Valentine’s Day Dates You’ll Thank Us For

Here it comes, that day of love, romance, and the same-old same-old dinner and movie. Why not switch it up this year? Your date’s getting bored of all the usual spots; it’s time to try axe throwing on Valentine’s Day!

Think about it: you’re taking on some friendly competition against your sweetheart as you order your favorite romantic dinner for delivery to your location. Whether it’s a brand new experience or an old hangout, the memories are sure to last. Who knows? Maybe a night throwing axes is the perfect way to wind down and show your casual side!

Axe Throwing With Your Sweetheart

No need to worry about a long wait time or no availability on Valentine’s Day. Reserve your throwing lane ahead of time on our website. Are you grabbing dinner before or making Dueling Axes your main event? Choose between a one or two hour time slot to fit your plans.

If this is a departure from your normal dates, don’t worry. Every session begins with safety steps and a quick tutorial on how to throw an axe. Don’t feel intimidated; we’re happy to help you hit that target! Get a head start on the training with the step by step tutorial on our website and a quick video for visual reference.

Two Locations, Two Vibes

Each location sets its own mood for Valentines Day, and it all depends on how you like to drink. Want to bring your favorite party drinks from home? Our Downtown Columbus is BYOB (beer and wine only, please) and open to outside food as well. If your Valentine’s Day isn’t complete without a nice cocktail, our New Albany location keeps a full bar, with a new specialty drink each month. This location is also open to outside food, so make the night your own; cheap pizza or Cameron Mitchell entrees are welcome!

With a creative date night like axe throwing on Valentine’s Day, why not make the meal special too? Get your first date dinner delivered, or try a new cuisine (any Greek food lovers?). Whatever vibe you’re aiming for, axe throwing can bring the fun you’re looking for.

Dress To Impress, And Throw Axes.

Maybe you’re the kind of couple that loves to show off the backwoods side of yourselves, but for everyone else, don’t be afraid to keep the outfit fancy! Make the night your own; the date will be even more special if you’re rocking your favorite look on the throwing lanes. Just make sure you have enough arm movement in your fit to beat your partner, and be sure to wear closed-toe shoes!

Reserve Your Valentine’s Day Plans!

Now that you have some ideas to plan a great Valentine’s Day date, reserve your lane and make it happen! Dinner, drinks, and a fun, bonding activity all come together when you go axe throwing! Choose your location on the reservation page and start planning your meal delivery choices based on what’s in the location’s area. Once dinner plans are set, you’re set for a fun and romantic Valentine’s Day! Get started with a reservation here.

Axe Throwing Tips For Beginners

Got your first axe throwing night coming up on the calendar? Or maybe you’ve thrown before, but the results haven’t been too sharp? Let’s turn your beginner’s curse into some beginner’s luck! Keep scrolling for our favorite axe throwing tips that beginners and vets alike can incorporate into their next game.

The Basics

Let’s start with the classic, technical explanation for an axe throw. There’s only three steps:

• Step 1: With your dominant hand on top, grip the base of the axe handle firmly with both hands. Don’t squeeze.
• Step 2: Making sure the blade of the axe is pointing towards the target, raise the axe over and behind your head, gently rocking back on your dominant foot.
• Step 3: Step forward with your non-dominant foot while bringing your arms forward in a throwing motion. Then, with your arms extended forward, release the axe towards the target keeping your wrists in line with your forearms.

Out of all the directions, these three steps are the foundation that either makes or breaks your throw quality. Your best friend, uncle, or the noisy guy next to you might have tried to show you their way of throwing, but this is the way real professionals throw an axe. 

Axe Throwing Tips And Tricks For All Skill Levels

If you follow the steps mentioned above and keep missing the mark, we’ve got some advice to help improve your axe throwing quality. 

Tactic Surpasses Strength

With a weighty axe in hand and a thick wood target in front of you, it’s tempting to clench the handle tight and channel your most muscular self, pouring all your strength into the throw.

But you don’t need to be that guy (or gal).

The truth is, the axe doesn’t need strength to stick; the metal head will build up speed as it whips through the air. All that’s needed is a smooth throw. Think about it like a ball on a string, or the Olympic hammer throw: less about muscle, more about momentum. 

It’s All In The Flips

Maybe your throw has the right umph and flies smoothly from your hand, but still bounces off backwards or upside down.

To this we say, start thinking about flips.

When you let go the axe will start to flip end over end until it hits something. Keep in mind, you’re aiming for a single flip here. Underflips or overflips end with the top of the axe head, or the bottom of the axe handle, making contact with the target. That’s when your axe fails to make blade contact and bounces off the target dropping to the floor.

If this seems to be the problem, watch your throw carefully to see if you’re under- or overflipping: underflips usually hit the target with the handle pointing away from you (bottom of the handle hitting the target), overflips have handles pointing toward you (top of the axe head hitting the target).

The correction for both of these scenarios is simple – it’s distance. All you need to do is adjust your distance from the target and the moment you let go to adjust your flip speed. If you are underflipping, the axe needs more time to make the full rotation, so take a step back (away from the target). If you are overflipping, the axe needs less time to rotate, so take a step forward (towards the target). The closer to one exact flip, the more chance your axe will stick! A perfect axe throw is when the axe is sticking in the target at a 45 degree angle. Want to see these tips in action? Check out our How to fix your axe throw video and become a pro in no time.

Need Extra Practice?

The best way to learn is by practice! Brush up on your axe throwing skills by learning a few tricks in person during your next reservation at either of our Central Ohio axe throwing lounges. Our staff takes time training you and your crew on the correct, safe way to throw an axe. We’ll also provide you with a few different games to try so you get the full experience! Get answers to basic questions about what to expect, reservations, and more on our FAQ page or ask us directly when you make your reservation online!