One hour ago, maybe, I didn`t have an atlatl, but I do now. It is pretty primitive so I just use this thread to show it.
I cut down a couple of hazel saplings for darts some days ago, just in case, so I just whittled out dimples in the ends before I used them. One is as long as I am, 180 centimeters, the other is slightly longer.
The atlatl is ash, I think. Almost as long as my arm, before I could cut it down by trial and error to right lenght I realized I could make a "dart rest" with the spare lenght.
It is slightly havier than I wished, but it is the
one I found, and it doubles as a small club
.
I have just done some 20
ish test throws and is pleasantly surprised. I did play around a little last summer, learned the basic throwing, and now it went surprisingly well. Meaning darts went point first pretty often in the general direction I wanted on short range. Maybe I`ll make some duct tape fletchings later. This stuff is just for fun, I leave it on site on a nice practice spot, and the more unconspicous the better. The kindergarten has their "spot" as shown near by and there is plenty of curious kids around during the day.
timann