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| - Surfing for some quirky date extravaganzas and you're tired of all the picnics, coffee get-togethers, morning jogs, Friday night dinners, flick nights, walks in the park, and all the other routine motions? Then, I highly recommend giving axe throwing a whirl!
Also, as an early note: Ask for Ryan to be your instructor when you reserve!
My bf took me to Bad Axe Throwing today for my birthday. We were hyped. What spurred this idea on was a YouTube video of Linus Tech Tips' team doing an axe throwing competition. It looked difficult for the athletically-challenged, like myself, as well as dangerous from the onset. However, it definitely seemed like a uniquely fun and hilarious activity, so we browsed Groupon for an axe throwing discount and Bad Axe Throwing came up as one of the top rated deals in the GTA. Through Groupon, we got a major steal at $28 for two for 1-hour of axe throwing (reg. price is $44.25 per person as noted on the company site). The Groupon deal's terms and conditions also stated that we would be limited to an 8 am time slot or a 12 noon time slot, but when we called to reserve, the staff was very flexible and they were able to schedule us in for a 3 pm start time.
In Toronto, the branch is located in Etobicoke (near Runnymede Station). It is on the second floor of a shared building and upon arriving, you may be a little wary of the "hole in the wall" staircases and building maintenance. Rest assured that once you hop onto the second floor and turn left, you'll find yourself in a room that will instantly make you pull out your phone to take photos of all the seemingly makeshift interior decor. Wood planks with markings are propped onto the walls between wire dividers (i.e. batting cage style), the walls are painted with pop-cultural grafitti, and Bad Axe Throwing merchandise is neatly hung on the walls for the regulars. For large parties, there are also at least two large family sized tables with multiple stools for public use when you need a break from throwing or when you're waiting for your turn to throw. I really liked the aesthetics and layout of the room. I've frequented the Swansea and High Park areas on many occasions for work and I've never seen a room as creatively mashed together and as quirky as this one near Runnymede Station.
Ryan was assigned as our instructor for our time-slot. If you look at my photos, he is the one in the white-black shirt with a cap and expanders. I highly recommend him if you are looking to visit (you'll need to ask for him when you reserve). During our time there, he performed expertly as both a mentor and mood maker. He is very patient when teaching the techniques of properly throwing the axe, which, I have to admit is not as simple as what you may assume before trying this sport for the first time. He is also quick to determine what you are lacking in your form for any particular throw, whether it be the distance you are throwing from, your posture, the flick of your wrist, and/or etc. Even though he is very careful not to cut corners with his explanations, often highlighting the reasons behind every movement in the throw, he is far from being drab. I would put him down as being a very "chill" socializer. By that, I don't mean to say that he drivels on. He cracks jokes, provides encouragement, shares his funny experiences about when he learned how to throw, and, in general, maintains the morale of all the throwers. For someone who has more difficulty learning how to throw properly (eg. me) his constant support with its undertone of humour made learning how to throw easier. It was invigorating to see myself hitting the targets and it was hilarious, albeit slightly humiliating, when I didn't. I even got a bullseye by the end of the hour!
Axe throwing is something that I will definitely incorporate into my evening activities with friends. It's a great opportunity to let go of some steam with friends after work. It will push you to "loosen up" and let yourself be humiliated for not hitting the targets when your friends/partners are all hitting them during their turns, but at the same time you'll find yourself enjoying these moments as well. Also, it's BYOB here, so the gloves are off! The alcohol may even help you throw better (I was too serious with trying to perfect the techniques of throwing at first, so it was only when I stopped thinking too hard about each step that I began actually hitting the targets!). Bad Axe Throwing is date-friendly, party-friendly, and even minor-friendly (the staff said that as long as the youth is strong enough to hold an axe up, they will be able to learn how to throw it). Axe throwing adds a little dangerous and competitive flair to an outing, so you have two thumbs up from me on this one!
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