The wooden boomerang has been around for thousands of years. Australian Aborigines originally created the traditional throwing stick, which was used mostly for hunting purposes. Aborigines would throw the curved wooden stick at their prey to make it easier to kill. Historians have discovered proof of throwing sticks used throughout history in cultures across the globe, not just in Australia, including a 3,000-year-old collection of boomerangs in the tomb of King Tutankhamen in Egypt.
Even though the traditional boomerang has a long history, they are still in common use in modern society for collection, hunting and play. While there are many different types of curved throwing sticks, from plastic to Styrofoam, the wooden boomerang is still the superior choice.
Purchasing a Wooden Boomerang: Pros and Cons
Pro – Nothing beats the original
When archeologists discover ancient throwing sticks during their excavation digs, it is wooden boomerangs that they find. Materials like plastic were not available in the days when boomerangs were at their peak popularity. Wood was readily available to be fashioned into whatever shape best fit the needs of the thrower. Even though we have other materials available to be used today, it’s oddly satisfying to hold a wooden boomerang in your hands and imagine being in some past era.
Con – Not the best for children
Children love boomerangs. And why wouldn’t they? After all, there’s something mysterious about them — the way you can watch the stick fly farther and farther away from you and then ultimately return to you with just as much grace, as long as you throw it correctly — not to mention fun. However, because of its sturdiness, a wooden boomerang has more potential to hurt a child than one made of Styrofoam or plastic. With a plastic boomerang, you don’t need to worry while watching your child at play.
Pro – It’s the better flier
While plastic boomerangs will do in a pinch, there is no beating the way a wooden boomerang flies. The curve of the wood and the shape of the wings allow wooden boomerangs to get larger lift when they fly in the air.
Con – Indoor issues
If you plan on throwing your boomerang around indoors, the wooden boomerang is probably not the best choice, unless you are already an expert with it. Wooden boomerangs are best used for outdoor throwing because they are heavier and stronger than other boomerang types and often fly further than them, too. If you use a wooden boomerang in an interior space like a gym, or even a home, there is the danger of causing damage. Plastic or Styrofoam boomerangs are more lightweight and don’t fly as far, and therefore not as much of a danger within an enclosed space.
Pro – Superior for hunting
Hunters often use wooden boomerangs to slow down their prey or knock birds out of trees. Throwing sticks made of other materials aren’t able to fly are far or and as sturdy as wooden boomerangs, so they are less useful in the hunt.
Pro – Ideal for collecting
Wooden boomerangs are perfect for collectors. Often they come in thousands of different designs, which are painted or carved onto the wood. There are even artists who are dedicated to creating intricate art pieces out of wooden boomerangs.
