Is axe throwing a sport?
Axe throwing has historically been an event in lumberjack competitions. However it is now most definitely becoming a recognised sport across parts of the world including the USA, Canada and UK where leagues, tournaments and competitions are almost daily occurances, aswell as being popular among stag & hen parties and social time for friends!
What are the rules for axe throwing competitions?
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.
Is it safe to throw an axe behind a crowd?
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.
How long does it take to throw an axe?
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.
Is axe throwing part of the Olympics?
Axe throwing is a sport with Olympic aspirations. In December 2018, the top 64 axe throwers competed in Chicago to take home the trophy and earn the prestigious world title.
Is Ax Throwing a professional sport?
Leagues. Axe throwing is a new recreational phenomenon so there aren't a large number of professional leagues. However, there are many local and independent leagues throughout the United states and Canada. The biggest league in the world is called The World Axe Throwing League (WATL).
What is the sport of axe throwing called?
Axe throwing is an event held in most lumberjack competitions. A skilled axe thrower will rotate the throwing axe exactly once throughout the flight so that the sharpened edge of the head will penetrate the target. Throwing axes are becoming popular among outdoor enthusiasts as a throwing tool.
Who is the best axe thrower in the world?
Paul MacInnis is the owner and operator of Halimac Axe Throwing, the host of the 2019 Canadian Open. Posting a pair of Fall League scores above 1580 in both Halifax and Kentville, Paul qualifies on his 1584 out of Halifax.
Is axe throwing worth it?
The hype is real, and it's indeed worth a try. Freshen up your perspective and get into the habit of trying something unique, such as axe throwing. When you feel bored with other activities and want to do something not everybody has experienced, then axe throwing should be on your list!
Is axe throwing still popular?
In recent years, ax-throwing has grown so popular that the World Axe Throwing League was formed in 2017 to organize international competitions that are now broadcast on ESPN. At the same time, retailers like Nordstrom are selling out of artisan axes.
Is hatchet throwing a sport?
The World Axe Throwing League (WATL) is the global governing body for the sport of Axe Throwing.
Is axe throwing legal UK?
Section 139(1). Offence: It is an offence for any person, without lawful authority or good reason, to have with him in a public place, any article which has a blade or is sharply pointed except for a folding pocket-knife which has a cutting edge to its blade not exceeding 3 inches.
How big is the axe throwing industry?
Industry Summary According to IBIS World, the axe throwing industry has grown at a rate of 1.9% over the last five years to 2021 to total revenue of $203.3 million.
How far do you stand for axe throwing?
12 feetPreparing your axe throwing area Professional axe throwers often recommend that you put in the extra effort to build a backstop, complete with sidewalks that are 6 feet apart, to contain the axe after it's thrown in the air. Set a distance of 12 feet from the target to your throwing line.
What kind of wood is best for axe throwing?
Most axe throwing entertainment companies like to use a wood type that will last as long as possible without being too hard to stick consistently. Pine usually works well and is one of the easiest wood types to come by, whether you find a stump in the forest or buy some cheap lumber from Home Depot.
How high is an axe throwing target?
Placing your target The bullseye should be 63 inches (5'3'') off the ground. Use a drill or nails to affix your target to a tree or other base (it's a bit more work, but some throwers make a stand for their target).
What is throwing sports?
Throwing sports, or throwing games, are physical, human competitions where the outcome is measured by a player's ability to throw an object. The two primary forms are throwing for distance and throwing at a given target or range. The four most prominent throwing for distance sports are in track and field: shot put, discus, javelin, ...
What sports have a short run up to the throw line?
However, some sports do include a short run-up to the throw line, for example javelin throw and ten-pin bowling. Standardised throwing sports typically have high-level competitions across regions and a sports governing body, with the most common and international varieties having a world championship and a professional circuit.
What is the game where you throw a large pole?
Caber toss – a competitor throws a large pole (the caber ), which must fall pointing away from the thrower. Catch – a basic throwing game, where players throw and catch an object between one another. Dodgeball – players try to strike opponents with a ball to eliminate them.
What is the game where you try to strike opponents with a ball to eliminate them?
Dodgeball – players try to strike opponents with a ball to eliminate them. Keep away – catch game where players must keep the object away from another player. Flying disc games – a genre of throwing sports based on flying discs, and containing a large number of games and rule-sets.
What are the criteria for throwing a projectile?
Formalised throwing sports often have strictly defined criteria for projectiles, such as a pre-determined size and weight. Less formalised games are usually not as strict and some games (for example, pitching pennies and horseshoes) incorporate everyday objects into the game, reflecting the simplistic roots of the pastimes .
What are the different types of projectiles used in dodgeball?
Projectiles used in such sports are highly varied. Common projectile types include balls, darts, sticks, discs and rings . Formalised throwing sports often have strictly defined criteria for projectiles, such as a pre-determined size and weight.
What is one arm throwing?
Common one-armed throwing methods include overhand throwing (releasing with the arm above the shoulder) and underarm throwing (releasing with the arm below the shoulder). With both arms, overhead throwing and chest-passing are common actions.

Overview
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. 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.
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. 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 …
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. 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 a…
Europe
Sport axe throwing started in Europe around 2001, with enthusiasts rist gathering in rural settings, and later formalising their sport under the EuroThrowers umbrella.
In 2016, the first commercial axe throwing venues started to open in the UK and Poland.
Cautions
The sport of axe throwing deals with a dangerous weapon, so the throwing area must be kept safe at all times. Axe throwing has the possibility to cause serious injury or even death. 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 an…
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. The annual World Knife Throwing and Axe Throwing Championship takes place in a differe…
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. The annual World Knife Throwing and Axe Throwing Championship takes place in a differe…
See also
• World Axe Throwing League
• NATF: National Axe Throwing Federation
• Knife throwing
• Hammer throw
External links
• Lumberjack World Championships
• International Axe Throwing Federation
• World Axe Throwing League
• EuroThrowers Axe- and Knife Throwing Association