Axe throwing evokes the time of ultra-masculine lumberjacks at a remote camp in a battle of character.
But suddenly, it's become one of the latest urban indoor and outdoor sports enjoyed by people of various ages.
In Orillia, Ax Men Axe Throwing is under new ownership with Erin Abbott. Since she's not a man, she's already registered to change the name of the business to Highlander Axe Throwing.
Abbott said she's been getting a handle on the business since purchasing it in August. Now she is planning new features including leagues, starting in January.
"I'm excited. There hasn't been a league here before," she said above loud music in the throwing room.
Abbott said she's been busy with people booking parties for families, adults and children, in addition to company socials for those looking to have some fun indoors as the weather gets colder.
The entrance is bright. Participants sign a waiver before they go into the darker throwing room that is dominated by five cages, each with two wooden targets — all while the music pumps.
Staff introduce people to the safety rules of throwing and the method of scoring. Spectators cheer on their friends from behind the black line.
Beyond that is the Rage Room, a concrete room where people can pay to throw items against the wall or smash them with a bat or crow bar.
Is that popular?
"Very," said Abbott.
It's one of the only rooms of its kind in Simcoe County, so people are driving quite a distance to let their frustrations out, dressed in a white suit with a helmet and a visor.
Back to the throwing cages, participants can throw hatchets, medium- or large-sized axes, knives and, if booked in advance, spears.
Participants can be as young as 10.
Kennedy Hill, 10, was at Ax Men recently, along with her father and 12-year-old brother. She said it's fun and she's hit the wooden target with a hatchet, but she came back a second time with a goal in mind.
"I want to hit a bull's eye," said Kennedy.
Her dad, Chris Hill, has a similar goal: "to get more bullseyes."
"It's great. It's lots of fun. I like the atmosphere and I want to get better at it," he said.
Cathy Robertson was at the facility for her third time that same night, throwing not only the hatchets, but the large axe.
"We came here for my brother-in-law's birthday and we had such a fun time, we came back again to throw axes. I said, 'We need to come and do this all the time because it's fun,'" she said.
Axe Men is licensed, serving beer and coolers. It is open Fridays from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 2 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m.
The cost per person is $40. There is a $25 walk-in charge, but an available throwing cage is not guaranteed. The Rage Room costs $80 for two people or $115 for up to four people and includes a tub of breakable plates and glassware. There is an additional charge for TVs, computers or other items to break.
The business also has a mobile trailer staff can bring to outdoor events and set up a target and safe throwing area. It's intended for family reunions, staff parties, birthdays, anniversaries or fairs. The cost for the trailer at an event is $650.
More information can be found at axemen.ca, by emailing [email protected], by calling 705-325-1274 or by dropping in at 5 Ontario St., Unit C, Orillia.
