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How to Make a Javelin

Long part of Greek mythology, javelins were first introduced at the 708 BC Greek Olympic games, where contestants would ride horses and throw their javelins at distant objects. Once wood, sports javelins have changed in size, weight and dimension since their invention. Javelins for Olympic-style throwing competitions are metal. Javelins that can be safely used by anyone are made of fiberglass and lack sharp, dangerous tips. Javelin throwing remains an international track and field event, currently dominated by Cuba, Finland and Britain, according to "Track and Field Events."

Things You'll Need

One 5-foot fiberglass rod (golf flag pole)
Two 3-inch long by 1 1/2-inch wide sections of closed cell foam
One 1-foot long by 4-inch wide section of open cell foam
Two 9-inch long by 4-inch wide pieces of open cell foam
Four 3-foot lengths of pipe insulation
Two 1-foot squares of fabric covers (1 yellow, 1 black)
Duct tape
Exacto knife

Instructions

- 1
  Wrap the two ends of the fiberglass rod with duct tape. These ends will represent the tips of the javelin.
- 2
  Cut the two pieces of closed cell foam into diamond shapes. Apply duct tape to each end of the foam and stick the foam pieces onto each end of the javelin.
- 3
  Fold the two pieces of open cell foam over both tips of the javelin.
- 4
  Wrap duct tape around each end of the javelin, securing the first two layers of foam. Wrap tape where the foam first meets the rod.
- 5
  Fold the second, longer layer of open cell foam at one end of the javelin. Wrap this final layer by starting from the core (close to the middle) of the javelin and extending to its tip.
- 6
  Cover the entire shaft with pipe insulation. If needed, the insulation foam can be cut to allow it to slide over the full circumference of the shaft. Wrap a layer of duct tape around the insulation to further secure it to the javelin.
- 7
  Wrap a thin layer of yellow cloth at one end of the javelin. Tape the cloth to the javelin. This represents the striking tip.
- 8
  Wrap a thin layer of black cloth to the butt end of the javelin. Tape the cloth to the javelin.

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