Tomahawk Throwing: Key Tips for a Safe Experience

3 minute read

Tomahawk axe on wooden table

Tomahawk throwing is a fun and engaging activity that can provide participants with a sense of accomplishment and a good source of physical activity. However, ensuring safety on the range is paramount to preventing accidents and injuries. This article outlines essential safety measures and best practices for maintaining a safe tomahawk throwing environment.

Tomahawk Range Setup and Maintenance

Proper range setup and regular maintenance are crucial for a safe tomahawk throwing experience. Follow these guidelines:

Establish Clear Lines

Waiting Line: Participants should stay behind this line while waiting to throw.
Throwing Line: Participants throw from behind this line, which is approximately 14 feet from the target.

Inspect Targets and Tomahawks

Check targets for cracks or severe damage that could affect the ability to stick tomahawks.
Inspect tomahawks for cracked handles or damaged heads.
Alert maintenance or your supervisor if any targets or tomahawks are severely damaged.
Tomahawk heads should be inspected weekly for dullness and sharpened if necessary.

A diagram displaying the safe setup of a tomahawk throwing station

Safely Throwing the Tomahawk

Man throwing tomahawk at a target

Proper technique is essential for both safety and success in tomahawk throwing. Throwing too hard or improperly can result in the tomahawk returning to the firing line. Staff should explain the range rules and demonstrate safe throwing techniques, including the proper positioning, grip, and throw of the tomahawk.

Positioning

Ensure the tomahawk blade is pointing toward the target.
Adopt a pitcher's position with one foot forward and one back. If throwing one-handed, the opposite foot of the throwing hand should be forward.
Maintain an upright and level stance, similar to throwing a ball.
Grip the tomahawk like a hammer.
Extend your arm(s) straight toward the target without bending the shoulder.
Ensure the tomahawk is held straight to prevent wobbling during the throw.

Grip and Throw

Hold the handle near or at the base with the blade at the top.
Bring the tomahawk straight back and throw straight forward, aiming for the target.
Follow through with your arm(s) while keeping your wrist locked.

Additional Tomahawk Throwing Safety Rules to Implement

Adhering to safety rules is essential to protect all participants:

Clear the Range During Throws

Ensure that no one is on the range while tomahawks are being thrown.

Participant Conduct

Participants must listen to safety rules and conduct themselves responsibly.
Parents, guardians, or adult leaders may join a thrower on the line for supervision.

Handling Tomahawks

Tomahawks should remain in a resting position until instructed to begin throwing.
Participants should not grab tomahawks by the blade.
Tomahawks should only be thrown overhand, using one or two hands on the handle.

Post-Throw Procedures

Participants should step back from the firing line after throwing.
Tomahawks should only be collected when instructed, either when all throwers are done or when both tomahawk and archery ranges are clear.
Participants should walk back to the firing line, collect tomahawks, and return them to a resting position.
Participants should only collect the tomahawks they threw.

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