Axe Throwing

Axe throwing is a target sport where you hurl an axe at a wooden target and try to make the blade stick, as close to the bullseye as possible. It grew out of old woodcraft and lumberjack skills, and it's now a proper sport with clubs and leagues. It's about rhythm, timing and technique, not brute strength. And yes, it's exactly as satisfying as it sounds.

The hatchet is the classic: a short-handled axe with most of its weight in the head, so it spins nicely end over end. It's what most people picture when they hear axe throwing.

The tomahawk is lighter and slimmer, with a straight handle and a small head, and it comes from North America. It's easy to control, which makes it great for beginners.

Targets are wooden boards or thick rounds of log, cut across the grain and painted with scoring rings. Hit the bullseye and you've earned the swagger.

Square up to the target with your feet steady. For a two-handed throw, grip the bottom of the handle with both hands, lift the axe straight up over your head and bring it forward in one smooth motion, releasing when your arms point at the target. The one-handed throw is similar, a bit like bowling a cricket ball overarm, minus the run-up. Keep your wrists firm and resist the urge to flick. The axe rotates as it flies, so a small step forward or back changes how the blade lands. Find your spot and stick with it.

First, a safety briefing: where to stand, when to throw and when it's safe to walk up and pull your axe out. Your Activity Leader then shows you the grip and the throw, and you take turns at your own target. Everyone else waits behind the line. Once you've landed a few, it's time to keep score, and friendships may be tested.

Absolutely. Nobody needs big arms to stick an axe, just a smooth, repeatable throw, so beginners often surprise themselves. The first proper thunk is a real moment. After that, it's all about consistency, a bit of friendly trash talk and working out why your mate keeps hitting the middle.

You might also like Axe Skills, Archery and Crossbow Shooting.

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