Introducing axe throwing to Wollongong has proved a sharp move, with last weekend’s BAT Outta Hell tournament attracting about 100 spectators to watch mostly sold-out events.
“When we started up battle axe throwing, we really wanted to make ourselves part of the Wollongong and Illawarra landscape,” said Chloe Lyttle, one of the owners of Battle Axe Throwing on Crown Street.
Part of the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF), the Wollongong venue opened in February 2022. It now hosts one of Australia’s largest leagues in the emerging indoor sport, encouraging people to let out their ‘inner Viking or lumberjack’.
"It's new, very social and something different,” said Chloe, who also competed in the weekend’s tournament.
“We're really lucky that the community has really come on board and are happy to give axe throwing a try."
Cheered on by a lively crowd, last weekend's event saw about 20 to 40 people line up in each category to hurl hatchets at wooden targets.
The competition highlight was the Women’s and Non-Binary IATF Major Tournament, with Jenn Walker from Brisbane taking 1st place, followed by Clara Bush in 2nd, Eden Medway in 3rd, and Isabella Polizzi in 4th. Jenn will now go on to represent Australia in the 2025 International Axe Throwing Championships in Canada.
Chloe said: “We are so thrilled that we have held a sold-out Women's and Non-Binary IATF Major Tournament and appreciate everyone who was able to participate, spectate and support this monumental event.”
Australia’s top two competitors – Jason Howell and Tyler Seddon – also took part in the BAT Outta Hell tournament. Visiting star throwers included Clara Bush, Mandalay Graham and Saber Luna, while local talents including Stuart Reed and Matt "Wildcard" Evans gave it their best shot.
Chloe said: “For our guys who come in for maybe a social league, for them to have the opportunity to see some of these top throwers throw against them, have a chat – that’s kind of an invaluable experience and the more we cross pollinate, the quicker we upskill our region and the entire sport.”
The tournament featured a range of events, from the Under 50 Average Tournament to the four-member Yahtzee Team Competition. There was a prize pool of $775 and winners also received trophies, merchandise and sponsor prizes.
Battle Axe Throwing hosts two main events a year. Chloe said that their first, the 2024 Battle-Axe Open in January, set records, including as the world’s largest regional axe-throwing event.
Anyone who’d like to try their hand at throwing an axe is welcome.
Chloe said: ”Come along for a session and you'll be taught by a qualified coach on safety and how to throw. While being supervised the entire time in a safe, controlled space."
To find out more about Battle-Axe Throwing, check out their website or Facebook page.
