Newsletter editor Maria, here. If you're subscribed to our daily newsletter, you'll remember this ask about quirky hobbies. My thinking? It's never too late to try something new. A new hobby — and sport — I picked up fairly recently: axe throwing.

I first tried it in July 2023, and haven't been able to put the axes down since. What started as a video project turned into a weekly event spanning two years (and counting), taking me to Asheville, Durham, and qualifying for the International Axe Throwing Championship in Canada.

Where to throw

BATL Grounds | LoSo and Plaza Midwood | $30 per person | League nights are Mondays in LoSo and Tuesdays in Plaza Midwood — you'll most likely find me throwing on Tuesdays.

Bad Axe Throwing | 350 E. 6th St., Ste. 1 | $20+ per person

Victory Lane Karting | 2330 Tipton Dr., Ste. 100 | $24+ per person

Tips to get started

Don't be scared. The coaches will walk you through every step before you throw your first axe.
Be patient. After a few league nights at BATL + learning how to step and throw, you’ll start landing them.
Keep your back straight to keep the axe in a straight trajectory toward the target.
Try new axes. Every thrower has their own approach and your axe should match your style — something you'll learn with time.
Most importantly: have fun.

Pro tip: If you're going to start a league, don't worry about bringing your own axe. While this is a great starter axe, many throwers will let you borrow one for the evening.

Now's your chance to tell me about your favorite hobby — I'd love to write about it for an upcoming newsletter.