As a mom I don’t always get many nights out. When my working mom-friend took me out for my birthday she surprised me with axe throwing at Maniax. I had no idea what it would be like, but I jumped at the chance for a girls night out!
I’ve know her for years and I know she is one of those people who is naturally athletic and good at everything she tries, but being honest, I had concerns about my abilities. I was thinking that since she’s a lefty I might have a chance of getting one up on her this time!
What is Axe Throwing?
What is axe throwing may not be the right question. You grab an axe and you throw it. Perhaps ‘how does axe throwing work might?’ be more appropriate. I had no idea, but my friend always has the best ideas, so I had to try. The prices vary depending on how long you want to be there, how many axes you want to use and whether you want to do additional learning or tournaments.
It was our first time so we took the basic package with the official wood league axe. To be honest the bigger ‘Maniax’ option scared me a bit. It was a slow night for them and they let us try the Maniax. We both tried it, but it does take awhile to get used to it.
My left-handed friend was so good she started throwing with her right arm to give me a chance!
Stance is important. As you can see in the photo below they have wire caged alleyways where you stand behind a line and throw your axe at the target. When you throw the axe you want your body fully facing forward and try to make sure you extend your arm out completely. Like bowling, if your arm is crooked or in a different direction that is where your axe will go.
The first time I threw mine hit the ground and bounced back up. After I calmed myself and reminded myself I wasn’t going to get an axe to the face, I did a few more throws and eventually got the hang of it. My friend of course was a natural and first throw she got a bulls eye.
Maniax has 10 alleyway targets and can hold up to 120 players at once. I don’t think I’d want to be there with that many people, but it would be fun for a bit larger group.
BYOB, food and snacks
Another great thing to know is that Maniax Laval allow allows you to bring your own food, snacks and drinks. If you didn’t come prepared they even allow you to order takeout or can you order for you. They also offer tables, counters, stools and fridges for you to use while there.
What you need to know before you go:
- You can bring your own food/drinks!
- You don’t need a reservation. It might be wise to make one, but they accept walk-ins.
- It doesn’t require any pre-planning, practise or skill for axe throwing.
- Watch out on map apps. Maniax (1035, Desserte Nord autoroute 440 WEST, H7L 3W3) is behind the Éco Dépôt Céramique, in a stripmall/office building and is very unassuming on the outside. and you may not find it.
- There is a couche tard around the corner if your wanted to pick up a few drinks for you rnight out.
- If you really like it, try joining their social club/league to throw axes regularly and even do competitions.
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Have your tried axe throwing at Maniax? Let us know if you have or any other great places you have gone axe throwing.
