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When I first heard about the Ironside Axe Club, I thought it would be a fun activity that not many people normally do. Before this, I had only heard of throwing darts. Although I thought throwing an axe would be fun, I also considered it to be very dangerous. However, the price seemed to be reasonably fair, and my curiosity got the best of me.

Ironside Axe Club is located in West Des Moines. This club was founded about a year ago by Lisa Gardener. Gardener wanted to open the club to inspire people to get out and not just sit staring at a TV screen.

As I approached the doors of Ironside Axe Club, I noticed the company’s logo. The logo is made of wood and has two axes on it. The font even looked like a viking wrote it. It was different but cool. When I entered the building, the inside smelled like the outdoors and like wood. The style inside of the building was also unique. Instead of seeing bricks, I saw that the walls were made out of a glossy wood and the floor was made out of a barrel wood material. As I looked around, I saw that there was even viking equipment – such as a bow and arrow, a shield, clothing and a chair and a boat – in the club’s lobby for people to take pictures with. Off to the side, there was a pro shop so people could buy personalized axes and Ironside apparel. In the background, I could hear people screaming as they were having fun competing against each other. I felt excited and energized.

I introduced myself to Gardener, and she walked me through the procedure of how to properly throw an axe. We walked onto one of the six lanes. Each lane had two targets and was surrounded by a fence to prevent axes from being thrown across lanes. Gardener showed me the range of axes that customers could choose from. Some were light enough that you only need one hand to hold and throw. Others were a little heavier and required two hands. More skilled throwers can bring their own axes as long as they meet the club’s requirements. The goal of axe throwing is to hit a target on the bullseye. The closer to the center the axe is, the more points you get. A few lanes down, I watched customers throw axes, and I felt confused and questioned how easy the task would be.

With my left foot in front of me on the safety line and my right foot behind, I lifted the axe directly above my head before throwing it at the target. It was kind of like throwing a dart, just a heavy, dangerous version. After trying to throw with one and then two hands, I quickly became more confident and fascinated with the activity. Another axe left my hands as it forcefully hit the center of the target.

For those who are nervous about going to Ironside Axe Club, throwing the axes is easier than you think.

According to Gardener, axe throwing is accessible to almost anyone. She said she has seen a variety of people, including children and a blind man, successfully hit their bullseyes.

After throwing about 10 axes, I was exhausted and ready to leave. Going to the Ironside Axe Club gave me a sense of adventure and helped relieve some stress. In the future, I would go back with friends. That way we could have fun competing against each other. I wouldn’t recommend going alone. Also, bring your own food and beverage because there is no food served. I also recommend going on Wednesdays around lunch time because it’s only $10.