By Sebastião da Silva Vieira – Livro de minha autoria: CAVALCANTE, Messias S. Comidas dos nativos do Novo Mundo. Barueri, São Paulo. Sá. 2014, 403 p., CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95109348
Spear Throwers Association: Boulder Chapter – Membership numbers are on the rise. Spear throwing has caught fire in Western Colorado. So much so that Fish and Game plans to shimmy in a special season between archery and rifle seasons for the forgotten skill. Throwing a spear is technical, difficult, and wildly inefficient. Naturally, Coloradans have taken to it like ducks to water. It’s a topic best discussed over craft beers or while rock climbing.
I know what you’re thinking. “What are the advantages of an Atlatl vs. Hand-Chucking?” Answer: The Atlatl is a tool that really allows you to wing that puppy. And a higher velocity equals a higher effectiveness. You’d know all about this if you didn’t skip physics so often in high school. Ask your college roommate that studied abroad in Barcelona what a Jai Alai Cesta is and how it works. You’d have to listen to them talk about “bar-the-lona” but it’s better than asking your former roommate that played lacrosse.
You can really trick out your spear-throwing lever. Hemp rope wraps seem to be the most popular grips but we hope to see some period-correct leathers make their way onto the scene (Mammoth is hard to come by these days). Modern broadheads are common but the purists really insist on using hand knapped Clovis points. You’ll need to keep an eye on the hunting forums to stay up to date. An activity as esoteric as this one will be sure to attract the best people.
-publius
Special Thanks to The Spear Throwers Association of America
(Chapters Also Located In: San Francisco-CA, Wenatchee-WA, Missoula-MT, Hanover-NH, and Brooklyn-NY)
The Huck 