and skill known only to the aborigines and perhaps there was something magical in the construction of a boomerang which made it return. Of course I had no aborigine playmates who could let me into the secrets of this "magical flying stick," and there were no books available on the subject to which I could refer. So my interest in boomerangs died there, or so I thought. Then a few years ago, after spending best part of my early adult life as an enthusiastic archer, I set out to discover if I could the secrets of the boomerang and how to throw it. I then spent several months searching for information. For a start, I contacted friends with Australian connections and searched the libraries for books on the subject. I then wrote to the Librarian at Australia House in London who kindly supplied me with an assortment of photo copies of articles on the subject. Sifting through these I came across a great deal of useful information which included a short article (author Unknown) on how to throw a boomerang. Finally, I arranged a visit to the Ethnographical Department of the British Museum, where I was able to view a selection of hunting weapons and boomerangs on display there. My visit was arranged with the Asst. Keeper of the Ethnographical Department, Mr. B. A. L. Cranstone. who in the meantime. had kindly and thoughtfully selected from the Museum's Library several books which contained articles and drawings relating to boomerangs. Like the articles from Australia House Library. most of these were written during the latter part of the last century. but never-the-less, contained useful information which I was able to note down. and so increase my knowledge on the subject of boomerangs. My visit to the British Museum had proved most rewarding, for I now had a very good idea of the actual size, shape and thickness of the "Magic Stick." so, armed with this precious information I set about making a replica in birch ply. My first model was rather large and crude, but never-the-less. you can imagine my excitement on dashing off to the local sports field to try it out, I threw it. and to my utter astonishment it actually "flew" and came back on my first attempt. I then spent several hours throwing, and was most reluctant to leave the field. only doing so. when it became too dark and dangerous to continue. I have been making and throwing boomerangs ever since. I have also taught dozens of others to do the same, and will no doubt go on doing so for the rest of my days. Such is the fascination of the boomerang for me. Today, literally thousands of boomerangs are being made and sold throughout the world. The majority of these are well made and have very good flight qualities, whilst some others, which have found their way into various sports shops and stores leave much to be desired both in quality and performance. If you are unable to purchase a good boomerang. why not make your own 7 The skills are not difficult to learn. With a few simple tools it is possible to make a really first class performance model which will equal, and possibly out perform, the best available on the market. In the following chapters you will find simple plans and instructions for making boomerangs, and also the correct method of throwing them, successfully. Also included are "Hints on decorating boomerangs," "Catching techniques," "How to make a simple indoor boomerang" and finally, details, never before published, of a weight ballasting technique which I discovered, that enabled me to make a world record throw of over 108 yards outwards with a complete return back to the throwing position. CHAPTER 1 A Brief History of the Boomerang and its possible evolution from the throwing club For hundreds of years, curved wooden sticks have been used by the Australian aborigines for hunting, warfare and ceremonial purposes. These curved sticks have all become known generally. as boomerangs, but amongst the aborigines they were known as Wongium, Kirra, Kiley, Munkerara, etc. Not all, returning weapons. The word boomerang is a corruption of a name from the Turawal Tribe of the George River near Sydney, and this word, which applied strictly speaking, to the return type of boomerang. was originally recorded as bou-mar-ang. The origin of the boomerang, as we know it today, has, like the archers bow and arrow, been lost in antiquity. It is believed that the boomerang evolved, over many thousands of years, from a short straight handled club, Fig. 1. Judging from ancient cave drawings, a boomerang shaped weapon was in use thousands of years ago, not only in Australia, but other countries also. The Hopi indians, up until quite recently, used a curved throwing stick for hunting rabbits, which was a popular sport amongst them. Similar curved weapons were also used in India, parts of Africa, Europe and Egypt. A small ivory boomerang. partly overlaid with gold, was found amongst the treasures of the boy king, Tutankhamun. This type of boomerang was commonly used as a fowling stick. along the banks of the Nile. However, like the aborigines hunting weapons, the curved wooden throwing devices of other lands did not return to the thrower. but travelled outwards only on a curved flight path. To the Australian aborigine alone, must credit be given for the returning boomerang. More about that later. Curved missiles of the aborigines In Australia. a large number of boomerang shaped objects were used for a variety of purposes. One special type. rejoicing in the name of Kalawali, was used ceremonially in Arnhem land N. W. Australia, for the ritual defloration of young girls in the Kunapipi ceremony. Another type was used in New South Wales and Victoria and was called a Nula-Nula. This was an awsome spade shaped weapon with a curved handle, and was used, both as a club and throwing weapon. Curved wooden staves, slim in section and width, and up to 6 feet in length, were used by some tribes as weapons of war, in hand to hand combat, in a similar manner to the Quarter Stave of Medieval England. These long fighting boomerangs were also thrown by using two hands, and because of their thin sharp edges would cause serious injury to anyone unfortunate enough to be in their flight path. Figure 1: The Boomerang: evolution and development Other boomerang forms were used for digging, and rooting out grubs from rotting trees. also for beating out rythm time, when used as clapper sticks at ceremonies and corroborees throughout the continent. The Hunting Boomerang It is very difficult. when viewing the large variety of boomerang shaped sticks on display at various museums to distinguish one from another. and say exactly for what purpose each variety was intended. Generally speaking, the most common form of aborigine hunting boomerang was a curved wooden stick approximately 30 inches long 21/ - 3 inches in width and roughly 3/ 2 8 - 1/ inch in thickness. The shape resembled an ordinary household coat hanger. i.e. in 2 relation to its length, it had a very shallow curve throughout. In section it was flat (or almost so) on the underside, with a convex shape above, and like all the other boomerang forms mentioned, it was carved from one piece of wood, often from a branch of mulga or the stout root of the mangrove, possessing the required shape. Sometimes it was carved from the junction between branch and trunk, which was a laborious and time consuming task, considering the primitive flint tools which were used for the purpose. It is claimed that these hunting weapons, some of which would weigh anything up to 11/ lbs. in weight, could be thrown to distances which were truly remarkable, often in 2 excess of 150 yards. However, be that as it may, the hunting boomerang did not return to the thrower (nor was it intended to do so) but travelled outwards only in a curved flight path, by being thrown across. and slightly down wind. Some fine examples of these weapons can still be seen today in museums throughout the world. I have two in my possession, which I was fortunate enough to purchase from an antique shop for a small price, and which judging from their appearance and patina, would be well over 100 years old. They are both tooled all over the surface with fine gouge marks. which I believe was the method used for shaping them down to the desired thickness and section. Truly remarkable works of art ! The Return Type Boomerang I have mentioned in detail the hunting boomerang in order to give you some idea how confusion has arisen over the years between this and the return type boomerang . The returning boomerang has mistakenly been regarded by most people as the true hunting weapon of the aborigines, and it is commonly believed that when it was used for hunting animals, should the hunter miss, he would get his weapon back for another throw. Now the return type boomerang was never intended as a hunting weapon, but as a "plaything" amongst the aborigines, who threw it in competition with each other to see who could get it to return nearest to a peg or marker set on the ground. Its use for hunting anything other than birds or rodents at close range, was limited, due to its peculiar rising, circular flight path. Generally speaking, the returning boomerang was a much smaller and lighter missile than the hunting weapon, and the angle between the blades was more acute. In the more common type. this angle would be approaching 90° although examples were to be found with angles varying between 70° and 120°. It was a thin, well balanced missile with an average weight of eight ounces. Not all aborigine tribes made a returning boomerang, in fact, in some regions it was unknown. The most popular regions, seemed to be in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Dual Purpose Boomerangs Now to add to the confusion, many hunting boomerangs were of a similar shape to the returning type, i.e. the angles between the blades approached a right angle. However these were generally much larger, thicker and heavier models, and wouldn't return to the thrower, but never-the-less it would be almost impossible by looking at them to tell whether they were capable of return flight or not. Such was the subtlety of their shaping. Fig. 2 shows an example of such a weapon. Some writers have suggested that by heating his boomerang over a fire and then twisting the limbs, the aborigine could make it into either a returning boomerang or non-returner. I am inclined to agree with this suggestion for I have found with some of my own boomerangs, that, by deliberately bending one or both blades downwards by setting in a press over-night (sometimes this has accidently occurred by warping) or twisting both blades in opposite directions, the boomerang will travel a long way outwards in a curving flight path and pitch downwards without returning. It is not certain just how or when the returning boomerang came to be discovered. Even the aborigines themselves are uncertain of its origin. Possibly it was stumbled upon accidently, or, in all probability a natural progression from the hunting weapon. Whatever theories are put forward as to its origin, (and there have been many) the returning boomerang was only to be found amongst the Australian aborigines. There is no evidence to suggest that any of the curved throwing sticks of other lands, were capable of returning to the thrower in the manner of the boomerang. So we can thank the humble aborigine for a most fascinating and unique throwing missile.