It was the beginning of September. Still very hot, still very much summer here in Lancaster, PA.
I was dillying.
Dallying.
Then I got an email from Andrew in Australia, who asked the question any blog with a single writer longs to read: Can I write for you? After a few preliminary email exchanges, RYODHAI/Andrew/RIDE OR DIE had an introductory/get-to-know-you post ready, and I couldn't be more excited to start serving up some content from the IATF's Pacific--that is, G'DAXE region. So, without further ado, here's an introductory/getting to know you post for The Axe Badger's newest correspondent:
Hello dear reader (oh gawd that’s dreadful, hang on I’ll start again)
Yo, Wazzup!!! (nailed it!)
I’m not the Axe Badger, no you’re not in the wrong place, technically I am. Let me introduce myself, I’m Andrew, throwing name RYODHAI (answers to RYOBI, RIDE OR DIE, HYUNDHAI).
Both my prem average and my age are a little under 55 (and no we won’t be going into any more detail than that). I’m the most average axe thrower in Australia, it ‘s an official title, we had a vote and everything. A couple of weeks ago I was reading a Badger Blog thinking, “I would love it if he was able to do some stuff about the scene in Australia”.
THE ASK FROM AUSTRALIA
With our Grand Slam event the Asia Pacific Axe Throwing Championship (APATC) coming up in a few weeks at MANIAX I took the rather bold step of reaching out to him and pitched the idea of sending him some material about it. You’ll be very pleased to know he’s not too big of a celebrity to answer his own emails, and within 48 hours I got a “Hey Andrew, I’d love that…” and so here we are.
If it were up to me I’d just send in ideas and interviews and Matt would do all the typey-typey wordy stuff. But he thought it would be better for my voice to talk about the issues close to me (emotionally and geographically) also as he pointed out, The Axe Badger is a lot of work to maintain, and getting an assist wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. So here I am on the 4th draft, after spending a couple of hours procrastinating (the kitchen is so clean right now) trying to be a writer. Be gentle I’m new to this.
HOW I GOT HERE
I got into axe throwing about 3 years ago after a work team bonding session. Growing up I’d always played sport, but a lot of that came back to haunt me, with dodgy knees, broken toes, and wrists that can predict storms. I’ve had to really scale back what I get up to as a result.
Axe throwing was a way to get active again at a physicality I could cope with. I’ve eased my way into it, spending a few months just doing casual sessions, after a while buying my first axe (don’t ask what number I’m up to now, and if you ever find out do not tell my partner). It’s a short trip from there to my first season of league, and I haven’t stopped since. I’m just now in my second prem league season, having ticked off the bucket list in standard.
Love of the game, love of the community, and love of the learning curve (love-hate?) has me in no doubt they’ll have to drag me away from this sport in a coffin. But it’s a flame that’s recently been turned up to 100 as I’ve just begun to get out to tournaments. And I think my experiences here can offer up a sweet intersection between what this blog aims to do, and why I’m here in the first place.
MAKING THE MOST OF TOURNEYS
Like I said I’m 3+ years into this journey, and along the way I’ve always been aware of tournaments, but that title I spoke about before? “Most average thrower in Australia”, I’ve had to work up to that lofty height. I always told myself competing in tournaments was something I’d do when I thought I was good enough. But I’ve come to realize now, how much of a disservice I’d done myself with that approach. Knowing what I know now my advice to anyone new in the sport, who wants to stick it out and get better, is to hit the tournament scene ASAP.
Yes it’s going to be intimidating, yes you will feel like a fish out of water, yes you will most likely bail out very quickly. But you will also make good friends, see amazing games, be exposed to in depth conversations, and get turned on to excellent resources.
Go in thirsty for knowledge, watch games and make mental notes (or physical, I’m not your mum) about the way people stand, their step, timing, the axe start position, every little thing. Then go talk to the thrower, (preferably once the match is over) and ask about something you noticed. At this point you could consider some sauce, or a nice jus for your ear, cause it’s about to get chewed off.
If you aren’t aware yet, most axe throwers love nothing more than talking at length about axe throwing, especially stuff they’re working on in their own journey. For me tournaments have been the single greatest catalyst for my progression, from providing motivation, to the sheer concentration of advice and resources I’ve been able to plumb. Coming back to a league night still on a contact high from a tournament and feeling different (good different) is such a buzz. It awakens the beast within every time. I make more time before and after for training, and the training itself feels more directed and meaningful. It gives an extra dimension of purpose to the struggle and increases the sense of community and belonging.
Go with a friend if you can, or if you can’t and you’re feeling nervous talk to someone from your local venue about how you feel, I’m sure they’ll hook you up with someone to be a buddy, and a point of contact.
If I’ve learned anything from tournaments it’s that this community bends over backwards to make everyone feel comfortable, and they all want to see you succeed.
Hopefully I’ve convinced you all to get out to the next tournament near you, if not I’m sure the wrap up will push you over the line. For now though, we return you to your normal service. Aussie Badger, over and out!
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