Flying ax craze lands in Cd'A

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — Folks are now hurling axes at the Silver Lake Mall, but there's no need to be alarmed.

Axe Force One, which offers the old sport of ax throwing that's gaining sharp popularity in urban areas across the country, has opened in the mall across from the Jo-Ann fabric and craft store.

Coeur d'Alene's Kurt Elmer is among those who believe the business has hit the bull's-eye on a new way to let loose in this area.

"I had an absolute blast and now I can't wait to go back," said Elmer, among those who attended last week's open house at the business.

Like many first-time ax throwers, Elmer said his first throw ricocheted off the wood target. But, with the help of an on-site coach, he was "sticking it" nine out of 10 times that night.

"I look forward to going back and getting better at it," Elmer said.

Sound familiar, golfers?

Doug Duncan, who opened Axe Force One last week, said he became hooked on the sport last fall during a business trip back East.

“That was the first time I'd heard of it and the whole time I was playing I kept thinking ‘there's nothing like this in our area,’” Duncan said.

Duncan, husband of Kootenai County Commissioner Leslie Duncan, has tossed much of his focus as a freelance sports TV technician in favor of the ax-throwing venture.

"All of my work was on the road traveling and I've been wanting to be home to spend more time with family, so I made the switch," he said.

Elmer is thankful that Duncan did.

"When I first heard about the business, my wife and I rolled our eyes and were worried if it would make it," Elmer said. "But we all grew up wanting to throw things at trees, haven't we?"

Ax throwing has long been a sport at lumberjack competitions, but what is new is offering the sport in urban areas.

The sport is booming in Canada and has spread to the United States. It is an organized sport with the World Axe Throwing League that's in nine countries and the National Axe Throwing Federation that has global membership.

Early visitors to Axe Force One have been widely mixed on their familiarity with the sport, Duncan said.

"A lot have said they saw it on a trip or on TV, and they think it's cool there's a business here now," he said. "It's been fun to chat with people and watch this process unfold."

Duncan said the sport is equally popular between males and females and it's a popular activity for couples.

Ax throwing is more about skill and technique than strength.

Ax throwers hurl axes between 12 and 15 feet from the target, depending on their arm length, how hard they throw, rotation and other factors.

"You have to find out where you're comfortable with, so you can gain consistency before fine-tuning your adjustments," Duncan said.

Duncan said many first-timers will throw an ax like they throw a baseball — at a slight angle — but they quickly learn that generally leads to the ax bouncing off the target.

Rather, the ax must fly vertical to the grain in the wood so it has a better chance of sticking to the target.

"Don't try to flick it with your wrist; let it roll out your hand," Elmer said. "Give it the old Atlanta Braves (tomahawk) chop motion."

Similar to darts, various games can be played with ax throwing, including "Twenty-one" and "Elimination."

"Or you can make one up yourself," Duncan said.

Contrary to what some people may believe, the sport is safe, Duncan said. Spectators must be in an area behind the throwers. Closed-toed footwear is required. If wood chips from the target fly off, they land within 2 feet of the target, at least 10 feet from the thrower. Every session begins with a safety briefing and training. Each lane is sectioned off.

"Everything is managed with a lane coach, who gives a shout out if someone is not paying attention safety-wise," Duncan said.

With such a format, the likelihood of getting injured by a dart in a free-roaming bar is far greater than at an ax-throwing business, Duncan said.

The business is open by appointment from 4 to 10 p.m. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Three lanes are reserved for groups of six or more and a fourth lane is open to walk-ins and smaller groups. Each lane can accommodate up to 14 ax throwers per session.

The maximum weight of the axes is 3 pounds and they vary from 12 to 20 inches.

The target is 36 inches wide with five rings that are 4 inches apart.

Walk-ins and groups of fewer than six can book lane time for $20 per hour per person and $10 for each additional 30 minutes. Private lane rentals with a coach are available for a two-hour session for six people or more at $40 per person.

A private back room is available for parties and events. Customers can bring their own food and beverages, but no alcohol is allowed.

Leagues will be forming soon.

To book a session or for more information, call 208-763-8628 or visit www.axeforceone.com.

Duncan said it's an ideal night out for bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, team-building exercises, work parties or more.

"It's quick and easy learning for most people and, like golf, it's easy to get addicted," he said.