STAFF REVIEW: AXE THROWING EXPERIENCE FOR TWO - YORKSHIRE
This axe throwing experience was something I never thought I’d do, but as the opportunity arose, it turned out to be one of the best activities I’ve ever done!
The experience took place within the forested area surrounding the impressive Hazlewood Castle in Leeds. To be completely honest, it felt like Caly and I were in a scene from an action film as we followed the stony path deeper into the woods. Our friendly instructor greeted us and welcomed us into the reception area. We were then shown where to leave our belongings, and told to fill out a form with all our contact details on.
Once the admin tasks were out of the way, it was time for the fun to begin! As we followed our instructor, we instantly noticed the location where we were about to be launching the axes. Towering before us was a total of six large targets in an area that was netted to prevent the axes from flying too far. There was also a stand where the instructor was able to show us all the axes, and a line that we had to stand behind when throwing an axe.
Our instructor began the experience with a demonstration on how to safely use an axe without harming any of our surroundings – or each other! It was intimidating at first to hold the axe, as we realised how sharp the tools were and understood the damage that they were capable of doing. After the basic safety precautions were explained to us, it was time for the axe to depart from our trusty hands and head directly to the target!
Our first attempt was a complete disaster as both axes plummeted straight towards the floor, instead of reaching the target. In despair, Caly and I locked eyes with the exact same facial expression, and I think we had both concluded that we weren’t going to be able to get the hang of this. Before we knew it, our fifth attempt had come around and to our surprise… we still didn’t manage to hit the target!
Just as we were starting to lose hope, we came to what must’ve been our tenth attempt, and finally managed to score a success. It may not have been the bullseye, but it did land within the edges of the target. It was extremely difficult to comprehend the correct stance to take, as well as how much strength to put into the throw of the axe. Let me make you aware that this experience is a lot harder than it looks for sure!
Once we established the correct motion, the axes were smashing into the targets without hesitation. Our instructor encouraged us to play a few games with the axes which switched up the techniques and made for an interesting alternative. We were shown how to throw axes underarm, and how to throw two axes at once – and that’s just to name a couple!
My favourite game was when we stuck a playing card onto the target and had to aim for it as closely as possible. It was a competition between Caly and I to see who could damage their card the most within a time limit.
Our instructor with his great humour also added that the person to make the least damage had to pay for the other person’s lunch. I was a great fan of this idea, but only because I ended up causing the most damage to my playing card. This experience zoomed before I knew it and is something I’d love to try again!
Thanks to the team at Live for Today for showing us their Axe Throwing Experience for Two – Yorkshire, which is an experience perfect for those looking to try something new, or somebody looking to try out something new in Leeds!
Thanks for reading!
This made a great addition to a day out in Leeds. If getting to grips with an axe isn't your thing, why not check out some of our other latest experiences?
