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How to Throw a Boomerang
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You don't have to have a PhD in physics to know how to throw a boomerang. You just have to have at least one arm. And some patience. And a good teacher, which is what you'll find in Matt Hannifin, the owner of the Science Toy Magic store (Sanbusco Center, 500 Montezuma St., Ste. 109, 820-7264). Hannifin, who invents and makes many of his own toys, is a huge boomerang enthusiast and recommends the following: First, make sure you've given yourself plenty of space between you and other people, their dogs, etc. In other words, find yourself a big ol' empty field. Grab your 'rang (with your right hand), the flat side outward and tilt it flat side to the right, 75-80 degrees from horizontal. It should feel kind of like throwing a dart. Next, chunk the 'rang about 20 degrees above the distant horizon with a snap of the wrist. As the boomerang circles back to you, duck and run away. Just kidding-but do be careful: Catching the returning 'rang is not recommended for beginners.
Do it yourself:
Hannifin teaches free boomerang classes the first Sunday of every month from March through September. Classes are at 8 am and meet at the corner of Washington Street and Artist Road. Hannifin provides the 'rangs, and don't worry if you don't come from these parts-"I can teach you in English, Spanish, French, Swedish, maybe German, and I'm working on my Navajo," Hannifin says.
