Is Axe Throwing Safe? Everything First Timers Need to Know
If you've never been axe throwing before, there's a pretty good chance you've had the thought:
"Wait... you actually let people throw axes?"
And if your next thought is, "Is that actually safe?", that's a fair question.
Axe throwing involves real axes, so there are some rules to follow. But you aren't handed an axe and told to figure it out yourself.
At Battle Axe Throwing in Wollongong, your session is coached and supervised from start to finish. We'll show you how to handle the axe, how the lanes work, when you can throw and when it's safe to retrieve your axe, teach you how to throw and be with you for your whole session.
You don't need any previous axe throwing experience! You just need to listen to your coach, follow the rules and be ready to have a go.
So, is axe throwing safe?
Dedicated axe throwing venues have rules around the throwing lanes, equipment, where people stand and when axes can be thrown or retrieved.
At Battle Axe Throwing, every session starts with a safety induction before anyone can enter the lane and start throwing.
Your coach will explain what you need to know and make sure everyone understands how the session works. If you're completely new to the sport, that's exactly what our sessions are designed for, and why your coach is with you every step of the way.
You can also check out our complete guide to axe throwing in Wollongong if you want the bigger picture before you visit.
What happens when you arrive?
You'll check in, meet your axe coach and get settled in with your group at your lane.
Before anyone starts throwing, your coach will take you through the Battle Axe Throwing House Rules and Safety Induction.
You'll learn:
The basic rules you'll need to follow during the session
How to handle the axe
How the throwing lane works
When you can throw
When you can retrieve your axe
How to remove your axe from the target
What to do if your axe doesn't stick
Then we'll teach you how to throw, and that's when things get fun!
What if I've never thrown an axe before?
That's completely fine, most people haven't!
You don't need to have thrown an axe or done anything remotely similar before coming to Battle Axe Throwing.
Your coach will take you through how to throw, then you'll get a chance to try it yourself. Your first throw might stick or it might not. That's what the practice is for!
Your coach will watch what you're doing, give you feedback and help you make adjustments as you go.
The Battle Axe Throwing experience
Your coach doesn't just give you the safety briefing, show you how to throw and then leave you to figure things out on your own. At Battle Axe Throwing, your coach stays with you in the lane for the duration of your session.
They're there to run the session, give you feedback, help you improve your throw and keep an eye on what's happening around the lane.
If your throw isn't working, they'll help you figure out what to change.
The goal isn't just to tell you how to throw an axe. It's to actually coach you through the experience.
What are the throwing lanes like?
Each group has a designated throwing lane with two targets at the end for the throwers and coach, while the other participants sit around the bench to spectate.
The setup gives you a clear area to throw from and a designated space for the throwers and spectators.
Your coach will explain where everyone should stand and how the lane works before you start.
When it's time to retrieve your axes, your coach will let you know.
What if my axe doesn't stick?
Welcome to axe throwing, it happens! (Especially when you're learning.)
If your axe doesn't stick, don't immediately head forward to grab it.
Your coach will let you know when it's okay to retrieve it and give you some feedback to help you improve between throws.
What should I wear?
The main requirement is closed toe shoes.
Beyond that, just wear something you feel comfortable in. Whether that's something casual or full-on costumes that's up to you!
Is axe throwing hard?
We like to say it's easy to learn, and hard to master. Some people nail it on their first try while others need a few more goes to get it.
You don't need to be super strong or athletic to do axe throwing. You just need to be willing to try something new and have another go if the first one doesn't quite work.
Like learning any new skill, it can take a few throws to get the hang of it. That's why having a coach makes such a difference!
Watching someone go from "I have no idea what I'm doing" to getting it in the board is one of the best parts of the job.
What about participants with a disability?
Axe throwing can be adapted for a range of participants, and we're happy to work with disability groups and people who may need additional support.
Access to the venue and the axe throwing lanes are wheelchair accessible and a ramp is available on request for the bathroom. Service animals are welcome, and Video remote interpreting (VRI) can be used during the session for Auslan speakers.
If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility requirements, you can look at our Accessibility at Battle Axe Throwing page or get in touch before booking to make the visit as easy as possible.
Can kids go axe throwing?
At Battle Axe Throwing, kids aged 12+ can participate with a parent or legal guardian onsite.
If you've got younger children, they are welcome to spectate in the venue and play with the kids targets we have setup. Check out our Kids Party sessions for more.
What happens if someone breaks the rules?
The rules aren't there to ruin your fun, they're there so everyone can enjoy the session and know what is expected of them.
Your coach is supervising the session and will step in if something needs correcting.
And if you forget a rule, you're unsure or need us to clarify something, that's completely fine. That's what you coach is for during your session.
Note: there's zero tolerance for people who are abusive, inebriated or pose a danger to themselves or others.
Axe throwing is more than just throwing an axe at a board
Once you get into it, you might discover there's a whole sport behind those first few throws.
Battle Axe Throwing is affiliated with the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF), which governs the Premier Ruleset used in our League.
You can come in for a session with your friends, have a laugh, try something different, or you might discover that you're surprisingly into it.
If you want to throw once a week, you can learn more about our Axe Throwing League.
What makes a Battle Axe Throwing session different?
From the moment you book, we take care of the rest.
At Battle Axe Throwing there's a safety induction before you start, a coach with you throughout the session and clear rules around how the lanes work, one-on-one coaching and practice time before we take you through a tournament.
You don't need to arrive knowing anything about axe throwing.
You don't need to be naturally good at it, that's what we're here for!
Are there safety guides for axe throwing in NSW?
If you're looking for a government guide specifically about axe throwing, there isn't a dedicated NSW code of practice just for the sport, and not all venues are the same.
At Battle Axe Throwing, safety is built into how we run your session.
Your coach stays with you in the lane for the duration of your session. They're there to run the session, give you feedback, help you improve your throw and keep an eye on what's happening around the lane.
Unlike other venues, you aren't simply given a safety briefing, shown how to throw and left to figure things out on your own.
Your coach is there with you from your first throw through to your last.
Ready to give it a go?
Once you book, we'll take care of the rest and make sure you have a great session!
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