Anyone wanting to explore their inner lumberjack can now do it in Downtown DeLand.
Wise Axe, where participants throw hand axes at lumber bull’s-eye targets, has relocated to 303 N. Woodland Blvd. from the DeLand Municipal Airport, where it opened in 2019.
Owner Amy Neiman told The Beacon that the Downtown facility, which opened June 1, is in a much better location than when it was in the out-of-the-way airport site.
“It’s been very good, because there’s more drive-by traffic,” she said.
The new location is also bigger than the earlier one, she noted. There are still eight throwing lanes, but there’s a larger spectator and reception area that now has two pool tables, a foosball table, and tables for consuming food, beer, wine, canned cocktails and soft drinks while watching throwers in action.
TWO-HANDED OVERHEAD THROW — This competitor uses both hands when she throws an ax from overhead. Most people use just one hand, but the two-handed throw is not uncommon.
Neiman said customers can bring in food or have it delivered, but cannot bring in outside drinks.
Neiman got the idea of opening Wise Axe in 2019, when she was visiting her son in Virginia. She learned an ax-throwing facility had opened near his home and, being somewhat adventurous, she decided to give it a try, she told The Beacon later that year.
“As soon as we walked in the door, I loved it,” Neiman said at the time. “It’s great exercise and very fun. I told my husband this would be a great fit for DeLand.”
The throwing lanes are guarded by chain-link fencing on either side, with wooden targets at the far end. The targets feature a 4-inch-diameter bull’s-eye surrounded by four concentric rings, each 4 inches wide. A bull’s-eye is worth five points, and each ring outward is worth one point less than the one before.
There are three styles of axes to throw, but Neiman said while they all weigh the same, they have different handles. Any of the on-site coaches can explain the differences, she added.
A BUSTLING NIGHTTIME SCENE DOWNTOWN — Wise Axe, an establishment in which people throw hatchetlike axes at wooden targets within fenced lanes, was bustling with activity one recent evening.
Despite the seeming danger of sharp-bladed instruments flying through the air, ax- throwing is a very safe sport, Neiman insists. When you come in to throw, a Wise Axe coach will explain safety rules and how to throw properly. It usually takes 15 to 20 minutes to get the hang of it, Neiman said, and no experience is necessary.
Wise Axe also has mobile units — pickup-towed trailers with a throwing lane safely surrounded by chain-link fencing — that can be brought to your home, office or wherever for private events, Neiman said.
There are also teams in adult and youth leagues. Wise Axe is a member of the World Axe Throwing League.
Wise Axe DeLand is at 303 N. Woodland Blvd. in Downtown DeLand, across from the Courtyard by Marriott DeLand. Hours are 4-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday, 2-11 p.m. Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Wise Axe is closed Monday and Tuesday.
For more information or to learn about specials, go to www.WiseAxeDeLand.com or call 386-873-4791.
