Boomerangs make a comeback in Edmonds

 James Stickney of Edmonds demonstrates the "hacky-catch" where the returning boomerang is kicked into the air hacky-sack style before being caught. (Photos by Larry Vogel)
James Stickney of Edmonds demonstrates the “hacky-catch” where the returning boomerang is kicked into the air hacky-sack style before being caught. (Photos by Larry Vogel)

It was fair skies and light winds, perfect weather for the United States Boomerang Association’s 21st annual Open Boomerang Tournament held Saturday at the old Woodway High School playfield.

Barnaby Ruhe traveled all the way from New York City to compete in Saturday's tournament. "I've been doing this for more years than I'd care to say," said Ruhe, who has demonstrated boomerang tossing on Jay Leno's Tonight Show.
Barnaby Ruhe traveled all the way from New York City to compete in Saturday’s tournament. “I’ve been doing this for more years than I’d care to say,” said Ruhe, who has demonstrated boomerang tossing on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show.

“Most people associate boomerangs with the natives peoples of Australia,” said Bettylew Miale-Gix, event organizer. “But they go back further that, and have been used by numerous cultures around the world.” She went on to explain that the oldest evidence of boomerangs comes from Stone Age archeological sites in Poland, and centuries later were used by the ancient Egyptians. “Gold-tipped boomerangs were among the artifacts found in King Tut’s tomb,” she said.

Events include tossing multiple boomerangs, catching behind the back, under the legs and even between the feet.

Stevie Kavanaugh of Ballard lines up for a behind-the-back catch.
Stevie Kavanaugh of Ballard lines up for a behind-the-back catch.

“Boomerang tossing is one of the few sports where men and women can equally participate,” said Miale-Gix. “Dexterity, concentration and keeping fit are what counts in this sport. Physical strength does not give you an edge.”

Learn more about the U.S. Boomerang Association here.

You can see video of the tournament on My Edmonds News TV.

Stevie Kavanaugh pulls off a perfect leg catch.
Kavanaugh pulls off a perfect leg catch.

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