Axe Ventura: Fun with an edge

Shannon Kozyra likens axe throwing to a new form of bowling. She and Anthony Taylor have opened Axe Ventura, at 401 S. Main St., where groups of people come to throw axes onto a wall of wood with a target painted on it. As rough and rowdy as it sounds, it is all safe and supervised. A coach gives axe throwers a quick lesson in safety and proper two-handed, over-the-head throwing technique. The coach then stands by during the entire axe-throwing round to give additional tips, Kozyra said. Those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. But Axe Ventura still keeps the fun edge keen. "We always crown a champion, so somebody always leaves with bragging rights in the group," Kozyra said. Kozyra and Taylor had their first axe-throwing experience on a vacation trip to Kentucky. They loved it. "It was different. We are not big technology people, he and I, so we're always looking for something to do," she said. "It was something that encouraged people to talk to each other. We didn't go to a bar and sit and watch the television at this bar. It was something to do. That was the fun part of it." "We got to meet new people and socialize with individuals but we were up and doing something, almost like a new form of bowling," Kozyra added. She guarantees that by the time visitors to Axe Ventura finish their axe-throwing round, which lasts about an hour, they will feel like they did something. "You will feel like you have had your fill of axe throwing by the time you leave," Kozyra said. "We do a very good job of making sure everybody rotates through and gets plenty of time." Axes are 12-14 inches in length and can weigh 1.25 or 1.5 pounds. Participants generally throw them from 15 feet away from the target. Some may have to throw from a bit farther away. "It's really a geometry and physics kind of issues there, just depending on how the axe rotates," Kozyra said. "But the axe, for the majority of the time, does the work. They are weighted to spin. They are designed to stick in the wood. So the axe is really created to make the experience more fun." Having the coach nearby also helps. "You have people that come in and they are like, 'I'm going to be really bad at this' or 'So-and-so is going to be so much better' and it's really the way that we teach it, the way that we coach, it is really designed for anybody and everybody to come in and be successful," Kozyra said. "People leave very, very pleased at the end. I think that's probably one of the most surprising things, is that you can come in and do this and be successful at it." The coach has an eye for people's nuances. "You're dealing with variation in people's heights, variation in people's strengths and how they throw and where they release. So the coach knows to watch for certain indicators and then gives that person tips on how to be more successful," Kozyra said. "When those tips are implemented, then the person obviously has a higher chance of sticking the wood." Kozyra and Taylor also have an Axe Ventura venture in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which has been open for a year. They both grew up in Kenton, so when they were ready to open a second establishment, they knew Findlay would be a great location. They are planning to start leagues soon. The couple also is seeking a state license to serve alcohol. No food is served, but people are welcome to bring in "tailgate-style" food or pizza, she said. Axe Ventura is open from 4-10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays. It also offers private events outside regular business hours. Arrangements can be made by emailing Findlay@axe-ventura.com