Don’t try this at home: competitive axe-throwing builds underground following
Axe-throwing is about form, technique and muscle memory, not strength – a lot like golf
Competitive indoor axe-throwing is like darts – “but bigger and more satisfying,” declares the Urban Axes website. Also, with a potentially deadly tool and a 12-point liability waiver.
Axe-throwing has officially arrived in the United States. Specifically, in a former textile mill in Philadelphia’s Kensington area, a gritty neighbourhood quickly gentrifying with condos, cafes and hipsters. Another, unaffiliated hatchet-hurling venue, Bad Axe Throwing, also recently opened in Chicago.
“It’s not just come and throw an axe. It’s a structured game,” said Stuart Jones, one of Urban Axes’ four partners, who spent part of a recent night, power drill in hand, replacing shredded target boards. “It’s this constant quest for mastery. It’s mentally challenging as well.”
Although, he conceded, “it’s not hugely challenging physically”. Which would explain the beer.
Axe-throwing is a vehicle to bring people together. The axe is just a medium to get 30 people to come together and share
Axe-throwing is played with 1.5-pound, 14-inch axes and is often enhanced by alcohol (you must be 21 to play). Urban Axes is a BYO venue offering a quartet of kitchen-size refrigerators fully stocked with players’ craft and down-market brews. Wine and food are also welcome.