Unleash Your Inner Woodsman: A Comprehensive Guide to Tomahawk Throwing

The rhythmic thud of a well-thrown tomahawk burying itself into a wooden target is an experience that resonates deep within our primal selves. More than just a sport, tomahawk throwing is a connection to history, a test of skill, and a uniquely satisfying pastime. If you’ve ever been captivated by the image of a woodsman effortlessly sinking an axe into a bullseye, this guide is for you. We’ll break down the art of tomahawk throwing, from choosing the right axe to perfecting your throw, ensuring you’re ready to join the ranks of skilled throwers.

Why Tomahawk Throwing?

Beyond the sheer fun of it, tomahawk throwing offers several benefits:

• Stress Relief: The focused concentration and physical act of throwing can be incredibly therapeutic, helping you unwind and clear your mind.
• Improved Coordination: Tomahawk throwing demands precision and control, improving your hand-eye coordination and overall body awareness.
• Physical Activity: It’s a full-body workout that engages your core, arms, and legs.
• Connection to History: The tomahawk has a rich history, and throwing it connects you to the traditions of woodsmen, frontiersmen, and Native American cultures.
• A Unique Skill: It’s a skill that’s both impressive and rewarding, providing a sense of accomplishment as you improve.

Choosing Your Tomahawk

The right tomahawk is crucial for success and safety. Here’s what to consider when choosing one:

• Weight: For beginners, a lighter tomahawk is recommended (around 1.25 to 1.75 lbs). Heavier tomahawks require more strength and are generally used by experienced throwers. Look for a good balance between the head and the handle.
• Handle Material:
  • Hickory: A traditional choice, known for its durability and shock absorption.
  • Synthetic (Nylon, Fiberglass): More resistant to weather and less prone to breaking, often requiring less maintenance.
• Head Shape and Material:
  • Bearded Heads: Allow for a deeper and more secure grip, often preferred for throwing.
  • Steel: High carbon steel is recommended for its strength and ability to hold an edge.
• Length: Handles usually range from 14 to 18 inches, depending on personal preference and throwing style.
• Purpose: Some tomahawks are designed specifically for throwing, while others are meant for general use. Choose a dedicated throwing tomahawk for best results.

Recommendation for Beginners: Look for a tomahawk with a hickory handle, a weight between 1.25 and 1.75 lbs, and a bearded head. Ensure it’s well-balanced and made of quality steel.

Setting Up Your Throwing Range

Safety is paramount when throwing tomahawks. A proper throwing range is essential to prevent accidents:

• Location: Choose a secluded area away from people, structures, and public access. A wooded area with a dirt backstop is ideal.
• Backstop: You need a solid backstop that will safely stop the tomahawk if it misses the target. A thick wooden wall or a dirt mound work well. Avoid using concrete or rock as they can cause dangerous ricochets.
• Target: A wooden target is essential.
  • Target Material: Use softwood, such as pine or cottonwood. Avoid hardwoods like oak or maple which can be difficult to stick.
  • Target Dimensions: Targets can be roughly 12-18 inches in diameter, cut from a thick log or section of a tree. Secure the target firmly to prevent it from moving when hit.
• Clearance Zone: Ensure a minimum of 15-20 feet of clear space in front of the target and 10-15 feet on each side.
• Safety Gear: Consider using safety glasses and work gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
• First Aid: Keep a basic first-aid kit readily available in case of minor injuries.

The Fundamentals of Tomahawk Throwing

Now for the exciting part – actually throwing the tomahawk! Here are the key steps to follow:

1. The Grip:
   • Standard Grip: Hold the tomahawk near the end of the handle, as if you were shaking hands with it. Your grip should be firm but not tense. Wrap all fingers around the handle.
   • Choked Up Grip: For shorter distances, you can try choking up on the handle, holding it closer to the head. This will help reduce the number of rotations on a short distance throw.
   • Consistency: The most important thing is to choose a comfortable grip that you can maintain consistently every time.
2. The Stance:
   • Forward Stance: Stand facing the target with your feet shoulder-width apart. One foot should be slightly forward, with your dominant foot (the foot on the same side as your throwing hand) slightly behind the other.
   • Side Stance: Stand at a side angle to the target. This will help keep your body out of the way of the swinging tomahawk.
   • Comfortable Base: It’s important to feel stable and balanced. Try different stance options and see what works best.
3. The Arm Swing:
   • Backswing: Draw the tomahawk back in a smooth, controlled arc, keeping your elbow relatively straight. You shouldn’t reach too far back. The key is fluidity.
   • Forward Swing: Bring your arm forward in a smooth, fluid motion, following the same arc as the backswing.
   • Release Point: Release the tomahawk when your arm is roughly level with the target and it is moving at its fastest speed. This is a crucial part and often takes some experimentation to figure out.
   • Follow-through: Don’t stop your arm swing after release. Continue the motion through the throw. This helps ensure a clean and consistent throw.
4. The Release:
   • Finger Opening: Let the tomahawk slide off your fingers naturally. Avoid flicking or pushing your hand at the release point.
   • Smooth Release: The release should be fluid and part of the overall arc motion, rather than a jerky flick.
5. The Rotation:
   • One Rotation: For most throwing distances, the goal is typically to achieve one full rotation of the tomahawk between your hand and the target.
   • Adjustments: The throwing distance, grip, and arm motion determine how much rotation you get. Adjust these factors as needed to achieve a successful stick.
   • Experimentation: Learning how to control the rotation is the most difficult, but also the most rewarding part of tomahawk throwing.
6. Targeting:
   • Focus: Keep your eyes focused on the center of your target throughout the entire throw.
   • Mental Focus: Block out distractions and focus solely on the task at hand.
   • Aim Small, Miss Small: Visualize a specific point on the target that you want to hit.

Fine-Tuning Your Throw: Common Issues and How to Fix Them

It’s rare to nail every throw perfectly right away. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Tomahawk Bouncing Back: This often means you’re too close or too far from the target, or your technique is off. The head is likely impacting the target too vertically or too horizontally. Adjust your throwing distance and ensure your tomahawk is rotating in the air.
• Tomahawk Sticking Handle First: This indicates the tomahawk is not rotating enough. Try moving closer to the target or adjusting your release point.
• Tomahawk Sticking Blade First, But Not Sticking: This might indicate the tomahawk is rotating too much or is hitting the target with not enough speed. You may need to move farther away or adjust your grip/release to get a bit more speed.
• Inconsistent Throws: This usually stems from a lack of consistency in your grip, stance, and arm swing. Practice consistently, using the same technique each time. Pay careful attention to your form and try to recreate each throw perfectly.
• Hitting High or Low: Ensure your arm angle is consistent, and that you’re using proper follow through.
• Poor Accuracy: This requires focus and consistent practice. Ensure that you are focused on your target, have a good stance, and use a smooth release.

Progression: Improving Your Skills

Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are some ways to challenge yourself and improve your tomahawk throwing skills:

• Varying Distances: Practice throwing from different distances to improve your accuracy and control. This will also help you master rotation control.
• Smaller Targets: Use smaller targets to improve your precision.
• Different Tomahawks: Experiment with different types of tomahawks to see how their weight, shape, and balance affect your throws.
• Trick Throws: Try throwing the tomahawk underhand, or behind your back once you are confident in your basic throw, but always with safety first.
• Competitive Throwing: Join a tomahawk throwing league or competition for a fun and challenging way to improve.

Safety Reminders

Safety should always be your top priority. Here are some key reminders:

• Never throw a tomahawk when anyone is downrange or in the clear zone.
• Always inspect your tomahawk for damage before throwing.
• Wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses and gloves.
• Be mindful of your surroundings.
• Never throw a tomahawk when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Use the proper target and backstop for throwing.
• Be aware of ricochet hazards.
• Store your tomahawk safely when not in use.

Conclusion

Tomahawk throwing is a rewarding skill that combines physical activity, mental focus, and a connection to the past. By following the steps outlined in this guide and practicing consistently, you can master the art of tomahawk throwing and experience the satisfaction of sinking a perfectly thrown axe into the target. Remember to start slow, prioritize safety, and enjoy the process. Now, go forth and unleash your inner woodsman! Happy throwing!