What’s it like being an axe throwing instructor?

DO you just throw axes all day long?!

How do you manage an axe throwing venue?

We are here to answer all those burning questions with this all in one guide to being an axe throwing instructor with Axed Global. Get a feel of the day to day responsibilities and gain a little insight into how things are done at an Axed Global venue.

We spoke to one of our Instructors, Elle

Is being an axe throwing instructor as cool as it sounds?

Short answer, yes! Being able to say that you’re an axe thrower is pretty damn awesome.

I get to play a part in customers’ hen dos, stag dos, birthday celebrations and see first time throwers too. A big part of my job are the safety responsibilities associated with axe throwing, which Axed Global take very seriously, to make sure everyone is having fun and being safe at the same time.

What are the average duties of an axe throwing coach?

There is a little bit more to running a venue than just chucking axes about! The day starts with a venue walk round, opening fire exits, minimising risks and getting the coffee machine on so we can fuel up for the day!

The manager on shift checks all the bookings for the day and assigns them to a lane. Unlike other venues every booking gets their own private lane so that everyone can play at their own pace and we as instructors can help the beginners without the experienced throwers missing out on throwing time.

Axe and target maintenance is done before we open for bookings so that every customer gets a smooth and safe experience and our attention as instructors isn’t taken away from the groups on the lanes.

How do you prepare a lane for an axe throwing session?

All Axed Global Targets use exclusive End Grain Target systems. To get the targets ready for the day we spray them with water. This helps to preserve the life of the targets by preventing splitting that goes all the way through the wood. The water also helps to make the target more absorbent to shock, keeping the customer safe and enabling them to land that first axe early on in their session.

Maintaining end grain targets is simple and produces a lot less waste compared to traditional wood planks. As instructors we are fully trained to adjust and change the end grain targets for optimum use and with Interactive Smart Lanes we don’t have to worry about painting targets every time a target is serviced.

Learn more about our end grain targets here.

We hit play on the banging Axed Jams playlist and next is the fun part! Before we open to the public, it is our time to warm up and practice those epic trick shots you all love to see on our Instagram. We share techniques and spot each other because trick shots can get a bit risky!

We complete a checklist covering all the safety features on our lanes, then we check over the axes to make sure they’re sharp, splinter free and ready to throw and it’s time to open the front doors!

What does an axe throwing session look like?

Each session that we run is unique! We adapt our input to each session to match the age, ability and needs of the customer although the simple safety brief remains the same. We always talk through the points needed for a safe session, give a short demo and then assist each customer with their first throw. Axe throwing can be quite a daunting activity for beginners, so we make sure that everyone’s first throw of the day puts them at ease and is safe for everyone in the venue.

So now the first axes have been thrown, nobody wants someone breathing down their neck for an hour, so we step back and observe from a short distance. Once everyone’s getting into the swing of it, it’s time to introduce the interactive games! A quick explanation on how to navigate the tablets and then it’s over to the customer to run the rest of their session. All of the lanes are postered with the game rules, reminders on scoring and chucking tips so it’s quick and easy to access without pausing the fun. We are never far away though! Standing by, watching to make sure the safety rules aren’t forgotten and so that we can step in with some handy technique pointers to help get the axes sinking.

During the day we take photos and short videos to post on our Facebook page so our customers can tag and share their experience without spending the session behind their phones! To end each session, we take a whole group photo for you in the lane, we can’t let you take an axe as a souvenir so a photo does the job.

How do you keep the axe throwing lanes safe?

In-between every session the instructors check the axes back in, reset the tablets, and perform a lane safety check.

• Any splinters on the axes are taped over to keep them safe and strong
• The target is checked for damages and topped up with water spray if needed.
• Large debris on the flooring is cleared
• The tablets are reset
• A thorough clean of the area makes it ready for the next group

We sign off each lane as safe before it’s used by a new customer so we can spot potential hazards and fix them before you start.

Throughout the day we work with so many different people, the slick operation and the whole team pull together to make the day fly by!

After the last customers leave, we crank up the tunes and tidy up. Every lane is swept, and the axes are checked and secured away ready for tomorrow.

Is being an axe throwing instructor a good career?

Being an axe throwing instructor is by far one of the best jobs around. Compared to other axe throwing venues, being an instructor for Axed Global, we get to interact with customers in a more relaxed and friendly way and assist them in experiencing a session that matches their age, ability and celebration, what’s importnat to us this that they can control the pace and intensity of a session. We get comprehensive training in throwing technique and axe throwing safety, so we’re signed off as qualified instructors before we run a session solo.

Axed Global have opportunities for casual instructors or career paths and development should you choose. Benefits include;

• Competitive pay
• Chances to learn and develop skills
• A clear path for career progression
• Exclusive discounts and other benefits
• Flexible hours

Who else can honestly say they get paid to throw axes all day?!