: You guys have sent me off on a great research spree, I even discovered a web
: site devoted to atlatl throwing.

: I am certainly clear now about what I am seeing in various illustrations and
: have decided to make one from the remains of the lay up for my Aleutian
: paddle that I have made.

: What i have not quite come to grips with is the lack of a "notch"
: on the atlatl, both on the plans I have found on the net and in the
: pictures I have seen. The groove is there, but what "hooks in"
: to the harpoon?

Hi Brian,
If I have you right, you are meaning a norsaq rather than an atlatl throwing board/stick. An atlatl launches the dart from the very end of the dart, the atlatl hook fits the butt of the dart.
A norsaq and harpoon connects partway up the shaft from the butt. Either by pegs set into the harpoon or norsaq that fits into matching holes.

Mechanically, they work a bit differently. An atlatl uses spring in both dart and stick to add power or distance in addition to the users muscles.
The norsaq and harpoon are more rigid, there is little flex in the system and is more dependent on muscle power for distance/power of the throw.

Hope this helps,
Mike Savage
South West Cork