David the Shepherd
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www.DavidTheShepherd .com
Posts: 112
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
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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
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