Axe throwing has been growing in Spain over the past few years. It means throwing axes at a target in a room built for it. Beginners learn the technique and play the games; the more experienced test their accuracy. Some venues in Spain also offer a beer afterwards or themed tournaments.
More and more venues are opening across the country. Here is everything you need to know: how it works, the safety rules, and the events built around it.
Axe throwing: the new urban activity
What it is
You throw axes at a target in a room built for it. It has become considerably more popular in Spain over the past few years.
Where it came from
The axe throwing began in Canada and has spread worldwide in recent years, on the strength of how enjoyable and how safe it is under the supervision of trained instructors.
You throw different types of axe at targets from a set distance. It goes back to the Canadian lumberjack competitions of the late nineteenth century. In Spain it has taken off among people who want something different.
Axe throwing as an activity
It suits anyone who wants a challenge and some adrenaline, and it works particularly well as a group: there is the competition and there is the camaraderie.
The venues usually offer a range of games so everyone gets to show what they can do.
The games
Classic targets and beast targets
The most popular. You throw for the centre of the target and the maximum score. The targets vary in size and shape, and the throwing distance can vary too, which makes the competition harder.
The axes
The axes are made for throwing: a stainless steel head and a good wooden handle, which gives both grip and balance. Most are between 0.90 and 1.20 metres, and the most used are the American and the Viking types.
The technique
You get a short explanation before you start. The aim is for the blade to hit the target as centrally as possible. The basics:
- hold the axe with both hands, one at the end of the handle and one in the middle;
- stand with your feet slightly apart, perpendicular to the throwing line;
- raise the axe above your head, looking straight ahead;
- take the axe back, arms behind you;
- come forward, extend your arms and release towards the target.
The challenges
Beyond throwing at the target, the venues run games. Among the most popular:
- the points challenge: score as much as you can;
- the assassin: throw to eliminate the other players;
- the apple: split an apple with the blade;
- the firebreak: throw repeatedly to cut a burning rope before the flame reaches the end.
And a few more
Throwing one-handed, or two axes at once. You can compete individually or in teams.
A few basic safety rules keep everyone in the room safe:
- no open shoes, sandals or flip-flops; closed trainers are recommended;
- no alcohol or drugs before or during the game;
- keep at least a metre from the throwing area;
- the technique and the safety rules are explained before you start.
Common questions
Here are the questions people ask before their first session.
Is it safe?
It is done under the supervision of experienced instructors with every necessary safety measure in place, and there is a detailed explanation before you start.
What kind of axes are used?
Axes made for the purpose: a blunt point, a narrow edge, and lighter than a conventional axe. They are built from hard-wearing materials for safety.
How do I book?
Online with secure payment, or by telephone or email.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and closed shoes that hold the foot properly, since there are heavy objects moving. Avoid very loose clothing or anything hanging off you.
What if an axe misses the target?
The room has measures in place for exactly that: some use protective netting behind the target, some limit the number of people per session, and every venue has an emergency protocol.
Do I need experience?
No. Every venue teaches you, and the instructors cover the types of axe, the technique and the safety rules. Beginners can start with a smaller, lighter axe.
Is there an age limit?
It varies. Most venues admit over-18s; some have options for children or for minors accompanied by a parent. Check before booking.
Can I drink during the session?
No. Anything affecting judgement or coordination is prohibited in most venues. Some allow soft drinks during, and a beer once the session is over.
Can I bring my own axes?
Most venues use only their own, because each axe is made for a specific target and checked for quality and safety.
Why throw axes?
It is spreading worldwide because there is nothing quite like it. Here is why:
It is genuinely unlike anything else
The throw, the sound of the impact and the sight of the blade going into the target are hard to describe. And it is a very good afternoon with friends or colleagues.
It gets the week out of you
It is oddly relaxing: the energy comes out in a controlled way, and the concentration it takes puts everything else aside. You also improve session by session, which does no harm either.
It is good for you
It improves coordination, balance and strength, since it takes a certain amount of fitness.
It also improves concentration and decision-making under pressure, which carries over.
Come and see for yourself.
Axe throwing for team building
Team building and company events
Team building means developing skills and cooperation within a team: communication, cohesion, trust and motivation. It is done through activities that put people together and make them solve something.
Company activities improve both performance and the atmosphere at work, and axe throwing has become an original way of doing it.
Why it works
It builds concentration, precision and coordination between team members, which is what communication rests on. It also releases adrenaline and reduces stress, which shows in how people feel afterwards.
Some formats
- A throwing tournament: the team is split into groups, each with a target. Everyone throws and the scores are added up.
- Pairs: the team is split into pairs who throw simultaneously at identical targets, and the pairs with the most hits go through.
- Team throwing: teams throw simultaneously at different targets from different positions, for the highest combined score.
Team building and private events
Axe throwing works well for team building, because it builds communication and cooperation. It also works for a private celebration — a birthday, or a hen or hen dos stag do. Some venues will build the session around what you want.
Events
Private events and parties
Beyond throwing alone or in pairs, you can hold a private event. These are popular among friends, colleagues and stag and hen groups.
The venues offer packages with the length and the number of throws set to the group. Some will provide a master of ceremonies.
The Axe Throwing League
For the more experienced there is a league, the Axe Throwing League. It has spread across Europe, with rules and categories at every level from beginner to professional. It runs across different cities and venues, and the winners go on to national and international championships.
Shuriken throwing
An equally good alternative: throwing Japanese blades at a target, which takes much the same skills.
Some venues offer it alongside the axes, so you get both in one session.
Tournaments
These bring together the best throwers from each venue and city, with a series of tests: breaking targets, throwing with different grips.
Winners take cash prizes or trophies.
Where to throw in Spain
Madrid
There are several venues. One of the most popular is Urban Safari, which has two sites in the city. The rooms are built around a medieval and Viking theme, and they run private events and competitions.
The Axe Club is the other option, and it turns on how far it will build the session around you. The rooms are themed in detail, with props to match, and the safety standards are high.
Also worth a mention in Madrid is El Hachódromo, whose themed rooms are immersive and whose location in central Madrid is hard to beat.
Barcelona, Valencia and Murcia
El Hachazo is a chain with sites across Spain: besides Madrid, in Barcelona, Valencia and Murcia. They cater to beginners and experts, with games, challenges and a beer at the end.
The Axe Club is the other option in Barcelona, again with detailed themed rooms, props and tournaments.
In Valencia, Urban Safari is popular, with the same medieval and Viking rooms and the same private events.
Calle de Delicias, central Madrid
If you are in the middle of Madrid, this one is worth the visit.
You learn the technique and test your accuracy in a safe setting. They also run private events and sell gift cards.
If it is your first time
Choosing a venue
Look at what is available in your city and read what other people say. Check that the venue meets the safety standards and has trained instructors, and check the cancellation policy in case your plans change.
What does it cost?
It depends on the venue and the length of the session, but generally €20–25 per person for an hour. Some venues offer packages including drinks, or discounts for large groups.
And finally
Listen carefully to the safety instructions and to the technique. Keep your concentration and do not let yourself be distracted. And above all, enjoy it. At GoRandom we would recommend it: there is nothing quite like it, and it takes you out of the week entirely.
