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Message started by davidtheshepherd on Aug 9th, 2011 at 6:11pm

Title: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by davidtheshepherd on Aug 9th, 2011 at 6:11pm
Hello!!  I am David the Shepherd at the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

I have been slinging for 4 years now and have handmade over 1,500 shepherd slings to date!  I love making them, and I love using them even more.  As David the Shepherd, I give approximately 100 25-minute performances followed by sling demonstration per year at the Passion Play.

I would love to visit with you if you come to the Play, or you can check out my website www.DavidTheShepherd.com
David the Shepherd
A Sling & A Stone, LLC

11/11/2014 update - Here's the demonstration that I give before the Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHUbNUUfJtI

I have made over 10,000 shepherd slings now and have slings in over 36 countries throughout the world.  It is one of my life passions.  Visit my blog at www.slinging.com

You can also see my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxxdfH5kJHgbafu16nQLfaA
David_the_Shepherd_with_Staff_and_Sling.jpg (104 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd
Post by Steven on Aug 10th, 2011 at 1:41pm
;) Hey ... you look to be one of the few with a sling related commercial endeavor....
Is your production seasonal or year round?

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd
Post by David the Shepherd on Aug 10th, 2011 at 3:13pm
I make and sell shepherd slings year-round.

The Great Passion Play has run five nights a week, May thru October, for 43 years now (of course, I haven't been there all 43 years :) I've been there for 7 years).  

I have made Shepherd Slings for people in almost every state and sold some to people in Europe and Australia.  (They're available on eBay--search for "shepherd slings"--and my website DavidTheShepherd.com.)

I make a few different types of slings; here are some examples.  

The Woven Pouch Shepherd Sling that I make:
David_the_Shepherd_-_Woven_Pouch_Shepherd_Sling_001.jpg (58 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd
Post by David the Shepherd on Aug 10th, 2011 at 3:31pm
Here's a Leather Pouch Shepherd Sling I make:

(Although it's not pictured, I now make these out of bison leather.)
Leather_Pouch_Shepherd_Sling_-_slinging.jpg (168 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd
Post by David the Shepherd on Aug 10th, 2011 at 3:34pm
Here's a Green and Brown Split Pouch Shepherd Sling I make (I also make it in just brown):
David_the_Shepherd_-_Split_Pouch_Shepherd_Sling.jpg (68 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by Bill Skinner on Aug 10th, 2011 at 7:15pm
Nice slings.  And welcome to the site.  Any tips on how to hit something will be appreciated.  Bill

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Aug 10th, 2011 at 7:28pm
Thanks so much!  

I'll share some tips on accuracy if I can tomorrow (I'll try to get some of my videos in the future).  :)  I throw around 50-60 stones a night (as well as clay balls and marshmallows).

Here's a sling I made today that's a 12-strand Braided Woven Pouch Sling.  Some people make this kind out of paracord, but I just love the natural look.
David_the_Shepherd_-_12-strand_Woven_Pouch.jpg (79 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by bigkahuna on Aug 10th, 2011 at 9:04pm
Welcome David. Nice to have you onboard. Those are some great looking slings you've made but I was wondering if the deep pouches effect the release of the stone at all. Have you had any stones hang up in the pouch because of the depth??

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Aug 10th, 2011 at 10:14pm
It's great to be on board!! I've thought about joining for about three years, but just never made the time to get on.

No, I haven't had any problems with the stones hanging up in the pouch.  Just to clarify, the only sling that has a deeper pouch is the first woven pouch I have listed, not the second.  All of the other slings don't have what I would call deep pouches, but I can understand your question.

I used to make the pouch not as deep, but there were some kids that were having challenges keeping the stone in the sling (kids were probably 1st grade or so).  So, I made the pouch a little deeper, but not too deep.  A lot of people also like to throw with marshmallows, which fit and release perfectly from the pouch.  

I've thrown with one particular woven pouch sling (like the one with the deeper pouch) for two years.  It's still in terrific condition!


Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Aug 12th, 2011 at 6:22pm
Here's a 5-strand woven pouch paracord sling I made today.  It's around 60 inches long and has a 4' long X 2.5'' wide pouch on it.  I'm looking forward to throwing with it tonight.  

30_inches_Paracord_Sling_made_by_David_the_Shepherd--desert_sand_pouch__.jpg (107 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Aug 14th, 2011 at 4:40pm
Here's a paracord sling I made the other day.  The pouch is 3.5"X2.5" with a total sling length of 5 feet (30" when folded).  I used olive drab paracord.
olive_drab_standard_pic.jpg (123 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by Morphy on Aug 14th, 2011 at 6:58pm
Good stuff David. Welcome to the forums. I remember my parents talking about the Great Passion Play years ago. Glad to see it's still going on.

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by fattybones on Aug 22nd, 2011 at 9:18pm
You are the answer to this thread: http://slinging.org/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1266498481  Are there others who do what you do, so I can be a smart-aleck and win the thread by claiming there are professional slingers (plural) in Arkansas?

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Aug 23rd, 2011 at 1:04am
There are a few people at the Great Passion Play who I have taught how to use a shepherd sling.  However, they don't give a demonstration to the public.  Like many of us here on slinging.org, they just do it for fun.  

I think it's important to remember what makes a professional.  For example, we watch professional baseball players not because they get paid a lot of money; no, we watch professional baseball players because they are great at what they do.  We enjoy their skill and ability.  They're professionals because people enjoy watching them.

My slinging demonstration definitely fuels enthusiasm for slinging.  I demonstrate with my sling to anywhere between 150 to 300 people a night.  And, they love to watch me do it.  I love it when the little kids clap and laugh when I hit my targets, or when people say, "Wow!" when I let one really sail through the air.  So, I guess people would consider me a professional since the people come to watch my presentation, and they enjoy watching me do my demonstration (of course, they also come to watch the Passion Play).  

My demonstration usually lasts from 5-7 minutes.  I throw with each type of shepherd sling I make for both accuracy and distance.  And, of course, I can't forget to mention that I throw with rocks, dried clay, and (my favorite) MARSHMALLOWS!!!  Marshmallows are excellent projectiles and delightful treats.  It helps quell parents' anxieties and worries.  

I think it's very important for those of us in the slinging community to show people how cool and easy it is to start slinging.  I taught my 8-year old niece how to sling, and she got a solid throw on her very first rock!  (That may be another mark of a professional--someone who teaches others...so, there are probably many professional slingers here!)

Happy Slinging!!!
David the Shepherd




Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Aug 23rd, 2011 at 1:08am
By the way, I don't know where everyone is from, but if anyone on the forum comes to the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs and says they heard about me from slinging.org, I'll be happy to give you a free sling and a backstage tour.  I may be even be able to get some comp tickets if you PM me in advance (I'll try at least).  

Also, if you get a sling from my website www.DavidTheShepherd.com, be sure to say you heard about me from www.slinging.org, and I'll make it free shipping!!

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by josephlys on Aug 23rd, 2011 at 10:54am
Hi David I'm a newbie. Awesome slings there. I hope to start off with a simple sling made from leather and cord. Marsh-mellows interesting, can you sling such light projectiles effectively, what kind of range can you get? Just curious  :)  

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Aug 24th, 2011 at 11:02am
I like to use the really BIG marshmallows.  At short ranges--10 to 20 feet--they have excellent velocity.  The smaller ones don't go as far or as fast; but like I said before, I suggest them because they are easier to learn with--even if you hit yourself, it won't hurt.

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Oct 14th, 2011 at 12:01pm
Yesterday, I threw a regular size marshmallow 40 yards with one of my paracord shepherd slings.  It was just a regular-sized marshmallow.  After I through it, I went to inspect the marshmallow and it had lost its shape.  It was pretty flat!

Update: I find that my paracord and leather slings throw marshmallows best.

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by Arthur the great on Oct 14th, 2011 at 10:17pm
Huh I never thought of using mashmellows


My grand parents went to the play three or four years ago that's what spark my interest back in slings

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by Wiegieboard on Oct 15th, 2011 at 2:55pm
Nice thread David and great job on the slings. They're very clinical. Nice work!

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Nov 5th, 2011 at 1:16pm
This is a 4-strand rockman paracord shepherd sling that I made yesterday.  

I like to call it a "Tennis Ball Thrower Shepherd Sling" so people realize what type of projectiles are good to use.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HANDMADE-Tennis-Ball-Thrower-Paracord-Shepherd-Sling-David-Shepherd-/220887786030?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item336df0222e
Tennis_Ball_Thrower_Paracord_Shepherd_Sling_made_by_David_the_Shepherd_001.jpg (124 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Nov 9th, 2011 at 11:17pm
Here's a rockman shepherd sling that I make.

- David
David_the_Shepherd_-_Tennis_Ball_Thrower_Shepherd_Sling.jpg (272 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Dec 7th, 2011 at 2:11pm
Here's a netted pouch sling that I make...
Brown_Netted_Pouch_36-inches_long_made_by_David_the_Shepherd.jpg (129 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Dec 7th, 2011 at 2:14pm
I made a tennis ball thrower split pouch/rockman sling the other day too...
tennis_ball_thrower_-_black_widow_and_black_-_small.jpg (100 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by Bill Skinner on Dec 7th, 2011 at 7:23pm
You have been busy.  You need to start posting this on the main forum, a lot of people don't go to the intro page after they become members.

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Feb 28th, 2012 at 4:39pm
I posted a few slings on the general discussion board.  Thanks for the advice, Bill :)

Here's a golf ball thrower sling that I really like.  Without much effort at all, I was able to throw a golf ball well over 100 yards.  The paracord through the leather grips the ball and releases great too!
Paracord_Leather_Pouch_Sling_001.jpg (76 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by curious_aardvark on Feb 29th, 2012 at 7:02am
that last one is very neat.
Simple but looks very effective  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Apr 18th, 2012 at 3:42pm
Thanks so much!  It is effective.  One of my favorites.  :)

Here's another of my current favorites.
red_and_brown_jute_golf_ball_thrower_sling_001.jpg (125 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by Atlatlista on Apr 18th, 2012 at 3:45pm
That's pretty.  My next sling after I finish my current project is going to utilize white and red wool in a spiral pattern like that.  Maybe I'll give some out as "candy canes" for Christmas.

One question, how do you eliminate the overlap on the pouches in that style of sling?  Are you leaving unbraided strands that you're covering up with the whipping?

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by Rat Man on Apr 20th, 2012 at 12:10pm
Hi, David;
  I've already checked out your site and we've chatted a bit on the forums.  Your prices are fair and your slings appear very well made.  We have a few other merchants here, as you're probably aware.  Timothy Potter, LukeWebb, and Paleoarts come to mind immediately.  They all do excellent work also.
    Your brown netted pouch sling in Reply#22 is very interesting.  I wish I knew how to make it.  
Welcome aboard!

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Jun 9th, 2012 at 2:39am
Here's a sling made out of paracord and leather that a lot of people have liked.  I call it a marshmallow thrower because a marshmallow fits perfectly into it.  They fly a long ways too since the leather doesn't grip the marshmallow, but lets it rest in the pouch freely.

My new favorite pasttime...trying to throw a marshmallow into the air as high as I can and catch it in my life (like people do with grapes).  I've been able to do it a few times during my presentation at The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
simple_paracord_leather_pouch.jpg (67 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Aug 7th, 2012 at 3:08pm
This pink camo is a pretty popular sling with the girls at the Great Passion Play.
pink_camo_shepherd_sling.jpg (229 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Aug 7th, 2012 at 3:14pm
Guys like this color a lot.  It's called Black Widow.

I now have around 30 colors of paracord from which I make slings.
black_widow_-_David_the_Shepherd.jpg (106 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by Rofriedrich on Aug 7th, 2012 at 11:01pm
Thr pink one is cool.

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by curious_aardvark on Aug 8th, 2012 at 12:30pm
all available to buy over in the market place and from davids own website  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Sep 14th, 2012 at 3:36pm
I now have slings in all 50 states and 23 countries  :)
30_inches_Paracord_Sling_made_by_David_the_Shepherd--camo_pouch_olive_drab_cords_001.jpg (122 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Oct 29th, 2012 at 10:35am
Got to visit and throw with a slinging.org member last Wednesday at The Great Passion Play.  Incredible the ingenius designs that people have.  :)

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:43pm
I made a pretty big woven paracord shepherd sling that will throw tennis balls.
tennis_ball_thrower_-_closed_pouch.jpg (355 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by Uthyr on Nov 17th, 2012 at 8:56pm
Hey Sir!

I just got one of your Slings and it's very cool.

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Nov 18th, 2012 at 1:46am
I'm glad that it made it safely to you :)

This forum is a really great place to learn the art and the science of the shepherd's sling.

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by chucker-mike on Nov 27th, 2012 at 5:25pm
Hey David the shepherd! I just got the three slings I ordered and they are great.  Thanks for the prompt service.

It seems like most of the people on here make their own, but if you want a nice quality sling, this is a great place to buy one.  The craftsmanship is excellent and I don't know what kind of wax he dips the knots, etc in but they smell nice too!

Thanks again!

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Feb 3rd, 2013 at 11:33pm
I'm getting pretty good and hitting people with marshmallows.  It surprises them since it makes quite a loud noise.  I make sure they know I'm aiming for them, and that they are not standing too close.    :)

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by David the Shepherd on Feb 4th, 2013 at 12:02am
I have now made 4,827 shepherd slings since I first started in 2008.  My slings are in all 50 states as well as 28 countries, 6 continents.  If only someone from Antartica would be willing to pay the postage to get one down there!  

This forum helped me get my start.  :)

I wish I could be more involved in the forum.  I started giving a presentation before The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas in 2008 approximately 100 times a year in front of on average 150 people a night.  Slinging is one of my greatest passions in life.  It helps the story of David and Goliath really come alive and is a great way to relax (and get relief from anxiety).  

I have met a couple people from the forum at The Great Passion Play, and I hope to meet more during this coming year.  Go to www.greatpassionplay.org for performance dates and information!

_MG_1265.jpg (117 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too
Post by Dan on Feb 7th, 2013 at 3:29pm
That's awesome man! great job spreasing the word on the Bible and slinging.  :)

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by David the Shepherd on Oct 14th, 2013 at 5:41pm
This is my new friend at The Great Passion Play.  The whole is a perfect target!  My good slinging buddies Hack and Rob put it up.  A lady at church volunteered to paint it! 

Goliath might have been over 9 feet tall (depending on what type of cubit you used).  Kids love getting their picture taken with it!

Sorry I've been off of the forum so long.  Life happens, you know.  Been busy with The Great Passion Play and slinging!
Goliath_at_Great_Passion_Play.jpg (608 KB | )

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by curious_aardvark on Oct 17th, 2013 at 6:44am
love the target.

So - as an expert - what brand of marshmallow makes the best ammunitions ?

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by David the Shepherd on Oct 22nd, 2013 at 2:01am
As an expert on marshmallow munitions  ;D, I find white jet-puffed marshmallows to be superior. They don't stick together as do other marshmallow brands (unless you leave them in your car in the sun).  They fly great too.  I have put other brands in the freezer for about 30 minutes and it helps (or leaving them out for 6 months opened also does the trick...be careful if you do that though, they are as hard as a rock when they hit).

I like to split them in half to allow them to cut through the air a little bit more and the bag lasts longer.  Usually at the Passion Play, we go through about a bag of marshmallows a night since that is a far safer way to teach kids how to use slings.

So, go Jet-Puffed marshmallows!


Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by David the Shepherd on Nov 8th, 2013 at 7:04pm
I'm in the process of updating my website.  For now, check out www.ShepherdSling.net.

Let me know what you think!  Have to get a few more videos on the site.

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by David the Shepherd on Mar 3rd, 2014 at 5:15pm
Interesting story: I went on vacation with my parents to Idaho, and we stopped by Sun Valley.  By chance, we ate at the same place that Tom Hanks was eating (this was a couple of months ago).  He was very nice and extremely gracious.  We got pictures with him, and that was it.

Until, I get an email this morning from a lady from France who is doing a story on vacationing in Sun Valley on some major French broadcasting station.  She asked to use the picture.  Looks like I am going to be on the Tube (or whatever they call it in France) at the end of the month! 

Crazy World!

http://www.shepherdsling.net/1/post/2014/01/shepherd-slings-and-tom-hanks.html

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by David the Shepherd on Jun 18th, 2014 at 8:08pm
I have quite a few slings on Amazon now. :)

The other day had a kid come by the Passion Play with a sling I had made about 3 years ago.  Neat to see an old sling as I can tell an improvement with my work.

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by justinw1 on Jun 20th, 2014 at 1:18am
Hey there David! I am an avid slinger, and although I am fairly good at the actual slinging (not really) I have recently been into crafting my slings with a more creative intent in mind. I would love to get your feedback on my work, or lack of If that be the case! Thanks!

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by justinw1 on Jun 20th, 2014 at 1:24am
Hey there David! I am an avid slinger, and although I am fairly good at the actual slinging (not really) I have recently been into crafting my slings with a more creative intent in mind. I would love to get your feedback on my work, or lack of If that be the case! Thanks!

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by David the Shepherd on Sep 24th, 2014 at 10:58pm
Wondering if anyone out there is from Malta?  I just had someone get a shepherd sling from that country.  35 countries now that I have sent shepherd slings to...continue to spread the love :)

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by curious_aardvark on Sep 29th, 2014 at 6:23am
keep that up and you'll probably end up beating aussie :-)

Good work :thumb:

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by David the Shepherd on Oct 30th, 2014 at 1:25am
Glad to be a part of such a great community and really a family of slingers!  I don't post as often as I'd like, but it is fun to be a part of something like this. 

Sent a sling to Andorra last week.  Country #36 that I know slings are in now! 

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by David the Shepherd on Nov 9th, 2014 at 12:25am
Just a little excited that shepherd slings that I make are in the top 30 best sellers in the "slingshot" category on Amazon. 

Before you know it, the shepherd sling will be at the top (hopefully!).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/sporting-goods/3307780011/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_sg_1_4_last#2

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by David the Shepherd on Nov 20th, 2015 at 9:19pm
Life has been way too busy lately. Thankfully, I have still been able to sling. I just haven't had time to post or converse here!

Title: (delete)
Post by Jauke on Nov 28th, 2015 at 6:26am
(delete)

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by David the Shepherd on Jan 22nd, 2017 at 5:16pm
I know the international sling competition for slinging will be March 1-5. I am interested to know if anyone would be interested in joining me for a stateside competition in Eureka Springs at the Passion Play?

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by curious_aardvark on Jan 25th, 2017 at 7:06am
that would be pretty cool :thumb:

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by Morphy on Jan 25th, 2017 at 11:16am
I'm 10 hours away from you. Definitely very tempting. Why not start a thread for this and see what kind of response you get?

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by jeffbonds on Feb 8th, 2017 at 12:21am
i had watched a few of your videos a while back and wondered if you were on this sight well welcome

Title: Re: Hello from David the Shepherd!! Sling Pics too!
Post by David the Shepherd on Sep 27th, 2019 at 2:02pm
Here's my new brief demonstration video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swmyGySQUOA&list=PLT4F-J812SFuoCVVdmB1sPPz_tnmcLjSw&index=3&t=0s

I'm not going to pretend like I'm the best thrower around (because I'm not), but I just love to spread the love of slinging!

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