Entering the world of boomerangs is an exciting step into a unique outdoor activity that combines skill, physics, and fun. For beginners, the right boomerang makes all the difference—it should be forgiving, easy to throw, and reliable in its return. This roundup focuses on models designed specifically for new throwers, from soft foam options for younger kids to more advanced designs for teens and adults ready to learn proper technique.
Selecting a beginner boomerang involves considering material, handedness, and recommended age range. A good starter model builds confidence with consistent flight patterns and clear instructions. The following products represent some of the best options available to help you master the art of the throw and catch on your first attempt.
The Best Beginner Boomerangs for Learning and Fun
- Polypropylene Pro Sports Boomerang
- Aerobie Orbiter Boomerang
- Blue Speed Racer Fast Catch Boomerang
- Red Bumblebee Easy Returning Boomerang
- PetSafe Bolt Automatic Laser Light Cat Toy
- Refresh Sports Boomerang for Kids & Adults
- Colorado Boomerangs ArcFire Blue Boomerang
- Blue Bumblebee Easy Returning Boomerang
- Colorado Boomerangs Red Batrang Boomerang
- GoSports Classic Wood Boomerang for Beginners
Polypropylene Pro Sports Boomerang
Designed by a former world champion, this boomerang offers a genuine sport experience for beginners aged 10 and up. Its polypropylene construction provides durability and a consistent flight pattern, making it an excellent tool for learning proper technique. The product is specifically intended for right-handed throwers.
This set stands out by including comprehensive learning resources. You receive printed “How to Throw” instructions plus access to detailed video tutorials. This professional guidance helps shorten the learning curve, allowing you to progress from basic throws to more advanced catches with confidence.
Aerobie Orbiter Boomerang
The Aerobie Orbiter is a brightly colored, easy-to-handle boomerang known for its reliable return. Its simple design and lightweight feel make it very approachable for first-time users. Made in the USA, it carries the reputation of a brand famous for creating innovative flying toys.
This model requires minimal wind for a successful flight, which is ideal for practicing in various outdoor conditions. The included throwing instructions provide clear, straightforward steps to get you started. Its vibrant orange, yellow, and magenta colors also make it easy to track in the sky and locate on the ground.
Blue Speed Racer Fast Catch Boomerang
Optimized for the exciting “fast catch” style of play, this boomerang is designed for beginners who want to progress quickly. It creates a long, helicopter-like hover at the end of its flight, giving you extra time to position yourself for the catch. It is intended for right-handed throwers aged 13 and older.
This model is an excellent bridge between basic return boomerangs and more advanced sport models. Its flight path is predictable yet dynamic, helping new throwers develop timing and coordination. The design focuses on creating a satisfying return loop that is both fun and educational to master.
Red Bumblebee Easy Returning Boomerang
The Red Bumblebee features a four-blade design that prioritizes stability and easy returnability above all else. This makes it one of the most forgiving options for a novice thrower. Its bright red color offers high visibility during flight, which is helpful for tracking its path and finding it after a throw.
Recommended for ages 13 and up, this boomerang is built to build confidence. The multi-blade configuration helps correct throwing errors, ensuring a circular flight path even when your technique isn’t perfect. It’s a straightforward, effective tool for understanding the basic mechanics of a boomerang’s return.
PetSafe Bolt Automatic Laser Light Cat Toy
Please note: This product appears to be a cat toy and not a traditional returning boomerang for outdoor human use. The PetSafe Bolt is an interactive laser toy designed to provide exercise and entertainment for cats indoors. It features a Class 3 laser that is safe for feline play.
The toy offers customizable engagement with both automatic, hands-free mode and manual control. In automatic mode, the laser creates random, self-rotating patterns to stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts. It is battery-operated and includes an adjustable mirror to change the projection pattern.
Refresh Sports Boomerang for Kids & Adults
This boomerang uses a unique EVA foam construction, making it soft, durable, and safe for users as young as four years old. The material is water-resistant and can withstand impacts, making it suitable for beach, pool, or park play. Its lightweight design is easy for small hands to throw and won’t hurt fingers upon catching.
The EVA foam provides a stable flight while being exceptionally forgiving. It’s an ideal first boomerang for young children because it eliminates the safety concerns associated with harder plastic or wood models. The jet black color gives it a classic look, and its design prioritizes a simple, reliable return to encourage successful early experiences.
Colorado Boomerangs ArcFire Blue Boomerang
The ArcFire is designed to be soft and safe, yet effective for learners of any age. Its lightweight nature means it doesn’t require a powerful throw to achieve a successful return, which is perfect for building fundamental skills. The soft material reduces risk, allowing for practice in more confined spaces like a backyard.
This boomerang comes with illustrated “How to Throw” instructions, providing visual guidance for proper technique. It’s a versatile option that works well for both kids under supervision and adults seeking a low-pressure introduction to the hobby. The focus is on fun and accessibility from the very first throw.
Blue Bumblebee Easy Returning Boomerang
Similar to its red counterpart, the Blue Bumblebee utilizes a four-blade design for maximum stability and forgiveness. This design helps ensure a consistent circular flight, making it easier for beginners to predict and catch. The bright blue color provides excellent visibility against most sky and ground backgrounds.
Marketed for a wide age range from 13 to 88, this boomerang emphasizes ease of use. It’s built to perform well without requiring perfect throwing form, allowing the user to focus on the enjoyment of the activity. It’s a straightforward, reliable choice for anyone wanting to try a returning boomerang without frustration.
Colorado Boomerangs Red Batrang Boomerang
This bat-shaped boomerang offers a unique design with fun hover capabilities and a circular flight pattern suited for easy catching. With a flight range of approximately 30 yards, it is perfect for backyard or park use. It is constructed from hard plastic and designed specifically for right-handed throwers.
The Batrang requires a soft upward throw with plenty of spin for optimal performance. Its unique shape is not just for looks; it contributes to a distinctive and entertaining flight path that can add an extra layer of enjoyment for beginners who have mastered the basics with a more traditional shape.
GoSports Classic Wood Boomerang for Beginners
The GoSports Classic Wood Boomerang offers a traditional material choice for beginners. Wooden boomerangs often provide a distinct feel and flight characteristic compared to plastic models, appealing to those interested in a more classic experience. As a beginner-focused product, it is likely designed for easier throws and reliable returns.
While specific details and an image are not provided in the data, GoSports is a known brand in recreational sports equipment. A wooden beginner boomerang from them would typically feature a balanced design and smoothed edges for safety and consistent performance. It represents a natural, timeless option for starting the hobby.
How to Choose the Best Boomerangs for Beginners
So, you want to get into boomerangs. That’s awesome. But if you just grab any old boomerang, you’re probably in for a world of frustration. Trust me, I’ve been there. The key to a great first experience is picking the right tool for the job. You need a boomerang designed to forgive your mistakes and help you learn. Let’s talk about what makes a boomerang good for a new thrower.
First, forget everything you’ve seen in movies. Real, returning boomerangs are not giant, heavy V-shaped weapons. For beginners, you want something light, usually made of plastic or plywood. Plastic boomerangs, like those from brands like Colorado or MTA, are incredibly durable. You can slam them into the ground, trees, or asphalt all day, and they’ll keep going. Wood boomerangs have a nicer feel and tradition but can chip or break more easily. I usually tell friends to start with a tough plastic model.
The shape is everything. Look for boomerangs with three or more wings. More wings generally mean more stability and a slower, more predictable flight path. Classic “V” shapes or tri-blade designs are perfect. They fly in a wide, gentle circle and don’t require a powerful throw to come back. Avoid the fancy, fast, long-range competition styles for now. Your goal isn’t distance; it’s getting that satisfying catch.
Size matters, but maybe not how you think. A good beginner boomerang is often smaller than people expect, with a wingspan of roughly 8 to 12 inches. This smaller size makes them less intimidating, easier to control, and they don’t need a huge field. A standard soccer field or even a large park is plenty. The instructions are your best friend. A quality beginner boomerang will come with clear throwing instructions. Read them! The throw is a specific flick of the wrist, not a baseball pitch. Getting the angle and tilt right is 90% of the battle.
Finally, think about your environment. If you’re mostly going to be practicing in a park with grass, you have more options. If you’re in an area with lots of hard surfaces, that durable plastic becomes even more important. Your first boomerang should be a patient teacher. It should circle back even on a bad throw, survive the inevitable crashes, and build your confidence. Starting with the right one makes all the difference between giving up in frustration and getting hooked on the fun. Finding the 10 best boomerangs for beginners starts with these simple principles.
FAQ
Why won’t my boomerang come back to me?
This is the most common issue, and it’s almost always about the throw. The boomerang needs to be thrown vertically, like a frisbee thrown on its edge, not flat. You also need a slight tilt, so the top leans away from you about 10-20 degrees. Throwing it flat or with a baseball-style overhand will just send it sailing away. Wind is a huge factor, too. Always start in very calm conditions. Too much wind, especially from the wrong direction, will ruin the flight path. Practice the wrist-flick motion without releasing first to get the feel.
What’s the best place to practice throwing a boomerang?
You need a big, open, and clear space. I mean really clear. A soccer or football field is ideal. The key things are: soft grass (for crash landings), lots of room (so you don’t lose it or hit something), and no people, dogs, or buildings in the wide circle around you. Always check for overhead power lines and trees. Never throw near roads or in a space where you can’t easily retrieve a wild throw. Safety for yourself and others is the top priority.
Are boomerangs dangerous?
They can be if used carelessly, but a proper beginner boomerang is quite safe. They are lightweight and don’t travel with deadly force. The real danger is being unaware. Never throw in a crowded area. Always watch the boomerang’s entire flight path until it lands or you catch it. Never throw in high winds where you lose control. And most importantly, never throw a boomerang horizontally like a frisbee aimed at a person—that’s how injuries happen. Treat it with respect, and it’s a very safe hobby.
How do I actually catch the boomerang?
Start by just letting it land. Seriously. Your first goal is to get it to return consistently to your vicinity. Once it’s doing that reliably, you can try clap catches. As it comes back, clap your hands together on either side of it. Don’t grab at it from behind; that’s how you get smacked on the knuckles. Start with two-handed clap catches. One-handed “plucking” catches are for much later. And wear sunglasses—protecting your eyes from an unexpected bounce is a smart move.
What’s the difference between a left-handed and right-handed boomerang?
This is crucial! A standard boomerang is designed to be thrown with your right hand. If you’re left-handed, you need a boomerang specifically designed for a left-handed throw. A right-handed boomerang thrown by a lefty will usually spiral into the ground or fly away. Most manufacturers make both versions, so check the product description carefully before you buy. Using the correct “handed” model makes learning infinitely easier.
My boomerang got wet. Is that a problem?
For plastic boomerangs, it’s usually fine. Just dry it off. For wooden boomerangs, moisture is the enemy. It can warp the wood and ruin its flight characteristics. If your wooden boomerang gets wet, dry it gently with a towel and let it air-dry completely at room temperature, away from direct heat like a radiator. Never store a wooden boomerang in a damp bag or case. A little care will keep it flying true for years.