The growing popularity of axe throwing as a recreational activity has led many potential participants to wonder about its safety. The idea of hurling a sharp object through the air might seem inherently risky, but is axe throwing truly dangerous?
This comprehensive analysis explores the safety aspects of axe throwing, examining the risks, comparing it to other recreational activities, and providing insights into how venues maintain a safe environment.
The Reality of Axe Throwing Safety
At first glance, axe throwing might appear dangerous – after all, it involves throwing a bladed object at a target. However, the actual safety record of this activity tells a different story.
Statistical Safety Record
The statistical evidence suggests that axe throwing is surprisingly safe when proper protocols are followed. According to Dueling Axes, a venue that has hosted approximately 24,000-25,000 people, they “haven’t seen a single accident with the exception of someone getting a splinter.” This remarkable safety record is not uncommon in the industry.
Many established axe throwing venues report minimal injuries, with most incidents being minor in nature. According to industry statistics, “While injuries aren’t very common, they can occur. Overall, 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.”
When comparing axe throwing to other recreational activities, it often fares quite well in terms of safety. According to MAD AXE, “percentage-wise there are less accidents noted in axe throwing than in e.g. baseball, football or other contact sports. Axe throwing, similarly to Darts is a non-contact sport, which essentially limits the risk of injury.”
Injury Types and Frequency
When injuries do occur in axe throwing, they tend to be minor in nature. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of injuries:
| Injury Type | Frequency | Typical Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Splinters | Most common | Handling wooden axe handles |
| Minor cuts | Occasional | Mishandling axes (not from throwing) |
| Bruises | Rare | Dropping axes on feet |
| Strains/sprains | Rare | Improper throwing technique |
| Serious injuries | Extremely rare | Failure to follow safety protocols |
| Fatalities | None reported | N/A |
As Lumber Jack’s Axe Throwing confirms in their safety blog, “No one has died axe throwing. Axe Throwing is a safe, challenging, and fun activity for people of all abilities and backgrounds.” This absence of fatalities is particularly noteworthy for an activity involving sharp objects.
Safety Measures at Axe Throwing Venues
The relative safety of axe throwing can largely be attributed to the comprehensive safety measures implemented by responsible venues. These measures typically include:
1. Trained Supervision
As Bad Axe Throwing explains, “All axe throwing events take place under the direct supervision of our professionally trained axe throwing coaches” who are “experts at enforcing axe throwing safety; primarily because they know a lot about axe throwing and teach you the right way to do it.”
This professional supervision ensures that participants:
- Learn proper throwing techniques
- Understand and follow safety rules
- Receive immediate correction for unsafe behaviors
- Have assistance if any issues arise
2. Physical Safety Features
The physical layout and design of axe throwing venues incorporate numerous safety features:
- Throwing Lanes: Separated by barriers or cages
- Safety Lines: Clearly marked throwing distances (typically 12-15 feet from targets)
- Target Area Design: Constructed to minimize bounce-backs
- Axe Storage: Secure hanging systems between throws
- Spectator Areas: Designated safe zones for non-throwers
Some venues take additional precautions with their physical setup, as Dueling Axes notes: “Many axe throwing places usually put two targets in one cage, Dueling Axes is individually caged on the top and the sides with one single target.”
3. Equipment Safety Considerations
The axes themselves are designed with safety in mind:
According to Stumpy’s Hatchet House, “The axes used for axe throwing are specially designed blunt axe heads without sharp edges; therefore, they won’t cut your skin if accidentally thrown towards you (unless you try catching them).”
Most venues carefully select their equipment with safety as the priority:
- Appropriate weight and balance for controlled throwing
- Regular maintenance and inspection
- Careful consideration of handle materials to prevent bounce-backs
4. Strict Rules and Policies
Venues enforce clear rules that significantly reduce risk:
- One thrower at a time in each lane
- No alcohol consumption before or during throwing (at many venues)
- Mandatory closed-toe shoes
- No retrieval of axes until all throwing is complete
- No crossing the throwing line until instructed
Comparing Axe Throwing to Other Activities
To put the safety of axe throwing in perspective, it’s helpful to compare it to other recreational activities.
Safety Comparison Table
| Activity | Injury Rate | Common Injury Types | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axe Throwing | Very Low | Splinters, minor cuts | Low |
| Bowling | Low | Strains, slips and falls | Low |
| Darts | Very Low | Puncture wounds | Low |
| Rock Climbing | Moderate | Sprains, fractures | Moderate |
| Football | High | Concussions, sprains, fractures | High |
| Basketball | Moderate-High | Sprains, fractures | Moderate |
| Skiing/Snowboarding | Moderate-High | Fractures, sprains, concussions | Moderate-High |
As RKD Solutions notes in their analysis, “Compared to activities like skydiving, rock climbing, or extreme sports, axe throwing has a significantly lower rate of serious injuries. The controlled environment and safety protocols in most venues greatly reduce the chance of major accidents.”
The Viral Axe Bounce Video: An Anomaly
A viral video showing an axe bouncing back toward a thrower has raised concerns about safety. However, this incident represents an extremely rare occurrence that has prompted the industry to implement additional safety measures.
According to the World Axe Throwing League, this was “a one-in-a-million throw.” After investigating the incident, they determined that “the combination of mats on the floors when paired with the type of axe used with a rubber handle” was the primary factor, leading to venues “removing the rubber mats from the floor” and some eliminating rubber-handled axes to prevent similar incidents.
This response demonstrates the industry’s commitment to evolving safety standards and addressing even rare potential risks.
The Role of Alcohol in Axe Throwing Safety
One significant factor in axe throwing safety is the presence or absence of alcohol. Views on this matter vary significantly within the industry.
Some venues allow alcohol consumption during axe throwing, implementing strict monitoring to prevent excessive drinking. Others prohibit alcohol entirely, seeing it as an unnecessary risk.
As Lumber Jack’s Axe Throwing states, “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.”
Venues that do permit alcohol typically implement additional safety measures:
- Drink limits
- Increased supervision
- Staff trained in recognizing intoxication
- Authority to remove intoxicated participants
Special Safety Considerations
Medical Emergency Preparedness
Responsible axe throwing venues prepare for potential emergencies, even though they’re rare:
According to safety guidelines, “A first aid kit and a person trained in first aid and CPR should be at hand in the event of an emergency.”
Insurance and Liability
The relatively safe nature of axe throwing is reflected in insurance practices:
Venues typically require “liability waivers” which “outline the risks and rights being waived when a customer agrees to throw an axe at your venue.”
Concerns and Criticisms
Despite the strong safety record, some critics have raised concerns about axe throwing, particularly when combined with alcohol consumption.
Some critics argue that axe throwing bars “send [an] implicit message… to [their] patrons: that it is okay to participate in potentially dangerous activities while under the influence of alcohol.” They suggest that even with good safety records, the concept itself may normalize risky behavior.
These concerns, while valid from a theoretical perspective, must be weighed against the actual safety record of well-run establishments.
Safety Tips for Axe Throwers
If you’re planning to try axe throwing, following these safety tips will help ensure a safe experience:
Before You Throw
- Choose a reputable venue with professional staff and clear safety protocols
- Wear appropriate clothing – closed-toe shoes are mandatory, and comfortable clothing that allows movement is recommended
- Listen carefully to the safety briefing – don’t skip or ignore this crucial information
- Disclose any physical limitations to staff that might affect your ability to throw safely
- Avoid alcohol before and during throwing, even if the venue permits it
During Your Session
- Follow all instructions given by venue staff
- Stay behind the throwing line until instructed to retrieve axes
- Never attempt to catch a falling or bouncing axe
- Throw with controlled force – excessive power isn’t necessary and can reduce accuracy
- Alert staff if you notice any safety concerns or equipment issues
Conclusion: Is Axe Throwing Dangerous?
Based on the available evidence, axe throwing can be considered a relatively safe activity when proper safety protocols are followed. While it involves an inherently sharp object, the controlled environment, professional supervision, and established safety practices have resulted in an impressive safety record across the industry.
As Heber Hatchets summarizes: “Sure, there may be more risk of injury while throwing axes than there would be while picking daisies or sitting at the movies, but axe throwing is a safe and exciting activity when done properly.”
The key factors in axe throwing safety are:
- Choosing reputable venues with proper safety measures
- Following all safety instructions and venue rules
- Maintaining appropriate behavior (avoiding horseplay or intoxication)
- Using proper throwing techniques as instructed
For most participants, axe throwing represents a reasonably safe recreational activity with risks comparable to or lower than many common sports and recreational pursuits. The combination of professional supervision, controlled environments, and industry safety standards has made what might seem like a dangerous activity into one with a remarkable safety record.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Has anyone ever died from axe throwing?
According to industry sources, there have been no reported deaths from recreational axe throwing at established venues. As Lumber Jack’s Axe Throwing confirms, “No one has died axe throwing.” The activity, when properly supervised and conducted in appropriate facilities, has maintained an excellent safety record despite the seemingly dangerous nature of throwing axes.
Are axes used in recreational throwing sharp enough to cause serious injury?
The axes used in recreational throwing are designed with safety in mind. According to Lumber Jack’s Axe Throwing, “Axe blades aren’t razor sharp. They don’t have to be to successfully stick a bullseye. The blades act more as a wedge than as a cutting instrument.” This design choice significantly reduces the risk of severe lacerations while still allowing the axes to stick to targets effectively.
How does axe throwing compare to other recreational activities in terms of safety?
Axe throwing compares favorably to many popular recreational activities. According to RKD Solutions, it has “a significantly lower rate of serious injuries” than extreme sports, while being roughly comparable to activities like archery or paintball in terms of overall incident rates. The controlled environment and supervision at axe throwing venues contribute to this relatively strong safety record.
Should I be concerned about axes bouncing back toward throwers?
While bounce-backs can occur, they are rare when proper equipment and techniques are used. Heber Hatchets notes, “Axes can bounce back if over-rotated, and any other part of the axe besides the blade hits the target or floor.” Most venues have implemented measures to minimize this risk, including careful selection of target materials, proper axe maintenance, and thorough instruction on throwing techniques.
Is it safe to consume alcohol while axe throwing?
This is a contested issue within the industry. Industry statistics indicate that injuries that do occur are often “caused by intoxicated guests who act unsafely.” Many venues prohibit alcohol entirely for safety reasons, while others allow limited consumption with additional monitoring. From a safety perspective, refraining from alcohol consumption before and during axe throwing is the most prudent choice.
