Bumerang 33the boomerang comes back: a beginner's reference

An independent beginner's reference on boomerangs. We sell nothing and run no classes or competitions, and we are not connected with the former site on this domain. Throw only in an open area with no people around.

How-to

How-to articles

The first article in this section is about where everyone starts: you already have a boomerang, but it doesn't want to come back yet. Below are seven steps, from choosing a field to making the catch, each with a sample scenario. Don't expect success on the first throw: you learn to read a boomerang the same way you learn to read the weather — gradually.

A boomerang that lands off to the side isn't a failure — it's a hint. Look at where and how it landed, and change just one thing on the next throw: the angle, the tilt or the force.

— Editor's note

Before you start

  • You have a light beginner's boomerang that matches your throwing hand: right-handers throw a standard one, left-handers a mirror-shaped one
  • You've found a large open field with no people, trees, cars or roads nearby
  • The wind is light today, and you can tell which direction it's coming from
  • You're ready to stop as soon as someone walks onto the field

  1. Choose the field and the day

    You need a wide, level field with soft grass and no people, trees, cars, roads or buildings around. A boomerang can drift to the side, so leave plenty of open space in every direction, not just in front of you. The wind should be light: if it's visibly bending branches or blowing hats off, put the session off for another day.

    Sample scenario: on a weekend morning a wide meadow is empty and the grass is barely moving. That's a good day. By midday families with a ball have arrived — time to pack up.

  2. Check the boomerang and yourself

    Look for cracks, chips and burrs on the boomerang: a damaged one can break apart in flight. If you like, wear glasses and thin gloves — they're optional, but beginners often feel more at ease with them. Make sure the boomerang matches your hand.

    Sample scenario: a thin crack has appeared along the edge of a plastic boomerang. It gets set aside and isn't thrown until it's clear whether it can be fixed.

  3. Read the wind and stand at an angle

    Toss a little dry grass in the air, or simply turn until you feel the wind on your face. Right-handers are usually advised to throw about 45° to the right of the direction the wind is coming from; left-handers, the same amount to the left. Any spectators stand behind you.

    Sample scenario: the bits of grass blow in from over the right shoulder. The thrower turns to face the wind, then moves the throwing arm a little to the right — about half of a right angle.

  4. Grip the boomerang correctly

    Hold the boomerang by the tip of one blade between your thumb and fingers, without squeezing hard. Usually the curved, more rounded side faces you and the flat side faces out; if your boomerang came with instructions, follow them.

    Sample scenario: a beginner clutches the boomerang with the whole palm, and it leaves the hand with no spin. With a loose grip on the tip of the blade, the throw instantly gets snappier.

  5. Set the boomerang almost vertical

    A returning boomerang is thrown almost vertically, with a slight tilt, not flat. Thrown flat, it usually shoots straight up and can come down unpredictably — the most common beginner mistake.

    Sample scenario: the first throw, made flat like a flying disc, sent the boomerang straight up, and it landed far behind the thrower. The next one, almost vertical, flew a smooth arc.

  6. Throw forward and spin it with your wrist

    Aim not at the sky but roughly at the horizon or slightly above it. Your arm passes over your shoulder, and at the very end your wrist snaps the boomerang into a spin. Spin matters more than force: a boomerang comes back because it spins and its blades work like wings, and the spin turns it along an arc.

    Sample scenario: an all-out throw sends the boomerang far away, and it drops before it has time to turn. A half-strength throw with a good flick of the wrist brings it back to the thrower.

  7. Catch with both hands or let it go

    Keep your eyes on the boomerang for the whole flight. When it slows down, starts to hover and drops near you, catch it sandwich-style: one palm on top, the other underneath, clap. If the boomerang is coming in fast, low or straight at your face, don't catch it: duck, turn away and let it fall.

    Sample scenario: the boomerang comes back, but too fast and at head height. The thrower crouches and turns away, and the boomerang drops into the grass. The next throw is a little softer.

Common mistakes

  • Throwing the boomerang flat, like a flying disc
  • Throwing straight into the wind or with it instead of at an angle
  • Putting all your strength into the throw and forgetting about spin
  • Going out with a boomerang in strong wind or to a small field next to a road
  • Letting spectators stand in front of or beside the thrower
  • Trying to catch a boomerang that's coming in fast or toward your face
  • Throwing a boomerang that has a crack or chip

Other options

  • If the wind picks up, put the outdoor boomerang away and practice your grip and wrist snap at home with an indoor boomerang
  • If there's no suitable field nearby, start with an indoor boomerang in a roomy space with nothing fragile and no people in the flight path
  • If the throw just won't work, ask a friend to film a few of your throws on a phone and calmly compare your tilt and arm motion

Check yourself

  • The field is large and empty, with no people, trees, cars or roads nearby
  • The wind is light and its direction is known
  • The boomerang is undamaged and matches the throwing hand
  • Spectators are standing behind the thrower
  • The thrower is standing about 45° off the wind, to the correct side
  • The boomerang is held loosely, almost vertical, with a slight tilt
  • The decision is made in advance: no catching a fast boomerang or one headed for your face

Catalogue of articles in English

This is where standalone how-to articles about boomerangs, written for English-speaking readers, will appear: practicing in a backyard or a gym, reading the wind, making a session fun for the whole family and getting your boomerang through the off-season. Each article describes a general approach for beginners, not how one particular model behaves.

Coming up next

  • Boomerang practice in a backyard or school gym: what space you really need and how to keep it safe
  • Reading the wind before you throw: simple signs to look for in grass, trees and clouds
  • A boomerang afternoon with kids: roles, ground rules and games that keep everyone behind the thrower
  • Off-season care: cleaning, storing and checking your boomerang for cracks before spring

Editorial rules

  • Articles in this catalogue are written separately for each language version and are not translations.
  • Some articles link to third-party websites, including gaming services; we do not control their content, prices or terms.
  • We do not sell boomerangs or gear, or publish advertising for shops or clubs, rankings, prices or reviews.
  • Questions

    Short answers about flight, choosing a boomerang, throwing, catching and staying safe on the field.

  • Glossary

    A beginner's glossary: boomerang parts, flight terms and throwing terms in plain words.

  • Collections

    Themed paths: indoor boomerangs, a family outing, and what to do on a windy day.

Sources

  • Beginner's guides to throwing a boomerang (in general terms)
  • Popular explanations of the aerodynamics of a spinning wing (in general terms)
  • Editorial materials of the Bumerang 33 reference

Information is current as of the date it was prepared. Boomerangs differ in shape, weight and throwing advice, so check the instructions that came with yours. Rules for parks, sports fields and other grounds are set by their owners.