Yo-Yoers to throw down

Remember that glorious moment when you let your first yo-yo glide to the floor, spinning effortlessly until you gave it just the right tweak to make it leap back into your palm?

Chances are you were just a kid when you had your first yo-yo success. And whether you’ve continued working on your yo-yo craft or gave it up after your first week with the toy, the Inland Empire Yo-Yo Challenge on Saturday at River Park Square likely will inspire you to try it just one more time.

Competitors from Washington, Idaho and Oregon will “throw down” their best yo-yo tricks for regional bragging rights, organizers say.

Experienced yo-yo teachers will hold a free workshop from noon to 1 p.m. There’s no need to bring a yo-yo, there will be plenty for new players to borrow during the workshop, says Russ Bean, event coordinator and senior member of the String Cheese Yo-Yo Club.

The best part?

Yo-yos today are much better than they were in the 1970s, says Bean.

Better equipment means less frustration, he says.

We asked Bean for tips for kids and their parents who are just getting started with yo-yos. He compiled these nine suggestions with help from other members of String Cheese:

1.Above all, have fun. Yo-yo play is meant to be enjoyed.

2. There is no substitute for practice.

3. Join or start a yo-yo club. You will learn much faster.

4. Practice straight, clean throws. Good throws are the basis of every trick.

5. Get good equipment. Plan to spend $10 to $20 on a good yo-yo.

6. Look for help online. A good place to start is www.yoyoing.com.

7. Learn the National Yo-Yo League ladder tricks found at www.nationalyoyo.org.

8. Buy plenty of extra string and change it when it is worn.

9. Be creative. Your style of play will come from your own creativity.