Axe Throwing as a hobby is a unique and exciting way to unleash your inner lumberjack.
Whether you’re looking to relieve stress or impress your friends, axe throwing provides the perfect opportunity to channel your inner Viking and conquer the target.
So grab your axe, take aim, and let the fun begin!
| See Also: What Are Some Sports Hobbies? |
Safety Guidelines
Axe throwing is a fun and exciting hobby, but it’s important to follow safety guidelines to ensure that everyone stays safe. Here are some safety guidelines to keep in mind when participating in axe throwing:
Safety First
Safety should always be your top priority when throwing axes. Before you start, make sure you have the proper equipment and that you are familiar with the safety guidelines.
Most axe throwing venues will provide you with a safety briefing before you start, so be sure to pay attention and ask any questions you may have.
Bullseye Safety
When throwing axes, always make sure you are aiming for the bullseye. This will help you avoid hitting the wrong target and potentially injuring someone else.
Be sure to stand at the right distance from the target as well. Most axe throwing venues will have a designated throwing area with markings to help you stand at the right distance.
Family Safety
If you’re throwing axes with family members, make sure they are aware of the safety guidelines as well.
Children should always be supervised by an adult, and everyone should wear closed-toe shoes and avoid loose clothing that could get caught in the axe.
Safety Equipment
In addition to following safety guidelines, it’s important to wear the proper safety equipment when throwing axes. This includes:
- Eye protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from flying wood chips.
- Closed-toe shoes: Wear shoes that cover your toes to protect your feet from falling axes or wood chips.
- Long sleeves: Wear long sleeves to protect your arms from flying wood chips.
Safety Table
Here’s a table summarizing some of the key safety guidelines to keep in mind when throwing axes:
| Safety Guidelines | Description |
|---|---|
| Aim for the bullseye | Always aim for the bullseye to avoid hitting the wrong target |
| Stand at the right distance | Stand at the designated distance from the target to avoid injury |
| Wear safety equipment | Wear eye protection, closed-toe shoes, and long sleeves to protect yourself |
| Supervise children | Children should always be supervised by an adult |
| Avoid loose clothing | Wear clothing that fits snugly to avoid getting caught in the axe |
| Listen to safety briefing | Pay attention to the safety briefing provided by the venue before you start |
By following these safety guidelines, you can enjoy axe throwing as a fun and safe hobby for you and your family.
Equipment
If you’re interested in axe throwing as a hobby, you’ll need the right equipment to get started. In this section, we’ll discuss the types of axes you can use, as well as other essential equipment like targets and shoes.
Types of Axes
When it comes to axe throwing, there are different types of axes you can use. The most common types are WATL throwing axes and hatchets.
WATL throwing axes are designed specifically for the World Axe Throwing League and are typically made from high-quality steel. They have a longer handle and a heavier head, which makes them ideal for throwing at targets.
Hatchets, on the other hand, are smaller and lighter than WATL axes. They’re a good option for beginners who are just starting out.
When choosing an axe, it’s important to consider the weight, balance, and handle length. You want an axe that feels comfortable in your hand and is easy to throw. Some popular brands of throwing axes include Cold Steel, Estwing, and SOG.
Other Equipment
In addition to an axe, you’ll need other equipment to get started with axe throwing. One essential piece of equipment is a target. You can purchase a pre-made target or make your own. If you’re making your own target, you’ll need plywood, screws, and paint. The target should be at least 36 inches in diameter and have a bullseye in the center.
Another important piece of equipment is shoes. When throwing an axe, you want to wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet. Open-toed shoes are not recommended as they can be dangerous if an axe is dropped or bounces back.
Best Throwing Axes
If you’re looking for the best throwing axes, there are many options to choose from. Some popular brands include:
- Cold Steel
- Estwing
- SOG
- Gransfors Bruks
- Hults Bruk
When choosing a throwing axe, it’s important to consider the weight, balance, and handle length. You want an axe that feels comfortable in your hand and is easy to throw. It’s also a good idea to read reviews and get recommendations from other axe throwers.
In summary, if you’re interested in axe throwing as a hobby, you’ll need the right equipment to get started. This includes a throwing axe, target, and closed-toe shoes. When choosing an axe, consider the weight, balance, and handle length. Popular brands include Cold Steel, Estwing, and SOG.
Scoring and Rules
When it comes to axe throwing, scoring is an essential part of the game. To make things more interesting and competitive, different scoring systems are used in various tournaments and venues across North America.
The most popular governing body for axe throwing is the World Axe Throwing League (WATL), which has standardized the scoring system for many venues.
In WATL, players start with a score of 5 and throw five rounds of three axes each, with the highest score being 15 per round. The player with the highest score at the end of the match wins. However, the scoring system can vary depending on the venue and tournament.
One of the most exciting aspects of axe throwing is the kill shots. These are special targets that, if hit, award the player an additional two points. Kill shots can only be attempted in the fifth and final round of WATL matches.
Accuracy is crucial in axe throwing, and players must follow specific rules to ensure safety and fairness. Players must stand behind the throwing line and throw the axe with one hand only. The axe must make at least one full rotation before hitting the target to count for points.
In addition to WATL, other organizations like the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) have their own scoring systems and rules. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the venue or tournament you’re playing in to avoid disqualification or penalties.
Here’s a summary of the WATL scoring system:
| Round | Axes | Max Score | Kill Shots |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 15 | 0 |
| 2 | 3 | 15 | 0 |
| 3 | 3 | 15 | 0 |
| 4 | 3 | 15 | 0 |
| 5 | 3 | 15 | 2 |
Remember, the key to success in axe throwing is practice and patience. Keep honing your skills, and you’ll soon be hitting those bullseyes consistently.
Joining a League or Club
If you’re looking to take your axe throwing skills to the next level, joining an axe throwing league or club can be a great way to do so. Not only will you get to meet other people who share your passion for this unique hobby, but you’ll also have the opportunity to compete against them in a friendly and supportive environment.
One of the most well-known axe throwing leagues is the World Axe Throwing League (WATL), which was founded in Canada in 2017. Today, the WATL has representatives in 19 countries and hosts major televised tournaments on ESPN each year. Joining a WATL-affiliated league can be a great way to get involved in the competitive side of axe throwing.
But even if you’re not interested in competing, joining an axe throwing league or club can still be a lot of fun. Many leagues and clubs offer regular meetups where members can come together to practice their throwing skills and socialize with other members of the community.
Here are some things to consider when joining an axe throwing league or club:
| Entity | Information |
|---|---|
| Axe Throwing League | Look for a league that is affiliated with a reputable organization, such as the WATL or the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF). This can ensure that the league follows standardized rules and regulations. |
| Community | Joining an axe throwing league or club can be a great way to meet new people and make friends who share your interests. Many leagues and clubs also organize social events outside of regular meetups and competitions. |
| Canada | Axe throwing has its roots in Canada, so it’s no surprise that many of the most popular leagues and clubs are based there. If you’re in Canada, you’re likely to have plenty of options when it comes to finding a league or club to join. |
| Competitively | If you’re interested in competing, look for a league that offers regular tournaments or matches. Some leagues may also have rankings or other systems for tracking members’ progress and skill levels. |
Overall, joining an axe throwing league or club can be a great way to take your skills to the next level and become part of a supportive and fun community.
Practicing Your Aim
Axe throwing is a fun and exciting hobby that requires practice to master. One of the most important skills to develop is your aim. Practicing your aim regularly will help you hit your target more consistently and improve your overall performance.
To start practicing your aim, you need to have the right equipment. Make sure you have a good quality axe that is the right weight and size for you. You should also have a sturdy target that is set up at the correct distance from where you will be throwing.
Once you have your equipment set up, it’s time to start practicing. Here are some tips to help you improve your aim:
- Find the right stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. This will help you maintain balance and stability as you aim for the target.
- Grip the axe correctly: The grip you use is key to developing a strong and consistent throwing motion. Make sure you grip the axe firmly with both hands and keep your wrists straight.
- Focus on your follow-through: Having consistent follow-through as you release the axe and keeping your body moving towards the center of the target will improve your aim.
- Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you will become. Try to set aside some time each week to work on your axe throwing skills.
Practicing your aim is not only important for improving your performance in axe throwing but also for developing a new skill. Learning how to throw an axe requires focus and concentration, which can help keep your mind sharp and active.
In addition to staying mentally active, axe throwing can also be a great way to stay physically active. Throwing an axe requires a lot of upper body strength and can be a great workout.
Finally, axe throwing can be an adrenaline-pumping activity that can help you relieve stress and unwind after a long day. The rush of throwing an axe and hitting your target can be a great way to let off some steam and have some fun.
Overall, practicing your aim is a crucial part of becoming a skilled axe thrower. With the right equipment, technique, and practice, you can improve your aim and enjoy all the benefits that come with this exciting hobby.
Conclusion
Axe throwing is an exciting hobby that is accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned lumberjack or a beginner, you can enjoy the thrill of hitting a wooden target with an axe. However, it is important to remember that safety should always come first. Make sure you follow all safety precautions and guidelines to avoid accidents.