Stéphane Marguerite

Wallaby Boomerangs

Boomerang maker

©Patrick Saad

The mystical boomerang

Stéphane was captain of the French and Canadian boomerang teams
There are only about ten boomerang makers left in the world
Eco materials and processes are a priority for Stéphane

Stéphane Marguerite discovered the boomerang thanks to his uncle in 1981 and it became a passion. Competitor since 1983 and listed in the Guinness Book for his world record, Stéphane launched his workshop Wallaby Boomerangs in 1993, specialising in the design of high-quality recreational boomerangs. The boomerang, as an instrument of leisure or decoration piece, enchants children and adults alike. Stéphane crafts and paints his boomerangs by hand, from various renewable natural sources such as wood or new composite materials. His vocation is to reconcile environmental protection and the practice of a healthy physical activity, respecting an ancient know-how. “The boomerang is above all a philosophy. It's a sport where you make the gear you play with. It's not a professional sport, it's more of a community, like surfing.”

Interview

©Frédéric Joncour

©Patrick Saad

Are you worried that boomerang making will die out?: No, there will always be enthusiasts who make boomerangs, it is a timeless object that has existed for 15,000 years. Making boomerangs is a unique and very personal experience, outside of standard conventions.
How do you create innovation in such an ancestral object?: I perpetuate an age-old craft but I use contemporary techniques and materials. I'm constantly looking for the most ecological materials possible, optimising my working and manufacturing methods to have a finished product with the least possible waste.
What is a memorable moment in your professional life?: One of the major moments of my career was my first attendance at the Toy Fair in Nuremberg. It was magical and impressive being alongside all the biggest names in game making on the planet.
What do you enjoy most about making boomerangs?: I have practised the boomerang since the age of 15 and I decided to start a business at 27. It's my life's passion and I've managed to make a living from it. I enjoy the absence of routine and the pleasure of designing a playful object with which people will have fun outdoors.

Stéphane Marguerite is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1993