Thrill of the thunk

The heavy “thunk” of an ax as it hits — and sticks to — a wooden target is a sound Jorge Lima finds both satisfying and addictive.

Lima is one of the co-owners of Civil Axe Throwing, which started in Huntsville and expects to open its Birmingham venue by the end of June. Civil offers a novel form of entertainment: throwing axes at wooden targets, either for competition, stress relief or simple recreation.

“It is highly addictive,” Lima said.

It’s pretty similar to darts or bowling, if the bowling ball had a blade at one end and was thrown from over your head.

Lima said they decided to open an ax throwing business after owning escape rooms in Huntsville and seeking out something new for people to enjoy. Since the Huntsville location opened in 2017, Lima said they have had positive response and even started a league under National Axe Throwing Federation (NATF) standards. 

“We love unique experiences, we love fun,” Lima said of his family’s decision to open the original Civil Axe Throwing.

The Birmingham location, at 3004 Fourth Ave. S., has four lanes with two targets each. Lima said people can sign up as individuals or groups for one-hour or two-hour sessions. There are “ax-perts” on hand to teach people how to throw the axes, which come in multiple sizes, and get the axes to hit the target and stick.

“You actually have to [throw] literally like a tomahawk. There is some technique to it,” Lima said. “The goal is you want the ax to rotate at least once.”

He said the time it takes for people to learn to throw varies. His wife, for instance, took about an hour to start throwing consistently and then beat him soundly. Lima said he learned “not to talk smack” in the early part of a competition. 

“I think they’ll be surprised how good they can be,” Lima said.

Once customers get the hang of it, they can compete in skill games or participate in a league that Lima hopes to set up to challenge other throwers in the region. As with darts, the different areas of the target are worth varying point amounts.

As with the Huntsville location, Birmingham’s Civil Axe Throwing is BYOB, so participants can unwind over drinks and the sounds of axes hitting -— or missing — the targets.

Lima emphasized that Civil is NATF-certified and the lanes are built to meet the organization’s standards, including barriers between the lanes and soft bumper material on the wall to prevent axes from rebounding back toward the throwers. There are also painted lines for throwing, observation and a line that participants cannot cross in order to stay safe. Participants must be 14 or older.

“It’s a safe place to release some energy,” Lima said, adding that one thrower described it as “primitively euphoric.”

People in Huntsville have enjoyed ax throwing, Lima said, because it’s something anyone can learn regardless of strength or size. The first time an ax sticks to the target is cause for celebration.

“Plus, you get to throw an ax and not get in trouble, which is pretty cool,” Lima said.

Lima said he would like to add an additional four lanes in the future if there is demand for it. According to the Civil website, the Birmingham location is the first of several locations coming to Chattanooga and Memphis, Tennessee and Des Moines, Iowa. 

Civil Axe Throwing will mostly open on evenings and weekends, though Lima said they will open up during the weekdays for corporate events or parties when needed.

The cost to participate is $12.50 per person for a walk-in half hour, $20 per person for one hour or $35 per person for two-hour group events. Civil Axe Throwing can accommodate walk-ins, but reservations are recommended to ensure a lane is available. For more information, visit civilaxethrowing.com/birmingham.