Axe throwing

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Axe throwing in slow motion

The modern sport of axe throwing involves a competitor throwing an axe at a target, attempting to hit the bullseye as near as possible. Axe throwing has historically been an event in lumberjack competitions.[1] As of the fall of 2020 there are commercial locations in Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Poland where participants can compete, similar to dart throwing, as well as opportunities at festivals and some theme parks.[2][3][4][5][6]

Rules[]

Depending on the type of league, there are different boards and scoring, but the board needs to be made of wood. Generally the wood for axe throwing targets are made from cottonwood , poplar wood or pine wood.[7] In 2020 there were two very popular leagues: IATF (International Axe Throwing Federation, formerly National Axe Throwing Federation) and WATL (World Axe Throwing League). IATF targets have 4 zones: 3 main and 1 extra – the clutch. WATL targets have 5 main zones and 1 extra. The distance of the throwing line to the target should be around 12 feet to allow the axe to rotate only once, but every league has its own rules for games, distance, board and even axes. For example, when playing IATF classic league matches, the majority of the blade in the board counts but in the WATL it is enough to touch the line to have a point. Matches of both leagues are individual.[8][9] The common rule is that thrower must not step over the throwing line before the axe hits or misses the target; a thrower who steps over the line gets 0 points. Before the competition, a special target for practice throws must be made available. Throwers practicing on the competition target will be disqualified from the competition.[10] There are also championships in other games or trickshots.

There are two main sizes of axes using in the leagues: small (600–800 g) for normal rounds and big (1000–1500 g) for "tiebreakers". Weights previously written apply only to the blade. The rules of IATF allow to play only axes with wooden handles, WATL does not have any restrictions.

History[]

While axe throwing has been a part of woodsman and timbersports for some time, the resurgent popularity of axe throwing leagues and clubs has been tied to the 2006 formation of the Backyard Axe Throwing League.[11] As of 2020, there are hundreds of axe throwing venues across Canada, USA, Australia, Europe and Thailand. The typical axe throwing venue in North America has at least five lanes and a place to sit, watch and write down points. There may also be bars serving beer and other drinks or snacks. The sessions last around 1–2 hours.

North America[]

The popularity of axe throwing has rapidly grown in North America over the last few years. Axe throwing brands such as Kick Axe Throwing and Craft Axe Throwing have helped grow the sport across North America. Whether people are interested in participating in leagues or just relaxing and throwing axes with their friends or family, axe throwing facilities have something for everyone.

Europe[]

Sport axe throwing started in Europe around 2001,[12] with enthusiasts rist gathering in rural settings, and later formalising their sport under the EuroThrowers umbrella.[13]

In 2016, the first commercial axe throwing venues started to open in the UK and Poland.

Cautions[]

Axe throwing (Lexington Barbecue Festival)

The sport of axe throwing deals with a potentially dangerous weapon, so the throwing area must be kept safe at all times. If there is an open area behind the target, then spectators and others should be plainly prevented from walking into said area. The target area should be taped off using flags or light fencing materials. A first aid kit and a person trained in first aid and CPR should be at hand in the event of an emergency. For competition in rural and remote areas, the GPS location for the event should be reported in the case of First-Responders being needed.[14]

EuroThrowers[]

The umbrella association for non-commercial axe throwing sports clubs in Europe is the European Throwing Club 'Flying Blades' (EuroThrowers). With more than 250 direct members from 15 nations, it standardises the competition rules for Europe, which are adhered to by its more than 25 member clubs.[15] The annual World Knife Throwing and Axe Throwing Championship[16] takes place in a different country each year.

Axe throwing at the Ming Culture Village, a theme park near the Yangshan Quarry, China

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "The History of Axe Throwing".
  2. ^ Heller, Karen (September 30, 2016). "Competitive axe-throwing is an actual thing, and apparently it's best done with beer". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
  3. ^ Delean, Paul (November 7, 2016). "Axe-throwing is suddenly all the rage in Montreal". The Gazette. Montreal. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
  4. ^ Bosker, Bianca (September 2016). "Big in Canada: Throwing Axes for Fun". The Atlantic. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
  5. ^ Lindner, Matt. "Ax throwing — the 'modern-day bowling' — coming to Chicago". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2017-01-03.
  6. ^ Lindner, Matt. "axe throwing techniques". bestaxeguide.com/. Retrieved 2020-02-03.
  7. ^ "All About Axe Throwing Target You Need To Know ⋆ Sportycious". Retrieved 2021-10-05.
  8. ^ "Home | National Axe Throwing Federation". IATF. Retrieved 2020-02-06.
  9. ^ "WATL". axethrowing.org. Retrieved 2020-02-06.
  10. ^ "The rules of Axe Throwing". Archived from the original on 2014-01-31. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  11. ^ Knibbs, Kate. "Unbury the Hatchet: How Competitive Ax-Throwing Went From a Canadian Fad to a Global Pastime". The Ringer. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
  12. ^ Maier, Franz. "Report First German Throwers Meeting". Axtwerfen.de. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  13. ^ "European Knife Throwing and Axe Throwing Rules". EuroThrowers association. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  14. ^ "How to Hold a Tomahawk Throwing Competition | HawkThrowing.com". Tomahawk Throwing Resources - The Axe Throwers Guide.
  15. ^ "Clubs @ EuroThrowers - Eurothrowers". www.eurothrowers.org.
  16. ^ Thiel, Christian. "Big Throwers Meeting / World Championship in Knife and Axe Throwing". www.knifethrowing.info.

External links[]

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