An Axe-travagent Adventure
Have you ever been axe throwing before? Or have you ever heard of it and are eager to try it out…well the Bear Grylls Adventure is a hit and one place to tick off your bucket list! Because it’s one I ticked off last week!
I’ve known about the Bear Grylls Adventure at the NEC for a while, but never had to time to experience it. However, I jumped at the chance to go axe throwing for work! And it was by far, the most fun I have ever had. Being able to use my strength and power to throw an axe? Sign me up…again!
Beginnings of the Bear Grylls Adventure
As we approached the entrance, we saw the almighty high ropes course on the side, which made me crane my neck up. I definitely couldn’t tackle that…but then again never say never, right?
Then we walked into the entrance, spotted the Jeep on the side and our ears filled with exciting music. We couldn’t miss the huge army carrier plane on the building, especially when you can zip line out of it! It felt like we were in a theme park, I got the same sort of buzz and the excitement grew tenfold.
When we finally entered, there was excited chatter and different activities wherever you laid your eyes on. When we signed in and found the Axe Throwing area, we made a beeline for it. We were met by the lovely Adventure Team who were going to be leading our axe throwing activity. They kindly told us that we weren’t able to wear our hoodies in case the axe snagged on it – so don’t wear them to this activity!
After we were ready and raring to go, he lead us into the safety demonstration room, to outline all the dos and don’ts when axe throwing. As well as what axes we’ll be using and what we’ll be doing. Be careful…but also have fun.
The Axe Throwing Activity
We were led into a room that had throwing lanes ready for participants to unleash their inner lumberjack and a viewing area for those who wish to spectate. Each lane had a throwline where you were to stand when ready to aim and throw your axe. Beyond that were wood chips laid down to soften the fall of the axe and right in front of you, was the goal. A target on a corkboard, where you will be aiming to hit your axe. A red circle on the outside, inside was a smaller blue circle and inside that was the bullseye! I had my eyes set on that, that’s for sure.
The expert adventure team then showed us a few example throws, how to hold the axe and where to aim. Then how we need to use the power in your hands, arm and stance and how to pick off the axe from the board and bring it back to the line, safely.
Finally, it was our turn… and boy, have we been waiting for this moment! We were to have 25 minutes of practise throws. We picked up our axes from the log stump and made our power stances at the throwing line.
Isobel went first, she drew back her arm and threw the axe, unfortunately, it missed, but she had the power. Next, it was my turn, watching my feet to make sure I was standing in a somewhat appropriate stance. Then threw the axe… And it was a success, as it struck the board, on my first go! I was beyond ecstatic, we all cheered and the team told me to ring the bell! It chimed as I went to collect my axe. To me, it was a powerful moment. I didn’t think I’d be able to throw an axe with my little strength, let alone hit the board on my first ever try!
However, it did give me fake confidence… hey, it happens. And a lotttt of my throws after didn’t hit. They’d either miss the board entirely, struck the planks of wood below, hit the chain fence or didn’t even reach the end of the throwing lane. But then Isobel struck her first axe in the target after many attempts and we all went wild. She rang the bell, and we cheered happily now she got her first hit! Now we both had our first hits, it was time for a game…
The Axe Throwing Challenge
It was time for a little challenge… A game of who can win the most points.
If you struck the axe outside the first red circle, you’d earn 2 points, if you hit inside the first red circle you scored 3 and if you hit inside the blue, you’d earn 5!
Of course, neither of us managed to score the 5 point mark…to be honest, we didn’t hit the board for a while. And after many more failed attempts, our adventure team gave us some helpful tips:
- Try resting on your dominant leg
- Throw your axe in one full motion, starting from the side of your leg and swinging it (safely) over your shoulder and swinging forward to throw
- Release the axe just a micro-second before you think you should throw it
- Aim a little higher
So, we tried those new techniques and…eventually, I got it! My axe hit the target and I earned my first 2 points. Then…score! I got another 3 points after throwing my axe inside the red ring. My winning streak had finally started and after a couple more successful throws at the board, I won the game – what a fun achievement.
But let’s not forget, I only managed to strike the target 5 times in my 45 minutes there. Otherwise, it was many many many unsuccessful attempts, but did that dampen the fun? Of course not! It was an extremely fun time and an activity I’ll be heading back to do again, and next time, I’ll hit the bullseye!
All in all, whether you go axe throwing for a stress reliever, to showcase your power and agility or to have a good time with friends or colleagues – it’s a fantastic activity to get stuck into and one that will make the best memories. So! Grab your axe (safely!) and throw it as hard as you can, with all your might. Strike it right into that bullseye and celebrate your achievement!
Go, go, go!
The Bear Grylls Adventure Continues...
After our exhilarating and challenging axe throwing adventure, we explored a little and found ourselves pulling towards the aquarium. A beautiful and tranquil site that instantly had me transfixed.
Watching the fish swim so effortlessly around a shark’s mouth frame was intriguing, I particularly had a strong pull towards the stingray, it was incredibly cute watching it. But the best part is going around the side of the aquarium and sticking your head through an inward bubble and gazing at the fish swim around. The way the bubble is, feels like you’re fully immersed in the actual water, and like the fish are swimming right by your head!
It was a truly magnificent sight.
Axe Throwing... Will We Go Back?
Of course, we would!
There are soooo many activities here, no matter your interests or abilities. Whether you try the Assault course, rock climbing, want to channel your inner Robin Hood with some archery or dabble with some puzzle-solving in an abandoned mine shaft with their escape rooms.
You should definitely plan an entire day here because there’s no better place to have an incredibly thrilling time.
The Bear Grylls Adventure invites you to channel your inner adventurist.
Address:
National Exhibition Center Halls
Marston Green
Birmingham
B40 1NT
Price for Axe Throwing:
from £20.00