MUSKEGON, Mich. — Chop to it, Muskegon! There's something new and exciting to do on Western Avenue.
Muskegon Axe Throwing's owner, Michael Lewis, first got started with the sport in 2018 when he saw it on ESPN.
"I was kind of surprised, I've been throwing sharp stuff with my cousins ever since I was little," Lewis said. "So I always have a knack for throwing in the backyard."
The initial intrigue for the sport eventually became the inspiration for a business. However, 2020 had other plans.
"When I fully decided to go for it, everybody kind of shut down," Lewis said. "So I decided to go truck and trailer and not do a lease or mortgage."
Then began four years of running a mobile business. Lewis explained it only takes him about half an hour to set up. For a while, he said, the business was outdoor only.
"We started with just a fall league that was so popular that they wanted me to find an indoor spot, which led to The Valkyrie," Lewis explained. "We had a collaboration with The Valkyrie in North Muskegon where we started with two lanes, grew to three, and then even that became not quite big enough for us."
Now, the business has set up shop in the heart of downtown Muskegon at 351 Western Ave.
"We're in the social district," Lewis added. "So you can go see any of our friends like Unruly Brewery, Blockers, Rad Dads, grab a drink and come on back as long as it's in a social district cup."
At that new downtown location on Tuesday over 30 people gathered for league night.
"We go on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, kind of try to keep it interesting for the week for something to do, you know?" Lewis said. "So if you're looking to get out of the house and have a little bit of fun, excellent as a good hobby."
Lewis said it's also a hobby that people of all ages can get in on. People ages six and up can throw the ninja stars, people ten and up can throw the knives and axes. However, Lewis said they have little plastic axes that can be thrown by anybody.
For anyone interested in getting into the sport, Lewis said there are two types of people.
"People that love axe throwing and people that don't know they love axe throwing yet," Lewis said. "I think it's a lot easier than you might realize. It looks a little intimidating, and when you first hear axe throwing you think there's a lot involved. In fact, it's mostly technique and timing."
If you're interested in trying your hand at the sport you can visit muskegonaxethrowing.com for more information or to book a lane.
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