Move over, hot yoga. There’s a new sports facility in town where residents can get primal as they hurl axes onto wooden targets.
Located at 7 Sherman Avenue, Tomahawks is the Heights’ first axe-throwing emporium. Owner Chris Cotto — who also operates neighboring Jersey City Archery — just opened Tomahawks’ doors last month.
I wanted to open a place with a Jersey City vibe, says Cotto. A place that’s comfortable, fun, and builds on Jersey City’s Chilltown nickname.
The setup at Tomahawks is somewhat similar to a bowling alley in that customers share lanes, but that’s the only thing they have in common because at Tomahawks you’re throwing hatches instead of bowling balls.
Tomahawks has 14 lanes total and each lane is named after a Lenape word or geographical area. It’s a mini homage to the indigenous tribes who lived in present-day New Jersey.
Each tomahawk weighs approximately 2 lbs. “It’s a very easy beginner axe for most people,” says Cotto.
All lanes are 10 feet in length, although there are two lanes that extend to 15 feet if you really want to tap into your lumberjack roots.
In terms of pricing, shared lanes are $20/person per hour and can accommodate couples and groups of two or three. If a lane is not at capacity (4 or 6 participants), the next “shared” guests are added to your group, which makes the experience a great way to meet new folks. (Alternatively, there are private lanes for groups of three, which are priced at $25/person per hour). Tomahawks can also accommodate larger groups of 8 or up to 14 people.
Protective goggles are provided should you need it, but otherwise the only requirement is that you wear closed-toe shoes. There’s also an 18+ rule, but Tomahawks will allow 16 and 17 year olds who are accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Guests can bring or order food and drinks, but no liquor is allowed.
In the future, Cotto plans to add throwing knives and ninja stars, making the current facility a full throwing emporium, and a great place to practice for that zombie apocalypse.
