A few weeks ago, I had another opportunity to travel to the east coast for work. During this time, I was able to catch up with members from my unit. This particular night was that of the annual holiday party. I did not know what to expect, but was game because I had not seen them since August.
The first stop of the night was at an axe throwing place in Williamsburg, Virginia, named Axe Republic. Let me be straight up about this, I was skeptical about this endeavor and wanted to back out many times. I do not do sharp objects being tossed around in close quarters. We arrived at Axe Republic just as it opened, 5pm. The automatic doors did not work, so we gently pushed them. This was not a big deal, but my crew and the staff had a standoff because both thought the others were in the wrong. LOL. Once inside, we were welcomed by a really nice hostess at the stand, just on the other side of the broken doors.
After stating that we were meeting a party, we were directed to the counter to pay for our hour long session.
The session would be $20 per person with a military discount. For a party of 15, $300 seemed overpriced (the regular price is $27/per person). Guests have to be at least 14 years old to throw axes. Either way, we were at the place and I wanted to throw some axes. At the counter, we were offered beer, sodas, and other snacks. With it being just prior to Christmas, there was delicious sugar cookies on offer.
I settled on an old faithful adult beverage Pabst Blue Ribbon. It was either Pabst, Truly, or some local brews. We made our way to our lanes, which were numbers 3, 4, and 5.
Overall, there seemed to be about 12 lanes, give or take. Our lanes had high top seating , while the rest of the place had high top seating and some couches along the wall.
The best thing about the couches was the complimentary chocolates at each table. PBR and chocolate, what else do you need?
We were met there by a very energetic guy. I did not write his name down, but I think it was Scott (sorry bro). He was redhead and made a ton of jokes about such. “Scott” gave us the lay of the land: no alcohol beyond the first line (muy importante — I know a little Spanish), do not throw or walk down range without your partner, yell “Clear” before moving, etc etc etc. The best pro-tip he gave was to stand with one leg in front of the other (with spacing) then release the axe as it comes eye level. There were two sizes of ax, the heavier one for beginners (me) and the smaller one for my cool instructor.
Let me tell you, I was dressed for winter in New Hampshire and I soon regretted it. I did not know that axe throwing required a person to exert so much energy. I will spare you guys the embarrassing videos of my misthrows which took chunks out of the floor and walls. There was actually an instance when the axe ricocheted back to me to my feet..kind of dangerous.
While being initially skeptical, I grew to love my axe throwing experience. The price and the experience did not match, we should have paid wayyyyy more. The staff was world class, especially our instructor and the owner. They were always there when we needed something, whether it be a PBR, better foot placement, or a good razzing for messing up a throw. I had a great time and I cannot wait for my next axe throwing experience.
