Sometimes it just helps to get fired up and throw things.
At least this was the approach I took while planning the most recent camaraderie event for the Notre Dame Club of Minnesota.
A couple months ago when it was still relatively nice out and winter still used the joy that surrounds Christmas as a shameless distraction for the truly frigid sh*t that was about to go down, I had the forethought to consider people might need an excuse to get out of the house and do something fun once the holidays were over. And, with that, the Cabin Fever Winter Series was born.
At its core, I designed this series to encourage individuals to come together, socialize, and make connections across the Twin Cities. To bring this to life, I knew I wanted to incorporate unique, unexpected events that would push people out of their comfort zones and inspire them to try something new. Consequently, I developed the following itinerary:
Our first event at the Surly Brooklyn Center tour was a success[1]. Despite the fact the event had been canceled and rescheduled due to inclement Minnesota weather, we had 24 alumni turn out to enjoy free beer and riveting stories. With this precedent, I was excited for some Paul Bunyan-style fun at our second event, axe throwing at Bad Axe Throwing in Minneapolis.
Notably, axe throwing has been around since prehistoric times and was originally developed by the Franks in the Early Middle Ages. At this time, axe throwing wasn’t so much a trendy lifestyle choice as it was a legitimate means for survival. Indeed, the Byzantine historian Procopius described the Franks and their axe throwing using the following context:
“…each man carried a sword and a shield and an axe. Now the iron head of this weapon was thick and exceedingly sharp on both sides while the wooden handle was very short. And they are accustomed always to throw these axes at one signal in the first charge and thus shatter the shields of the enemy and kill the men.”
Intense, right?
In addition to the clear physical threat this weapon possesses, axes impart a very intentional psychological effect without even needing to be used to their fullest extent. Indeed, the thought was that by throwing an axe—or even by threatening to throw an axe—the enemy might turn and run for the hills out of fear for the larger pain and misery that might await them.
Okay, now that’s pretty bad ass axe.
Today, axe throwing has evolved from an ancient form of self-defense to a beloved, fad-forward way for urban hipsters to hold a rugged weapon and feel like authentic outdoorsmen[2]. Now, axe-throwing bars have popped up around the country with a surprising ferocity that leaves even the hippest of hipsters saying, “Man, I didn’t see this coming!”
The first North American axe-throwing bar is believed to have originated in Toronto circa 2011. The trend took off and erupted in popularity, spreading like wildfire through major cities throughout the United States. Now, companies such as Urban Axes[3], Flannel Jax’s, and Bad Axe Throwing compete for a shot of targeting[4] local thrill seekers.
Now able to speak from personal experience, I can attest that participating in this activity first-hand has deconstructed some of the previously held notions built up in my mind…
Here’s what I thought axe throwing would be:
- Flannel, lumberjacks, and denim
- Borderline dangerous (but, you know, in a “fun” way)
- A great way to release pent-up aggression after staying cooped up all winter
And, after living through the experience…
Here’s what axe actually throwing turned out to be:
- An underwhelmingly modest amount of flannel, lumberjacks, and denim[5]
- 99% danger-free[6]
- A great way to release pent-up aggression after staying cooped up all winter[7]
Conveniently located near similarly rugged-themed locales like the Norseman Distillery, Bad Axe Throwing is housed in a former warehouse in Northeast Minneapolis. I didn’t know what to expect when we walked in, but the place was absolutely bumping with patrons ranging from adult-only groups to child-only birthday parties[8]. We gathered as a group and waited to meet our throwing coach, who the blackboard located at the front of the establishment cryptically proclaimed was named “Doug.”
Wanting to envision the most iconic, classically Minnesotan coach I could muster, I voiced:
“Man, I hope Doug has a beard!”
And then we saw him.
Doug.
…And he most certainly had a beard.
…And it was glorious.
Paul-Bunyan Minnesota jokes aside, Doug was extremely knowledgeable and an absolute perfect fit for our group. He began our experience by officially welcoming the Notre Dame Club of Minnesota to Bad Axe Throwing (which I thought was a nice touch) before making a point to learn each of our names. Then, he proceeded by briefing us on the safety rules[9] and giving us an expert-led demonstration before teaching us three different types of throws— overhead, one-handed, and underhanded—and letting us take a whack at it[10] for ourselves.
Knowing I had arranged the event, Doug invited me as the first thrower to participate, and I elected a friend to brave this new uncharted territory with me. I stepped up to the safety line, faithfully placed my fingers as Doug had instructed, cocked back my arms, and let that baby fly…
Oh, the sound of an axe landing dejectedly on rubber.
Thud.
Not quite what I had anticipated.
However, after fetching my axe, implementing a few coaching critiques from Doug, and repositioning my aim, my second axe landed exactly as intended.
Thunk.
Now that’s the sound I want to hear!
Everyone stepped up to take a turn, and after a few rounds of practice Doug had us count off, form thematically-appropriate team names[11], and launch into a series of interactive games where we could test our throwing acumen and engage in a little good-natured competition.
We had a blast contending against one another, rallying as teams, and improving our axe throwing skillset with each subsequent throw. Doug was extremely engaging throughout the entire process and would regularly coach each individual on proper form and ideal throwing technique. Without fail, for every piece of advice Doug provided, I landed a solid throw. I am still in awe of his deep knowledge and clear axe throwing prowess.
In all, the evening turned out to be a smashing success and attracted a group of seven people to come together and unite over something new, unexpected, and exhilarating. While about half of the group consisted of “club regulars” the other half had never previously attended a club-sponsored event. Throughout the evening we learned new skills, made new friends, laughed at our failures, and bonded over a shared experience, all without losing any fingers or toes in the process.
And that, my friends, is what we in the axe throwing
business would call a “bullseye.”
[1] Omar (founder and owner of Surly) may or may not have personally given me his business card…
[2] …What? I call ‘em like I see ‘em…
[3] See? My characterization wasn’t even a stretch. The name says it all: An urban hipster’s dream!
[4] Pun most certainly intended.
[5] I mean, seriously: Did people not get the memo? I was severely under-impressed by the lack of attention paid to this seemingly obvious thematic detail.
[6] I would say 100% danger-free, but there was that one time I almost walked into the throwing lane after I had finished my throw but before my partner had completed his. (…What?! I had just executed a stellar throw! Clearly my mind was elsewhere.) Luckily after taking two steps beyond the caution line I realized the terrifying gravity of what I had done and was able to sprint back to safety before offering myself up as a veritable walking target. Phew: Crisis averted!
[7] Yeah, that one was right on the money.
[8] Don’t worry: There was adult supervision. (*I assume.*)
[9] Probably a good idea.
[10] Okay, bad joke. However, whenever I hear, “I’ll take a whack at it” I can’t help but conjure images of young Lindsay Lohan as a sunglass wearing Californian gambling fanatic in Disney’s (*updated*) version of The Parent Trap. (Can someone please queue “Bad to the Bone?” Okay, thanks. Glad we’re on the same page.)
[11] Not gunna to lie, I’m pretty pleased with the name my team devised: “I’m Throwing Down, I’m Yelling ‘Timber.’” Catchy and original, yet thematically-appropriate.
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