All posts by Cheryll

News

Vermont Atlatl Workshop; Annual Chimney Point Contest September 20 & 21

Leave a comment

Thunderbird Atlatl is looking forward to visiting Chimney Point Historic site for our annual workshop and contest September 20 and 21.

The 29th Annual Northeastern Open Atlatl Championship will be held September 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chimney Point Museum in Addison, Vermont, next to the Lake Champlain Bridge. It is $12 to register; $14 the day of competition. The museum and grounds are open for $6 per adult and free for children under 15.

Participate in or watch this annual atlatl championship testing skills in accuracy and distance. The sport of using the atlatl to throw darts is based on the ancient hunting technique. Newcomers to experts welcome. Flint-knapping and other demonstrations and lessons throughout the day. Pre-registration for competitors required. Call (802) 759-2412 to register. Vermont Archaeology Month event. The workshop is on Friday, Sept. 20, beginning at noon. Call the museum to register.

Food and snacks available for purchase, while they last.

Long Distance throw at Chimney Point contest
Workshop Participants try their newly made atlatls and darts

News

Visit Thunderbird Atlatl at the Coshocton Flint Festival & Knap In Labor Day Weekend August 30 to September 1

Leave a comment

Thunderbird Atlatl will be in Ohio Labor Day Weekend for the Coshocton Flint Festival and Knap In. There will be lots to see and plenty of atlatl demonstrations and opportunities to try the atlatl. The Ohio Atlatl Association will be there. Stop in and visit!

Articles, How To, News, Videos

Japanese Bamboo or River Cane? How do you tell the difference?

Leave a comment

While in Florida, Bob Berg of Thunderbird Atlatl spent some time explaining the differences between Japanese Bamboo and River Cane. With the help of Florida Park Ranger George Royal and Greg Maurer, Bob put together a short video on the two plants.

Once you decide on what material you are going to use for your cane or bamboo dart, check out Bob’s You Tube video on making Cane Darts

News

Florida ISACs, contests held despite weather & location obstacles!

Leave a comment

International Standard Accuracy Contests (ISACs) are always a draw for atlatlists but the Florida ISACS in February faced some challenges! The first ISACS at Letchworth Love State Park had to be moved to just outside the park gate when the state park did not have a safety officer available!

The hay bale target inside the park was moved to just outside the gates to county property and with the goodwill of the park’s neighboring property owner, the contest continued! Photo below: Thunderbird Atlatl’s set up at the Letchworth Love State Park.

In Silver Springs, the knapin (as was the Daytona 500) was cancelled because of rain! Yes, it did rain a lot! Greg Mauer found an alternate site at a local archery club and the ISAC went on Saturday morning before the heavy rains hit! Photos below: Greg Maurer, Donna McCracken and Bob Berg compete in an ISAC in Silver Springs, Florida.

In the photo below, Bob Berg straightens cane darts. Bob Berg with the help of Florida State Park Ranger George Royal and Greg Maurer on video put together a video on the differences between River Cane and Japanese Bamboo.