“Are you into axe throwing?”
When I received the email about this latest assignment, I honestly didn’t know how to feel about it, but you know that old saying about regretting the things you didn’t try.
For those not up to speed, Urban Axe Throwing has been taking the world by storm, with many dedicated locations opening in the United States and Canada.
You may be familiar with Canberra’s Riddle Room, the brainchild of owners Chris Krajacic and Jesse Mount, who started the business in the garage of a home in Franklin.
They’ve since expanded that business to Mitchell, and following the success, they’re now bringing something entirely different with Axxe, which you guessed it is an Urban Axe Throwing venue, which is now open and situated in a warehouse in Lyell Street, Fyshwick.
Along with Axxe, Krajacic and Mount have opened Breaker, which is Canberra’s first break room, but that’s a story for another day.
The initial feeling entering Axxe can be one of intimidation. Wooden targets line the walls of the building. The venue is also the first in Australia to be affiliated with World Axe Throwing League, meaning players can compete in global competitions right here in Canberra.
“We feel that Canberra has a reputation of missing out on cool things and we want to try and fix that,” Krajacic and Mount said.
They’ve certainly added something entirely out of the box here. Before throwing you go through the safety procedures and throwing technique. Andrew who was helping us on the night had us throwing like pros in no time.
One point of interest is that Australian law means the axes you throw haven’t been modified in any way. They’re a standard hatchet axe you’d likely find at your local Bunnings.
It’s a common saying that you’ll always remember your first time and the sound of the axe hitting the wood is euphoric. After consecutive bullseyes, I suddenly forget all my troubles, and at that moment nothing else mattered.
The best thing about axe throwing is you don’t have to be an athlete or Viking to take part, axe throwing as I learned isn’t about the power. It’s a mix of finesse and coordination.
The hope is to get group bookings with a minimum of eight people that will become quite social, and there is enough mini-games and standard throwing to keep a large group entertained for hours.
My mind instantly went to bucks and hens nights, especially when the mention of a bar made its way into the conversation. Currently there is no alcohol served on premises, but Krajacic assures me that’s further along in the plans, but they have a few things to tick off before that becomes a reality.
“Insurance isn’t cheap that’s for sure.”
Let’s hope the killjoys don’t take another point of difference from Canberra because this is an experience you don’t want to miss.
