Lumberjack Axe Throwing is expanding across South Wales from city base
MATTHEW Griffin founded Lumberjack Axe Throwing in Tremorfa just months before the first lockdown.
Despite fluctuations with restrictions, the venture is now set to expand with a base in Swansea.
Mr Griffin’s ambition to start an axe throwing venue in Cardiff began in November 2019, when he went axe throwing with his brother in London.
He immediately noticed how popular the activity was and how diverse the people it attracted were and the business in St Catherine’s Park was born.
Mr Griffin started up the business on his own when he was only 21, but everything was changed by the pandemic. The business had only been open for six months and he hadn’t taken out a wage for himself so furlough was not an option.
He said: “I went to work in the Principality stadium when it became a hospital, it opened up my eyes to how much work the NHS staff do.
“Once I left the hospital I re-evaluated everything, saw where I was and thought about what I could do better.”
Reporters from the Cardiffian visited the Tremorfa unit and had a taster session learning different throws, from double-handed overhead throwing to reverse grip underarm throws.
It was an unusual experience although it was far from an easy skill to pick up, by the end of the hour and a half session we had both hit the bullseye at least once.
One of the best aspects of axe throwing is that it is a level playing field. Success is entirely dependent on technique rather than strength.
Lumberjack Axe Throwing works in partnership with a social care charity called Innovate which provides support and guidance for disabled people. Every Thursday, they open especially for Innovate and cater to a range of needs from wheelchair access to visual impairments.
Shannon Bates, who has worked at Lumberjack since July 2021, said: “I feel free when I’m here. I like seeing that the clients are happy and people progressing throughout the session – every client leaves here happy.”
Mr Griffin has been gathering together a team of like minded individuals. He explained that he looks for the right personalities as opposed to extensive CVs.
He has been inspired by the success of axe throwing in America. In the states, it is a popular sport with competitions involving prize money of up to $50,000.
Mr Griffin said: “With Cardiff and Swansea branches we’ll be the biggest axe throwing company in Wales. We can look into doing tournaments between cities and universities.”
- If you’re interested in trying your hand at axe throwing then you can book online or call 02922 741113.
