How in the world did axe throwing, something lumberjacks do in competition – along with other events like log rolling, speed pole climbing, and log sawing – become an international sport for the masses? According to the Backyard Axe Throwing League (BATL), it all started 14 years ago when a group of friends on vacation started throwing an axe at a stump to break their boredom. Apparently the friends never expected it to become a new world-wide sport. Really.
According to the BATL’s history, one of that original group, Matt Wilson, returned to Toronto and invited friends over to try out their aim at a backyard target. The process of throwing the axe seemed cathartic, and the friends wanted to continue. Wilson’s group set up a point system and met once a week to compete with each other. Soon the group had eight regulars, then 16, and then 32. In time, Wilson was hosting two leagues of 60 axe throwers each in his backyard.
I finally found something I’m good at!
By 2011, only five years after beginning backyard leagues, Wilson moved the league into an industrial space. The two leagues quickly became four, and people were clamoring to have a chance to test their own skills. It wasn’t long before Wilson had opened places around Canada and into the United States. BATL now has facilities in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Orlando, Florida; Novi, Michigan; Houston, Texas; and Scottsdale, Arizona.
BATL’s history may be too self-focused, although there is confirmation that axe throwing as a sport in Canada is years ahead of the U.S. Whistle Punks, an urban axe throwing center in the U.K., suggests that axe throwing has been an international urban sport for more than 23 years and references programs in the U.S., Canada, Australia, France, Thailand, and the U.K.
Regardless of just when the sport became a sport, axe throwing has taken off and attracts corporate groups, individuals, families, and even their children.
What you need to know before you go axe throwing
Martha Taylor planned an axe throwing activity for her women’s small group from Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville, Georgia. To say the ladies had a great evening is an understatement. Martha shares, “I had one and only one hit. Several of our ladies did extremely well. I think we would all love to go back one day. We even talked about sharing the experience with our families as well.”
One of the ladies in the group, Angie Birdsall, agrees. “It was fun; a good stress reliever,” she says. “I have already been back with my husband.”
Lisa Dial, another member of the group had a great evening. Lisa enthused, “I finally found something I’m good at!”
Those who have embraced the sport of axe throwing have several things beginning axe throwers should know. First, there are different sizes and weights of axes, so you’ll be able to find an axe you can throw.
Second, don’t worry about safety. Yes, you’ll be asked to sign a waiver in advance, but most throwing lanes are separated from each other.
Third, every first-timer receives training in how to throw the axe and in being safe.
Fourth, if you want to prepare in advance, there are plenty of ‘how to throw an axe’ videos online.
Fifth, you can throw individually against a friend or in a group. You can also join a competitive league if you decide that it’s the most fun sport you’ve ever done.
Sixth, don’t be surprised to see a lot of flannel shirts. It’s not required but definitely adds to the ambiance.
Setting up an axe throwing excursion
Axe throwing places are popping up all over North Georgia. There’s a list of some of the ones I’ve located below. Check out the website before you go to make sure if you need reservations. Some places require them; some do not.
Rates vary and depend on the amount of time and number of people participating.
Some of the axe throwing opportunities around North Georgia are:
- Admiral Axe in Clayton, Georgia
- The Axe Armory in Cornelia, Georgia
- AxeBilly in Helen, Georgia
- Ellijay Axes in Ellijay, Georgia
- Highway to Hell’n in Helen, Georgia
- Lumberjaxe in Athens, Georgia
- Source Code Escape Games and Axe Throwing in Augusta, Georgia
