We have had many Go Ape adventures over the years, including their Forest Segway and the Tree Top Adventure course and now there is a new challenge to add to the mix – Axe Throwing.
Located at just a handful of Go Ape centres in the UK, we were excited to try Axe Throwing at their Itchen Valley site in Southampton.
The kids have done tomahawk throwing with scouts and I have always been slightly jealous that I couldn’t have a go, so this was the perfect opportunity to give it a try.
Axe Throwing is currently available for over16’s only, so we booked the kids in to do the tree top adventure first and then employed them as our camera crew for our turn having fun.
We started off with the all important safety briefing and demonstration, before it was our turn to sling axes at the target.
There were two weights of axe to choose from and I found the lighter set easier, whilst my husband preferred the heavier set.
Morgan, our instructor, was fantastic. He showed is both a one-handed and two-handed grip and watched closely to help us perfect our throw. I didn’t get my axe to stay in the target for at least half an hour, but my husband was regularly hitting his mark within a few minutes.
As my husband was doing so well, he was given an assortment of challenges, which included hitting the green marks on the target and even trying a double throw, whilst I continued to practice on the other target.
I may have taken my time to finally hit the target, but once you find that sweet spot to release the axe, it all slots into place.
Axe Throwing sessions are 1 hour long with a maximum of 12 people per session, meaning that up to 4 people will be throwing at once.
Once you have got the hang of axe throwing, you will have some game time. We played Black Jack, where the first person to reach 21 points (or the closest person to 21 points wins). The bullseye is worth 5 points, the next ring is worth 4 points and so on.
I have to say, I hit my stride at just the right time and despite my husband consistently hitting the targets throughout our session, now it was my time to shine.
I have to say that it was the most satisfying hour of my week. It may have been tricky at first, but slinging axes and hitting the target (especially the bullseyes), with the kids cheering us on, was lots of fun.
Axe Throwing at Go Ape costs £15 per person and is available at Southampton, Bracknell – Berkshire, Coombe Abbey – Coventry and Matfen – Newcastle. It is a great activity for families with teens, a team building event, or as a stag / hen activity.
Disclaimer: We were gifted an axe throwing session for the purpose of a review. All thoughts and opinions are our own
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