How Do You Throw a Boomerang?

When time permits, we give adventurers on our Blue Mountain day tours the opportunity to learn how to throw a boomerang.  However, today we want to walk you through the process.  This way you can come prepared and enjoy the boomerang sport in your free time before the day of your tour.

The great thing about a boomerang is, unlike other sports objects, you don't need a second player.  Because boomerangs return to the thrower (when thrown right), you can enjoy the activity by yourself.  In addition to preparing to show off your skills on our Blue Mountain day tours, you can also give yourself a way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors after a day of office work.

Before we move on though, have you ever wondered who first asked the question: How do you throw a boomerang? 

In Farm Cove, Australia, in 1804, a group of western people came across a tribal gathering where the boomerang was being used as a weapon during a skirmish.  As curious onlookers, you can rest assured they were wondering the same thing you're wondering now – How do you throw a boomerang?!

Step 1: Imagine it Functioning Like a Helicopter

Unlike a frisbee, a boomerang has open space on the top and bottom, which causes it to operate like a helicopter.  Just think of a boomerang as a helicopter without a body of steel attached to it. 

Using this analogy, think of what happens when you hold a boomerang like a frisbee.  If you throw a boomerang horizontally, it will accelerate like a helicopter; it will push against gravity and rise to the sky. This is why you need to throw a boomerang vertically

Well, nearly vertically.  It's best to hold it at about a 20-degree angle so the boomerang has more of a chance of looping back to you.

Now that you're holding the boomerang nearly vertically, when you release forces will push against its side and cause it to accelerate in a straight line.  Because the surface area on the top and bottom of a frisbee are negligible, there's little interference.

Step 2: Hold it Like a Boomerang, Not Like a Frisbee

If you want it to work right, you have to hold it right.  Giving it a random throw will bring you right back to typing in How do you throw a boomerang?

To hold it right, follow these directions:

·         Make sure the V-point, or elbow, is pointed toward you

·         Hold at the end of the bottom wing with a loose grip

·         A boomerang has curved edges on its wings – make sure these face the left

Important: If you're left-handed you'll have to buy a left-handed boomerang.  Throwing a regular boomerang with your left hand will not work out in your favor!

Step 3: Account for Environmental Factors

To ensure the boomerang returns to you, make sure you account for the wind outside.  A good way to test how strong it is and what direction it's moving in is to grab some loose grass.  When you have a few strands of grass, throw them up in the air in front of you.  The wind will carry them in the direction it's moving in.  Also, by judging the speed at which the grass is carried, you'll get an idea of the wind's strength.

With this estimation in mind, adjust your stance accordingly.  For instance, if the wind is pushing slightly to the east, adjust your stance slightly to the west.

Useful Tip: For every 1 km/h unit of wind speed, move yourself 1 degree in the opposite direction.  For instance, if the wind is moving at 20 km/h, adjust yourself 20 degrees.

Step 4: Throw it Like a Baseball

When you have the right grip and stance, it's time to give throw it.  Like you would throwing a ball, lead with the foot opposite your throwing hand.  Bring the boomerang back – just behind your ear – and release with a snap.  The snapping action is very important.  Without the snap, your boomerang will have slow spin, and spin is what propels the boomerang and brings it back to you.

Step 5: Now You can Treat it Like a Frisbee

Beginners always make the mistake of trying to catch a boomerang with one hand.  They neglect the fact that the boomerang has hard blades and, despite the blades' roundness, receive a painful sting along with their one-handed catch.

To make a successful catch that won't hurt your hand, use both hands.  When the boomerang is just in front of you, make a clapping motion – one hand on top of the boomerang and the other on the bottom.

Now that you know how to throw a boomerang, we look forward to seeing you on our Blue Mountain Day tours!  To book a tour, contact us online or call 61.2.9636.6111.

Tips for Keeping your Family Outing Fun and Fulfilling

Whether you are a husband, wife, father, or mother, your family is probably one of the most important things in your life. You work hard to ensure they have clothes on their backs, three meals a day, and a roof to sleep under. Though it is very likely they appreciate your endeavors, you may accidentally be withholding from them the one very important thing they need – time together with you.

Getting caught up in our job happens to the best of us, but sometimes a short break from the daily grind can be therapeutic. If you can only manage to step away from the salt mines for a single day there are still plenty of activities your family can enjoy together – the events offered by Blue Mountain Day Tour are a prime example. It’s important to make sure, however, that your vacation doesn’t fall victim to many of the simple problems which can transform a family outing into trouble for everyone involved. Here are a few helpful hints to keep everyone in your entourage comfortable and satisfied while out and about.

Check the Weather

If you are going to be walking around for the entire day, it’s a good idea to know what you should expect from Mother Nature. Even a stroll along the most beautiful mountaintop can become frustrating if you can’t stop shivering. If it looks like it might rain, you can purchase a travel umbrella. They’re relatively cheap, light weight, and can be stored in hand bags or backpacks easily. Also, if inclement weather is due cause to cancel your trip it is better to decide sooner rather than later if you should reschedule.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

This might seem like a no brainer, yet underestimating how long it will be until you return to your home or hotel can happen. It might seem like a good idea to wear something extravagant while on vacation, but if you realize it was a bad idea an hour into your trip it will already be too late to change. Typical suggestions include loose fitting outfits that allow room for movement and shoes that are easy on the feet. It’s also important to remember that what each person considers comfortable may be different. Ensure that each person understands how much walking they will be doing, what temperature it will be, and allow them to decide what sort of clothing makes sense to them.

Snacks Never Hurt

Just like comfort, everyone has a different set of eating habits. There will most likely be plenty of opportunities to grab some grub on the go, but dealing with an empty stomach can turn the kindest kid into a grouch. Light, healthy snacks can keep the hunger at bay until everyone can sit down for a proper meal, and can also give you a boost in stamina during your wanderings. Crackers, pretzels, granola bars, or other dry foods are easy to handle and produce little garbage. Also, water is an absolute must! Dehydration is no joke, and it can happen to anyone if they exert themselves too much. Keep hydrated by bringing a refillable canteen along, or purchase small water bottles that won’t be a hassle to carry about.