If you haven’t heard of axe throwing, then, first of all, congratulations for remaining under that rock for the past five years. Second of all, you have to try it. It is, essentially, the exhilarating lovechild of playing darts and chopping wood.
The mission of the game is pretty simple: to throw an axe and hit the wooden target at the other side of the lane as close to the bullseye as possible. You face off in round-robin competition with your friend(s) to see who has the sharpest eye and the best aim.
Ever since it was conceived at a cottage getaway in Canada over 13 years ago, the sport has seen an exponential surge in popularity. Nowadays, you’ll find actors, sports legends and other celebrities getting in on the fun, and even international competition.
This is all to say: if you haven’t tried it yet, you really have to. It is entertaining, it gets the blood pumping and it is somehow both easy and challenging. But before you toss your first axe at any of the numerous axe throwing facilities, here are a few things you’ll want to know.
You Don’t Need to Know Anything
It’s a bold move, opening a list of “things you should know” with “you don’t need to know anything”, but it’s pretty true. Once your party arrives at the axe throwing facility, having booked online or over the phone, you are greeted by an axe throwing expert who gives you a full tutorial on how to lob that hatchet. You need no prior knowledge, no prior experience, nor do you even need to be in great shape. You come with yourself, and they provide the rest. Having said that, if you want a head start, click here to get to some pointers.
All Equipment Is Provided
Please don’t tear your garage apart looking for your old hatchet. The axes they have at axe throwing facilities have very unique specifications and are intended particularly for this. Again, the only thing you need to bring when you go is yourself – and maybe a friend or five.
It Is Accessible and Open To Everyone
It can’t be said for every axe throwing company, but BATL (Backyard Axe Throwing League,) the world’s best-known axe throwing company, is fully committed to accessibility. They make a point on their site of encouraging everyone to join in, since, they say, it is a highly accessible sport for people with limited mobility.
Axe Throwing Makes a Fantastic Party
Before you go axe throwing alone or with one other person, consider that this is a sport where the fun level rises exponentially the more players you add. There’s a lot of smack talk that happens around axe throwing, and doing it in a large group can feel like a raucous party. You’ll probably have to book ahead for a party, but it’s worth it for amazing bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays, etc.
Some Locations Offer Alcohol. Others Don’t.
If it’s important to your party, check beforehand whether the location you are throwing at offers alcohol. If they do, fantastic. If not, they still don’t usually allow BYOB, and drinking beforehand is inadvisable since it might throw your game off. Just wait to hit the bar afterward.
The Whole Thing Takes Roughly a Couple Hours
It is often a component of a party’s night. Depending on the size of your party, the axe throwing session can take anywhere from one to two-and-a-half hours.
Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
Literally, the only dress code here is that they require closed-toe shoes, for obvious “axe could fall on your toes” reasons. Other than that, dress however you want. A lot of people get in the axe throwing spirit by donning their finest flannel shirts and overalls, and some even take it to the next level by wearing full Viking garb. Whatever floats your boat – or polishes your axe, as it were.
Make Sure Your Phone Has Storage – You’ll Be Taking Lots of Pictures
The one thing most first-timers regret is that they didn’t take enough photos. It’s such an exhilarating sport that you sort of forget to snap some memories. Throwing an axe looks incredibly cool though, and you’d be remiss if you didn’t get some. Just make sure your phone has enough storage for some photos and a couple of videos.
If you’ve never heard of axe throwing – or if you have, but never knew much about it – hopefully this convinces you to try it.
