: OK. It is coming together a bit more for me. Thank you everyone for your
: patience! Though i have higher education I really need hand holding on
: somethings and this seems to be one of them.

: The two pegs fixing the norsaq to the harpoon are: A. a lower one (purely for
: location and holding the norsaq to the shaft?) and
: B. a higher one, to lock in the position of the norsaq when attached to the
: shaft. It seems to be set at an angle.

: Is it this higher peg that is used for the throwing fulcrum? i.e. I hold the
: norsaq with the grips (this takes it out of the lower peg) then throw it
: via the angled peg?

: If i am right then may i ask: 1. is the distance between the top of the
: norsaq and the hole for the angled peg critical?
: 2: Is the length of the angled peg critical?
: 3: Is there a critical position for the angled peg to be placed in the
: harpoon shaft (i.e. a certain balance point.)

: Finally, in practice, after the the throwing arc reaches a certain angle and
: the peg and norsaq detach, does the norsaq continue on with its propulsion
: by pushing against the peg? (a bit like an atlatl)

: Please tell me I am on the right path, because if not, i will, stop making a
: fool of myself on this list.

Hi Brian,
Yep, the angled peg is the fulcrum for throwing. I don't think you detach the vettical peg before launching, it does it automatically on launch, I think.

The position of the pegs are kinda critical, if you post this question on QajaqUSA, you'll probably get a lot more info. There is an article on norsaq and harpoon in the free e-zine "The Masik" downloadable form there. The Fall 2004 edition.

hope this helps,
Mike Savage
South West Cork
the only way to make a fool of oneself is to not ask questions.