Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Indoor Competitive Axe Throwing?
Axe throwing as a competitive indoor sport gained momentum in Canada over the past decade, and became popular in the US over the last few years. It is an individual sport where competitors throw the axe through the air with a spin so that in addition to hitting the target, it also covers one complete rotation, adding a new dimension to traditional throwing sports like darts.

How does a session work?
Your session will begin with a safety briefing, a throwing tutorial, and an overview of the scoring system. From there, the possibilities are endless! Our coaches are equipped to oversee your session from a distance and let you throw casually, help you sharpen your skills, or run you through a full scale tournament. Let them know what kind of experience you are looking for, and they will be happy to help.

Will I be able to do it?
Of course you can! The techniques our coaches teach are built to accommodate people of all shapes, sizes, and ages.

Is axe throwing safe?
Throwing an axe is about as safe as sports like darts or bowling! It may be initially intimidating to see people throwing axes, but our coaches are trained to monitor guest safety and will instruct you on how to avoid any accidents!

How old do you have to be to throw?
All ages are welcome in our facilities, but the youngest we allow to throw is 9. All throwers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and have a liability waiver signed on their behalf. As long as you are over 18, you can sign your own waiver and throw!

What should I wear?
Please wear clothes that are comfortable to move in and closed-toe shoes! During the winter, we also recommend bringing layers to our St. John’s location because it can get pretty chilly.

Can I bring my own axe?
As long as you are all right with our staff checking it for safety beforehand, you are welcome to bring your own axe! Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate any other types of thrown object (i.e. knives, throwing stars, shovels).

Do you allow spectators?
Yes we do! Our space does have seating available for spectators, though we reserve the right to ask non-throwers to leave if the room gets too crowded. We do not charge for people who are not throwing, but if they change their mind, they will have to be added to the reservation.

Is there parking?
Ample free street parking is available on Foster Rd. and neighboring streets.

Do you have air conditioning?
We are excitecd that our Foster location is air conditioned!

Are your locations accessible?
Our Foster location is ADA accessible (no ramp/stairs) and has an ADA bathroom.  Axe throwing is readily available for a wide range of people with different abilities. We have helped people in wheelchairs, with canes, and even blind people stick their axes in the target!

How many people can you accommodate?
Our Foster location can accommodate up to 50 people inside, and we can expand out front with our mobile trailer for groups slightly larger than that. Our mobile trailer is great for parties larger than 50, and we come to you! If you have an inquiry about a large group, please email us at info@portlandaxethrowing.com.

Can we take pictures & videos?
Absolutely! Please ask our coaches before photographing them, but otherwise take as many pictures as you’d like! We’d also love for you to tag us on Bluesky!

How long should I book for?

Our recommendations:

• 1-4 people: 1/2 to 1 hour

• 5-10 people: 1 to 2 hours

• 10+ people: 2 hours or more

What time should I show up to my appointment?
We appreciate when you arrive a little bit early so you have time to order drinks and food from neighboring businesses. We can get started promptly at your reservation time, but we know things happen and we are as flexible as we can be on time.

What if my group is a different size than what I thought it would be?
In most cases, our staff will do a head-count of the people who throw during the session, and we will update our invoice to reflect the correct number of people. If you think your group will be significantly more people or significantly fewer people, please email us at info@portlandaxethrowing.com so we can make sure you are accommodated correctly.

How do I book something outside of your normal sessions?
Whether you are looking to book the entire space for a party, go longer than 2 hours, or get a session during times we are normally closed, your best bet will be to email us at info@portlandaxethrowing.com to hash out the details.

I’m trying to book for today! Do you have availability right now?
If you are having trouble booking a session online, send us an email at info@portlandaxethrowing.com, call/text us at (503)-212-0803, or just check in at one of our locations!

Do you offer walk-in hours?
We are the spot for walk in axe throwing with ten targets! We also have a free retro video game lounge if you happen to come by when we are full. Our busiest times are Thursday-Sunday and 5pm-9pm any night. We suggest reserving ahead for these time slots.

How can I pay?
We accept cash or card on site, including apple/google pay. We always accept payments through the customer portal linked in your confirmation email!

Should I tip?
We encourage tipping your coaches. Our coaches will be a resource for you through your entire session offering advice and leading you through the experience. If they did a good job, you can tip them in cash, or on your card when you pay for your session. Also keep in mind, groups of 11 or more people (4+ targets) will have a 15% gratuity added to their invoice.

What is your cancellation policy?
We understand things happen! If you cancel or reschedule, please let us know as soon as possible. You will receive a full refund if cancellations are made 24 hours or more before your session time. If you do not give 24 hour notice, you will be charged 50% of the session price. If we don’t hear from you, we will charge you full price for the session.

Do you sell alcohol?
Our SE Foster location offers a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages!

You really let people drink while they do this?
Our coaches and staff have the same training and licensing that a bartender does, and will monitor the space for safety and cut off drink service if there are safety concerns. We also encourage a non-alcoholic beverage in between your alcoholic beverages so you stay hydrated and safe.

Do you have food?
We have packaged snacks available for purchase and you are welcome to BYOFood. You can order from our next-door neighbors Nayar Taqueria and they will give you a buzzer to come pick it up when it’s ready! We encourage you to support our neighbors and other local businesses!

Check out this google map of carry-out options near Portland Axe!

• Nayar Taqueria: Awesome Mexican food next door to Portland Axe.

• Assembly Brewing: Delicious Detroit-style pizza just 2 blocks away. Head back after your session for their brews!

• An-Xuyen Bakery (0.3mi away): Excellent Banh Mi sandwiches, pan-asian bakery, boba smoothies.

• Thunderbird (0.3mi away): Plant-based and standard bar food with healthy and unhealthy options, yum!

Can I bring outside food or drink?
Outside drinks are not allowed. We have lots of options for you (non-alcoholic and alcoholic).

Outside food is encouraged - we’re not a kitchen and we’re happy to promote the awesome local restaurant businesses near Portland Axe.