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A boomerang is an Australian Aboriginal implement usually made of wood and can be used for various purposes. The most recognisable type is the returning boomerang which travels in a curve and returns to its point of origin if thrown correctly.
Popularity
Most people have some knowledge of boomerangs. Quite a few remember souvenir or plastic toy boomerangs that they had as a child. Most probably also remember that they rarely came back! Throwing boomerangs is a learned skill and takes practice
Location
Select a large grassy area, clear of trees, bushes, lamp posts, crystal vases, etc. A football field or a clearing in a park usually work well. Try to make sure that you have at least 60 yards throwing space in all directions.
Age
All ages from children to adults. Young children should be supervised when throwing a boomerang as it can be potentially dangerous if it hits somebody else (or even the thrower).
Ability
If you can throw a ball, you can learn to throw a boomerang too! Boomerangs are thrown with the same basic overhand throw used in most other sports. With a little practice you will be throwing and catching your boomerang in no time.
Description
Boomerangs can be variously used as hunting weapons, percussive musical instruments, battle clubs, fire-starters, decoys for hunting waterfowl, and as recreational playthings. As well as the returning boomerang, there are other types of boomerang which are of the non-returning sort, and indeed, some are not thrown at all but are used in hand-to-hand combat by Aboriginal people. Tribal boomerangs may be engraved and/or painted with designs meaningful to its maker.
Dedication
Right-handers must use right-handed boomerangs, left-handers must use left-handed boomerangs. You must always grip the boomerang so that the curved, painted side is toward you. The flat, unpainted side should face away from you. (In flight, the curved side is the top and the flat side is the bottom.) Boomerangs are thrown overhand, not sidearm! The boomerang should be nearly vertical (perpendicular to the ground) when it is released. A skill which takes a bit of practice to master.
Cost
A cheap beginners boomerange can be purchased for around £5-10
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
|
Legs
|
Sight
|
Hearing
|
Speech |
Learning |
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