The Chic Guide: What is Urban Axes?
Krista Paton, Co-Founder of Urban Axes: Urban Axes is America’s first indoor axe throwing venue. It started in 2016 in Philadelphia, and our Over-the-Rhine location opened in January 2019.
The Chic Guide: What’s the inspiration behind it?
Paton: People are always looking for something fun and different to do, and axe throwing in an indoor, urban environment definitely counts as both! In the stressful, busy world we live in, the simple act of throwing an axe at a board and hearing that delicious “thunk” when it sticks feels cathartic and almost primal. One of the best things about axe throwing is that anyone can do it. It’s not about strength or even how well you throw things. It’s all about listening to your coach and following their advice. Women regularly beat men on their initial visits, something that surprises a lot of people. Axe throwing is something that we can teach anyone how to do.
The Chic Guide: Who’s behind it?
Paton: Urban Axes was started by 4 friends: myself, Matt Paton, Shaun Hurley, and Stuart Jones. I grew up in Ohio and lived in Over-the-Rhine and worked in Cincinnati for many years for P&G before leaving to start Urban Axes.
The Chic Guide: How does a visit to Urban Axes work?
Paton: Urban Axes is ideal as a group event from 4-100 people. A group event starts with one-on-one coaching with one of our Axeperts, who will get everyone in your group throwing safely and comfortably. Your Axepert then leads you through a round robin competition where you will play a few matches against others in your group to score the most points. Those points then seed you in an elimination-style tournament to crown an axe throwing champion. If you only have a few peopler want to have a date night, we also do one-hour casual throwing sessions where we teach you how to throw and play a few games. Urban Axes is 21+, and we have a bar serving local beers, wine, and cocktails.
Once you fall in love with axe throwing, we also have recreational and competitive leagues. Because you sign up as an individual, leagues are a great way to make friends while doing something different. Who doesn’t want to add “Competitive Axe Thrower” to their resume or online dating profile?
The Chic Guide: What makes Urban Axes unique?
Paton: At Urban Axes, our coaches are part of the experience. They stay with you the whole time and ensure you are throwing safely, but as importantly, coaching you along the way to help you improve and increase your competitive edge. Other axe throwing places hand you axes, give you a safety speech, and then leave you to throw on your own. The coach transforms the experience and helps your axes stick in the board, which is kind of the point, right?
The Chic Guide: Where is Urban Axes located?
Paton: We are located in Over-the-Rhine, right next to Rhinegeist Brewery near Findlay Market.
The Chic Guide: Where can readers go to learn more and follow along?
Paton: Visit our website or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
