It's important to make sure your dart is firmly seated onto the spur of your atlatl. My first atlatl (of many) was a hammer grip type. I had to pinch the dart between my fingers while at the same time keeping the nock of the dart seated on the spur. I had an awful time learning how to throw at first. Keeping the dart seated on the spur was my biggest problem. It seemed that every time I'd throw, the dart would slip off the atlatls spur, slapping the dart as it passed by. Sometimes actually breaking a dart. I was getting a little frustrated. I started processing the way I set up my "form" and soon noticed I wasn't seating the dart firmly onto the spur. Push the dart back and onto the spur using pressure (but not too much) to keep it seated there.
Make sure no person is behind you when pulling darts from a target.
Carry darts point down when in a group
Keep the tube your darts came in for future storage
Your darts will need to be repaired sometime. The wrapping may fray. The tip may loosen. Feathers may rip or come off. A drop of super glue is a quick fix but won't hold up long. When your darts start looking like they've been through the wringer, it's time for repairs.
Atlatl and Dart Tips
You have just purchased your first atlatl and dart. Now what to do? First you need to learn how to throw consistently . I suggest not throwing at any kind of target. If you start right off throwing at paper targets such as the ISAC you’ll soon become discouraged. I’ve been there. Find a field, it doesn’t have to be a big field. You’re not trying to break any distance record, yet. Your learning to throw. When ready to throw, pull your arm back as far as is comfortable, in close to your head and freeze. Look down field, keeping the tip of your dart in your peripheral vision. Look for someplace down field where you would like the dart to land. Now throw, straight over head, keeping the point on line with that spot down field. Throe soft at first, paying close attention to your form. When you see what works best for you start throwing some what harder. Soon you’ll get the hang of it and when every thing comes together it’s time to set up a target.
Weight Forward: Simply put the darts weight forward is forward of the center of the dart. In other words the darts balance point should be forward of center, towards the point end. To find out how much forward the balance point is from center of your dart place the dart on your finger. When balanced pinch the dart at the balance and place the tip on the ground along side your body. Now mark the spot against your body where the balance is and rotate the dart so the feathered end is now on the ground against the body as before. Pinch the dart at the mark on your body and you'll see how much weight forward that dart has.
Use boiled linseed oil as a finish on your atlatl. At least twice a year you should add a coat to your atlatl. Put a coat on, let it set awhile then wipe dry.
Your darts absorb moisure. Make sure darts are dry when not using. Wipe them down after throwing with a dry rag. At some time you may need to straighten your darts. To see how this is done check out these
youtube videos by Atlatlist Tom Mills
Arundinaria gigantea (switch cane) or River cane is a tall (over 10 feet) perennial cane that I gather in the late fall to make darts from. I make a couple trips south each year looking for patches growing along the road. I always ask permission to cut the cane. "Sure, pick all the weed you want" they say.
Forward of Center (FOC) or weight forward is the balance point of the dart forward or ahead of the center of the dart. In other words the tip of the darts weight should be heavier than the feathered end. FOC is an important part of the darts performance.
