Axe throwing has surged in popularity as a recreational activity in recent years, with dedicated venues opening across North America and beyond. The thrill of hurling a sharp implement at a wooden target has attracted millions of participants, from casual throwers to serious competitors. However, this activity naturally raises safety concerns. With sharp axes flying through the air, many potential participants wonder: has anyone died from axe throwing? This article explores the safety record of this trending activity, examines notable incidents, and provides insights into the safety measures that help prevent serious injuries.
The Current Safety Record of Axe Throwing
When directly addressing the question of whether anyone has died from axe throwing in a recreational or competitive setting, the evidence points to a reassuring answer.
Fatality Statistics in Recreational Axe Throwing
Based on comprehensive research of available information:
No documented fatalities have been attributed to recreational axe throwing at commercial venues.
According to Lumber Jack’s Axe Throwing, “No one has died axe throwing. Axe Throwing is a safe, challenging, and fun activity for people of all abilities and backgrounds.” This statement is consistent with reports from other major axe throwing businesses across the industry.
Other prominent axe throwing businesses have made similar claims about their safety records:
- Bad Axe Throwing states: “There has never been any case of injury at any of our locations.”
- Craft Axe Throwing reports that “there hasn’t been any serious accident that has occurred” at their venues.
This impressive safety record is particularly notable considering the scale of the activity. According to industry representatives, millions of axes are thrown each year at commercial venues.
Comparing Axe Throwing to Other Recreational Activities
To put the safety of axe throwing in perspective, it’s helpful to compare it to other popular recreational activities:
| Activity | Approximate Annual Fatalities (US) | Injury Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Bowling | Rare (< 5) | Low |
| Golf | Rare (< 10) | Low |
| Recreational Swimming | ~3,500 | Moderate |
| Cycling | ~1,000 | Moderate |
| Axe Throwing | None documented | Very Low |
According to RKD Solutions, “Compared to activities like skydiving, rock climbing, or extreme sports, axe throwing has a significantly lower rate of serious injuries.” This comparison helps put the relative safety of axe throwing into perspective.
Notable Incidents and Close Calls
While there have been no documented deaths, there have been some noteworthy incidents and close calls that highlight potential risks.
The Arizona Axe Thrower Incident (2019)
The most widely publicized incident occurred in 2019 and involved a woman in Arizona (though some reports indicate it happened in Denver).
In this viral video, an axe thrown by Ainsley Rae bounced back from the target area and nearly struck her in the head. Fortunately, she managed to duck just in time, avoiding what could have been a serious injury.
According to a representative from Bad Axe, the company where the incident occurred, this type of dangerous bounce-back is extremely rare: “I think in the past year alone, all of our guests have thrown over 15 million axes, so to say it’s literally a one-in-a-million throw, it’s more like a one-in-fifteen-million throw.”
The incident highlighted several important safety concerns:
- Lack of proper impact boards: According to Mathew Sylvester, who runs an axe throwing venue called Bury the Hatchet, the venue where the incident occurred did not have an “impact board” which helps stop the axe from popping back up.
- Throwing technique: The bounce-back occurred partly due to the thrower’s technique, with the axe hitting the floor before the target.
- Emergency response: Despite the close call, the incident was managed without injury, demonstrating the importance of quick reflexes and proper spacing in the throwing area.
Other Reported Incidents
Reports of other injuries at axe throwing venues are sparse, but there have been a few:
- In 2023, a 25-year-old woman was injured while throwing an axe at a Burr Ridge axe lounge. Details about the severity and nature of the injury were not widely reported.
- According to Xola, “Very few axe-related injuries are reported at the venues. Those that are reported happen from mishandling of the axes themselves, and not the axe throwing, or are caused by intoxicated guests who act unsafely.”
Why Axe Throwing Has a Strong Safety Record
Despite the inherent risks of an activity involving sharp implements, axe throwing venues have maintained a strong safety record through several key practices.
Safety Protocols and Supervision
The industry has developed comprehensive safety standards that most reputable venues follow:
- Expert Supervision: According to Dueling Axes, venues typically have “professionals” supervising the activity to ensure safety.
- Thorough Training: Craft Axe Throwing notes that “instructors explain every measure that each player needs to take before playing” and “make sure that players are properly holding their axes, and know-how to throw them.”
- Physical Safety Measures: Bad Axe Throwing explains that “Each axe throwing lane has two of these markers, each facing their own target. This allows for two players to throw simultaneously side-by-side. Each marker is approximately 6 feet apart, allowing for a clearance of 6 feet around each player.”
Facility Design Standards
The physical design of axe throwing venues incorporates several safety features:
| Safety Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Lane Dividers | Prevent axes from crossing into adjacent lanes |
| Impact Boards | Reduce the risk of bounce-backs |
| Throwing Lines | Ensure consistent, safe throwing distance |
| Axe Holsters | Safe storage of axes when not in use |
| Spectator Areas | Keep non-throwers at a safe distance |
According to Brainy Actz Escape Rooms, “Protective barriers and lane dividers are essential for safety in axe-throwing venues, as they create a clear boundary between participants and spectators.”
Regulatory Frameworks and Industry Standards
While there is no single governing body for all axe throwing venues, several organizations have established safety standards:
- World Axe Throwing League (WATL): WATL requires that “A regulation lane for competition must contain 2 targets. Fences or walls block this area from the rest of the facility to keep competitors and axes all contained in a safe environment.”
- International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF): Establishes standards for member organizations.
- Insurance Requirements: According to XINSURANCE, “Insurance companies recommend you keep at least one supervisor for every four targets. These supervisors should be first aid certified and be ready to assist if an injury does occur.”
Risk Factors and Concerns
Despite the strong safety record, there are several risk factors that warrant attention.
Alcohol Consumption
One of the most significant concerns relates to the combination of alcohol and axe throwing:
Some critics argue that “It isn’t wise to give people who have ingested alcohol a weapon that could kill somebody, even if they are not drunk.” They point to concerning videos from some venues showing unsafe practices.
Different venues take varying approaches to alcohol:
- Some venues prohibit alcohol entirely
- Others serve alcohol but limit consumption
- Some require staff with specialized training in responsible alcohol service
- Many implement strict monitoring of intoxication levels
Equipment and Facility Maintenance
The condition of equipment and facilities plays a crucial role in safety:
Brainy Actz Escape Rooms notes that “Proper equipment maintenance is crucial for safety at axe-throwing venues. Regular checks on axes, targets, and other gear help identify wear and tear that could lead to accidents.”
Key maintenance areas include:
- Target condition: Ensuring targets can properly receive axes without causing bounce-backs
- Axe maintenance: Keeping axes appropriately sharp (sharp enough to stick but not to cause serious injuries from casual contact)
- Floor surfaces: Maintaining non-slip surfaces to prevent thrower falls
- Barrier integrity: Regular inspection of lane dividers and protective barriers
Participant Behavior and Compliance
Even with excellent facilities and supervision, participant behavior remains a critical factor:
According to Xola, injuries that do occur “are caused by intoxicated guests who act unsafely.”
Most venues implement strict rules such as:
- No horseplay or unauthorized movements in the throwing area
- No retrieving axes until all throwers have completed their throws
- Mandatory closed-toe shoes
- Age restrictions (typically 12+ or 16+ years)
- Signed waivers acknowledging risks and agreeing to follow safety rules
Legal and Insurance Considerations
The axe throwing industry has developed specific approaches to legal and insurance matters to manage risk.
Liability Waivers
All reputable axe throwing venues require participants to sign liability waivers before participating:
According to Heidari Law Group, “Some prospective plaintiffs may be dissuaded from looking into suing for their injuries if they signed a waiver. A waiver is a contract where one party gets rid of their right to sue the other for certain injuries.”
It’s important to note that waivers may not protect venues from all liability, particularly in cases of gross negligence.
Insurance Coverage
Axe throwing venues typically maintain several types of insurance:
Xola advises that “The first step is to assess your coverage needs and evaluate the risks associated with running your business. For axe throwing venues, those risks may involve injuries to guests, property damage, and employee accidents.”
Common insurance types include:
| Insurance Type | Coverage |
|---|---|
| General Liability | Covers injuries to participants |
| Property Insurance | Protects the physical venue |
| Workers’ Compensation | Covers staff injuries |
| Liquor Liability | For venues serving alcohol |
| Umbrella Policies | Additional coverage beyond standard policies |
Incident Response Protocols
Having established protocols for responding to incidents is crucial:
Xola recommends four steps to take when an injury occurs: “Have your supervisor provide first aid assistance and assess the injury. Seek immediate medical attention for the injured guest, if necessary. Collect witness statements and create an incident report. Contact your insurance provider.”
Safety Recommendations for Participants
For those interested in trying axe throwing, following these safety recommendations can help ensure a positive experience:
Before You Throw
- Choose reputable venues: Look for established businesses with strong safety records
- Dress appropriately: Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing
- Limit alcohol consumption: If the venue serves alcohol, drink responsibly or abstain entirely
- Disclose medical conditions: Inform staff about any conditions that might affect your ability to throw safely
During Your Session
- Follow all instructions: Pay close attention to the safety briefing and throwing techniques
- Respect boundaries: Stay behind designated throwing lines
- Communicate clearly: Coordinate with other throwers to avoid retrieving axes while others are throwing
- Report concerns: Notify staff immediately if you notice any safety issues
The Future of Axe Throwing Safety
As the sport continues to grow, several trends are likely to influence safety in axe throwing:
Technological Innovations
New technologies that may enhance safety include:
- Impact-absorbing target materials: Reducing the risk of bounce-backs
- Safety-enhanced axe designs: Modified handles and heads that minimize injury risk
- Digital monitoring systems: AI-powered cameras that can detect unsafe behaviors
- Automated safety briefings: Ensuring consistent safety information for all participants
Industry Standardization
The industry is moving toward greater standardization of safety practices:
According to XINSURANCE, “Safety regulations are the backbone of axe throwing businesses. They show that you are a responsible and trustworthy place to go for this recreational activity.”
This standardization is likely to include:
- Consistent training requirements for staff
- Uniform facility design standards
- Coordinated incident reporting across the industry
- Regular safety audits and certifications
FAQ: Common Questions About Axe Throwing Safety
Has anyone ever died from axe throwing at a commercial venue?
No documented deaths have occurred from axe throwing at commercial venues. As Lumber Jack’s Axe Throwing states, “The long answer is also No. No one has died axe throwing.”
How common are injuries at axe throwing venues?
According to industry reports, injuries are rare. Xola notes that “very few axe-related injuries are reported at the venues.” Most reported injuries are minor, such as splinters or minor cuts from handling axes improperly, rather than from the throwing itself.
Is axe throwing safe for beginners?
Yes, axe throwing can be safe for beginners when proper instruction is provided. Craft Axe Throwing explains that “Before playing, instructors explain every measure that each player needs to take before playing. They make sure that players are properly holding their axes, and know-how to throw them before they decide to leave them to play by themselves.”
Should I be concerned about axes bouncing back toward throwers?
While bounce-backs can occur, they are extremely rare when proper equipment and techniques are used. Dueling Axes notes that “You will never have to worry about an axe coming back at you because safety is our number one priority here at Dueling Axes – and we enforce that principle heavily.” Venues with impact boards and proper target materials significantly reduce this risk.
Is it safe to consume alcohol while axe throwing?
This is a point of debate in the industry. Some venues like Lumber Jack’s Axe Throwing state, “At Lumber Jack’s, we do not allow alcohol at our venue. There have been accidents and injuries reported at axe throwing venues that serve alcohol, and that is deterrent enough for us.” If you choose to drink while axe throwing, do so responsibly and follow all venue guidelines.
Conclusion
Based on the available evidence, axe throwing has maintained an impressive safety record with no documented fatalities at commercial venues. While the activity inherently involves risk, the combination of proper facility design, staff supervision, participant training, and adherence to safety protocols has effectively minimized serious injuries.
As with any recreational activity, the key to safety lies in responsible participation. By choosing reputable venues, following all safety instructions, and making smart choices about personal behavior (including alcohol consumption), participants can enjoy the unique thrill of axe throwing with minimal risk.
The occasional incidents and close calls that have occurred serve as important reminders of the need for continued vigilance. They have also driven improvements in safety practices throughout the industry. As axe throwing continues to grow in popularity, ongoing attention to safety will remain essential to maintaining its strong safety record.
