WA Boomerang Association Inc.

TIME TO THROW

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Once you know you have a returning boomerang, either left or right handed, you need to find an oval with at least a 30 metres diameter of unobstructed space from your throwing point, including other people as its hard to predict the boomerangs flight if you are not familiar with them.

Keep in mind the throwing area will also depend on the type and range of the boomerang being used. Ideally any cricket or football oval is always preferred.

Be sure to return to the centre point for each new throw as it will help ensure you throw consistently and safely.  

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The wind plays a large part for the return of a boomerang, The ideal wind conditions to achieving the best flights are 0-15 km/h, however with practice you will be able to adjust your boomerang by tuning, adding weights or flaps to help you fight stronger wind conditions within reason.

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A good throw starts with the grip, the two main grips are the cradle grip and pinch grip. The pinch grip will give you better control and spin. You place your boomerang between the thumb and forefinger, with your thumb on the curved side. For better spin cock the boomerang back towards you at about a 45 degree angle.

Releasing your boomerang with spin is crucial, the more spin on release will help your boomerang to return.

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Different boomerangs require different angles off the wind — start 45-50° to the right of the wind, and work from there. The easiest way is to face into the wind and turn to the right (or left) until the wind is blowing on your check, and the direction you are facing is where you throw.

For the majority of boomerangs, you should be releasing the boomerang at eye-height, aiming approximately 10° above the ground. Aiming at the top of the trees surrounding your oval is a good start.

 

Most boomerangs require little layover (10-30°). Generally, the further a boomerang travels, the more it needs to be laid over.

Throwing a boomerang with too much layover (like a Frisbee) can be dangerous for you and the boomerang. The boomerang will climb high before crashing back down.

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As a general rule spin is more important than power on release.  

When you make any throw, keep in mind of all the above. If you can throw consistently, and then progressively alter one or more of these factors, you will improve your skill.

But if none of that helps, please contact us and we will help you.

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Catching your boomerang - once you are familiar with your boomerang flight and the returning boomerang is stable its time to try and catch. The safest way for beginners in to imagine your arms are the mouth of a snapping crocodile. You want to have one hand underneath and one had above the boomerang with a both hands flat. Then close your hands together like a snapping crocodile.

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ACCURACY: 
The only event you don't catch your boomerang. 
You need to throw a minimum of 20 metres (that's the furthest point your boomerang travels out before returning) Image on the left is our playing field made out of 2 metre circles extending to 10 metres. 
Throwing from the 2 metre center circle 10, 8, 6, 4 or 2 points are awarded where the boomerang lands.