Trying An Axe Throwing Experience
2nd February 2020 - New Experience Number 6.
Trying Axe Throwing is a cool experience that can make you feel like you’re following in the footsteps of our Viking ancestors – especially if you try it in York!
Here’s how I got on when I gave it a go as one of my 52 new things, and I hope it encourages you to to consider booking a session.
Trying An Axe Throwing Experience In York
I’d bought the triple A package from Yorkshire Activity Centre for a friend’s birthday. This package includes Archery, Air Rifle Shooting and of course, Axe Throwing for £60.
You can book the activities individually too. Axe Throwing with them starts at £25 per person.
Tips From An Expert
There was an awesome lady I used to work with who has an amazing talent. Outside of her day job, she is a champion axe thrower. Not just an amateur, an actual champion! Before we went to the session I asked her for any tips.
The instructions given at the centre were similar to those given to me by the lady at work. It’s about extending the arm and releasing through the wrist in the right direction. So it’s more about the release than the throw. Simple, huh?
What Happens When You Are Trying An Axe Throwing Experience
I thought axe throwing might involve a heavy tool that would take a lot of muscle power to propel it to the intended destination. So it was a surprise to pick it up and find that it was actually incredibly light and needed very little effort from my puny bicep to throw it!
It’s not just a case of lobbing an axe as far as you can, it’s about aiming for the target which was like a larger, more simplified version of a dart board.
Our experience was outdoors on the outskirts of York, but there are also places where you can try hurling your weapon inside where you can’t blame the weather on your performance!
My friend and I had booked our session as a pair, and we took part in the activity with a group of others. Depending on how many of you there are, and the provider, you may find yourself competing with strangers, or having a session to yourself.
As always, there is the disclaimer to complete. Clowning around with these sharp objects will not be tolerated, and as long as you follow the instructors directions then you’ll have a great and safe time.
First Fling
Lifting the axe, I extended my arm, and released in the direction of the wooden target. It flew through the air and firmly wedged itself just outside of the bullseye.
What. A. Shot! I was so proud of myself! I’m not known for being very blessed when it come to anything that involves hand-eye coordination so that was an impressive first attempt. Perhaps I was discovering a new untapped skill!?
Multiple Throws
Unfortunately, that first throw appeared to have been a fluke. I couldn’t seem to get the axe anywhere near the board with my subsequent attempts. It fell disappointingly short and into the ground.
The instructor suggested I had watched too many episodes of Most Haunted and that my throw resembled someone seeing a ghost. In fact he was quite an entertaining instructor with his tongue in cheek disparaging remarks towards anyone who wasn’t particularly proficient at the activity. I was at the end of many of his withering comments despite attempting to put all the feedback into practice.
Teaching The Techniques
Our instructor didn’t just mock my method, he did teach me some other techniques to see if I would find more joy with any of them. We tried various ways of throwing; dominant arm; non dominant arm; over arm; two at a time, and underarm.
The technique I seemed to get on with most was the under arm throw. Towards the end of the session, I managed to get a couple of these into the board, even if they were nowhere near the point scoring circles. At least they had enough oomph behind them to land in the vague direction I had aimed!
Giving It A Go
Axe throwing – on paper sounds like it might be heavy and difficult. In reality it looks like it will be straightforward and easy. In practice I found it weirdly harder than it should have been.
My friend was consistent regardless of what techniques she used, I’m just glad I had that first flukey shot, and that I found underarm to be my friend as the session progressed. Given more time I might have been able to redeem myself.
Why You Should Consider Trying An Axe Throwing Experience
- It’s cool and fun! Even though I discovered I’m not very gifted in this sport, I really enjoyed the session – it’s the taking part that counts!
- No experience is necessary. Anyone can give it a go.
You’ll get pointers from your instructor. So you should be able to improve with every shot.
It’s easy to pick up. Literally. The axe isn’t as heavy as you might think.
It’s easy to pick up the game. You have a brief introduction and then you’re straight into giving it a try. Whether you find it easy to pick up a technique that works for you, you’ll have to wait and see!
Looking for something different to do with friends? Why not give it a go? It also makes a great idea for birthdays, celebrations, hen do’s or stag do’s.
Want to do some more unusual team building? Why not organise an axe throwing away day?
- You might discover you’re really good. Perhaps you too could become a champion axe thrower?!
Want To Try It Yourself?
- To try the same experience that I did, visit the Yorkshire Activity Centre website, where you can also find out about the other experiences they offer. They were really great and I can highly recommend them.
Axe throwing in York
- In York City Centre. The Hilt is right in the middle of York and it’s indoors! Whatever the weather, they’ll guide you through training, tournaments and trickshots!
- Just outside of York. Kingsmen Activity Centre offer axe throwing along with other experiences so you can make a day of it!
- Across Yorkshire. Take a look at Uniquely Local who have curated several different axe throwing experiences.
Whistle Punks have axe throwing activity bars across the UK.
You can find vouchers for axe throwing experiences across the UK from
Cost Of Experience
- We paid £60 per person for the AAA Package at the Yorkshire Activity Centre. This included trying archery and air rifle shooting.
- You can book axe throwing individually, which costs £25 per person.
- Price will depend on the provider, but is usually around £25
Recommendations
- Give it your best shot!
- Be careful. Listen to the instructors, those axes can be sharp so stay safe.
- Check the forecast. If you’re trying axe throwing outdoors, make sure you dress for the weather.
- Don’t forget your camera. Get some pictures of you and your fellow throwers in action!
- Have fun! Let me know how you get on if you give it a go!