What is Axe Throwing Sports?
Historically, axe throwingwas an event in lumberjack competitions. As of recently, axe throwing has gained serious momentum as a sport around the world. The gameplay is similar to darts, with contestants aiming at the bullseye and throwing an axe at a wooden target. It can be played recreationally at a bar or competitively in a league or competition.
How to Throw an Axe
Similar to other sports like baseball or golf, the way you hold or where you hold your axe, will determine whether your axe “sticks” to the wood or lands on the ground. When it comes to throwing an axe, you’ll want to have two hands on the axe with your thumbs lined up along the handle. Since this axe is meant to be thrown rather than chopping wood, your grip around the handle doesn’t have to be super tight or firm. Once you’ve got a comfortable hold on the axe, you’ll want to lean back and throw the axe once it’s right in front of you.
How to Score in Axe Throwing
Depending on where you go, there are a couple ways you can play or score in axe throwing. The most common type of game style in axe throwing is league style, which stems from the World Axe Throwing League (WATL). It’s similar to bowling in the sense that the highest score achieved after ten rounds, wins!
Here is how you earn your score:
6 points for the bullseye
4 points for the second ring
3 points for the third ring
2 points for the fourth ring
1 point for the fifth ring
8 points for the blue dots*
The blue dots are also known as the ‘kill shot’ and are only available on the tenth and final throw of the match. Otherwise, the blue dots are worth only one point.
If your axe lands anywhere outside the rings, then you are awarded no points.
What Can I Expect Axe Throwing?
Before you get to throw an axe, at most axe throwing venues, you’ll need to sign a waiver. Once you have done that and you have checked in, a trained axe throwing coach will give you a short safety lesson on how to handle the axe properly. After that, you will be designated to a throwing lane where you’ll get to do a few practice throws. This practice time shouldn’t take up any of your paid session time so don’t be afraid to ask your axe throwing coach questions. Once you are able to stick the axe, or it lands on the wooden target, your session (and the fun) will begin! 토토
What to Wear During Axe Throwing
Many sports require very specific clothes, but throwing axes allows you to dress more casually. Below are some suggestions on what you should wear when going axe throwing:
Wear closed-toed shoes. Though it is uncommon for throwers to injure their feet with an axe, wearing high heels or open-toed shoes could potentially expose you to danger.
If you have long hair, it’s best to keep it back and out of your face so you have maximum visibility and mobility.
Wear a loose comfortable t-shirt or long sleeve shirt as you want to make sure you have a full range of motion. Wearing fitted t-shirts, dress shirts or multiple layers may be too tight and restrict your movement.
Bending over to pick up your axe will happen each time you line up in your lane so wearing flexible jeans or pants with a belt will help keep your rear covered.
History
Although loggers and lumberjacks have been practicing their trade since the early 1800’s, the sport of axe throwing grew dramatically in the mid 1900’s as more people grew interested in lumberjack competitions. In 2006, the first axe throwing league was formed in Toronto. A spectator named Matt Wilson is credited for helping the sport grow into what it is today.
Fun Facts About Axe Throwing
The National Axe Throwing Federation estimates league members and drop-ins combined have thrown about 20 million axes since the sport came into popularity, 20 million!
A perfect score is 81. A pretty tough goal to reach considering most players who start set their sights on getting 25 points!
Only three females have ever been recorded throwing a perfect 81, so girls, get throwing and help make history!
Just like how dart players covet their own darts, bowlers lug around a 10-pound ball, and billiards pros swear by their cue, the top-dogs in axe throwing have their own axes. They must adhere to certain standards of length, width and weight.
