On Target For Fun
Veterans bring ax throwing to Killeen, offering stress relief for all ages
By Twila Hill | Photos courtesy of Axed Out
Once the sport of mountain men and cedar choppers, ax throwing, the latest trend in Millennial and Generation Z pastimes, has landed hard and fast in Central Texas. Of the many ax throwing venues in the area, Killeen is home to one, Axed Out Texas, a veteran-owned business located in the heart of downtown.
Ashley Bower, aka Valkyrie, says the business opened more than three years ago with the idea of being a military family-friendly place to let off some steam at the end of a workday or on weekends.
“Most people that come through the door have never thrown an ax before,” Bower says. “We are more than happy to work with everyone to show them how to throw properly and safely.”
Bower’s best advice to those new to the sport? “Don’t throw as hard as you think you need to throw.”
Axed Out Texas, more than a place to release stress, is also home to a serious sport. The business affiliates with the World Axe Throwing League, the global governing body of urban ax throwing.
WATL was founded in 2017 by representatives from Canada, the United States, Brazil and Ireland. It has 19 ax throwing nations with membership. Members including over 175 member companies (affiliates). It organizes international tournament events such as the U.S. Open, Canadian Open, European Open, the North American Arnold Open, South American Arnold Open, and most notably, the World Axe Throwing Championship. It also appoints judges that officiate at all sanctioned leagues and tournaments. It promotes the WATL Code of Conduct, which sets professional standards of discipline for Urban Axe Throwing.
“This place is a stress reliever, your place of Zen or your place away from it all. It falls under a vast umbrella,” Bower says. “We are proud to have served honorably in the United States Army, and continue to live and run our business by the Army core values.”
Bower says they wanted to be the first to bring the ax throwing community to the Fort Hood area, while providing a place that can host every event from Hello and Farewells, reenlistment ceremonies, ETS and retirement parties, Family Readiness Group meetings, birthday parties, date nights, team builders, graduation parties and gender reveals, among other events.
Children ages 2 and older can use Ninja Stars if parents are not comfortable with them using anything sharp.
“The Ninja Stars are totally blunt, you can push them as far as you want with your hand and not draw blood. They stick to the wood though when the kids throw them since the wood is soft,” Bowers says.
Foam axes are for children age 1 and older, so the little ones can have fun like everyone else. During the day, RSVP only for Team Builder from 10-2. Ages 7 and older can throw sharp tools with a parent or guardian signing a waiver and remaining present with them.
“We love to host team-building events and we hope to one day host a teacher in-service with some of the local school districts,” Bowers says. “Teachers deserve stress relief, too.”
IF YOU GO
Address: 208 W. Rancier Ave, Killeen
Phone: 254-245-9029
Website: axedout.com
Email: axedouttexas@gmail.com
Facebook and Instagram: @axedouttexas
Hours: Monday and Tuesday by appointment only, 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday
