Axe-throwing leads new trend of fun therapy

WHEN it comes to fun with a difference nothing feels better than picking up an axe and tossing it at a target, the operators of Queensland’s latest entertainment craze say.

Rory Swane, Scott McAndrew, Sam Hay and Jess Layne at Lumber Punks Axe-Throwing in West End. Picture: Tara Croser

WHEN it comes to fun with a difference nothing feels better than picking up an axe and tossing it at a target, the operators of Queensland’s latest entertainment craze say.

Lumber Punks will this Saturday open their second axe throwing club in West End.

The operation has already proved popular on the Gold Coast since it opened just over a year ago, co-owner Sam Hay says, and he’s hoping for the same response in Brisbane.

As well as being a fun pastime, Mr Hay says axe throwing is also a safe and therapeutic way to relieve the stresses of day-to-day life.

He said their Gold Coast centre has even hosted women’s empowerment groups as well as hens and bucks parties and its own axe-throwing league.

“There are a lot of axe throwing clubs in the US. It’s something different to do to. What people realise (once they try it) is that it’s quite easy and they become hooked,” Mr Hay said.

“There’s the primal aspect of it.

“There’s a target on the wall and you aim for different quadrants.

“People give us feedback that it’s very therapeutic.”

New throwers book a session and are trained to chuck smaller axes before working their way up to hitting the target with bigger weapons.

The axe clubs join a growing list of primal therapy options, including ‘smash pits’ on the Sunshine Coast where operators provide a bat, safety gear and things to destroy.

Lumber Punks West End opens on Saturday August 11.