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Boomerang

For other uses, see Boomerang (disambiguation).

Boomerang-like devices, including throwing sticks, have been used all over the world for hunting, religious and recreational activities. Their origin is still not fully clear. Research shown that ancient tribes in Europe used special throwing axes. Also, in ancient Egypt a special type of stick was exclusively used by the pharaohs for hunting birds. But the world famous 'country of the boomerang' is Australia, where the Aborigines have used boomerangs for thousands of years.

Today, boomerangs are often used in sports. There are different types of throwing contests—speed, accuracy of return, maximum time aloft, endurance (number of catches in 5 minutes of throwing), trick catch and distance. The modern sport boomerang—sometimes referred to as just 'boom'—is made of Finnish plywood, plastic or composite materials and comes in many different shapes and colors. Most sport boomerangs weigh less than 100 grams, with maximum time aloft boomerangs often under 25 grams.

In international competition, a world cup is held every even year, with the United States and Germany being the world team leaders. World records are recorded by the World Boomerang Association and include 80 catches in 5 minutes, 5 catches in 14.6 seconds, and a distance record of 238 meters after which the boomerang flew back accurately to the thrower.

A Kylie is a non-returning form of boomerang used for hunting animals. Instead of following a curved flight path, it flies in a straight line from the thrower. Due to its curved shape it can travel very long distances while spinning.
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