Thomas Balk is gearing up for his first summer as owner of the Peninsula Axe Throwing company in Cooper Landing.

Originally from upstate New York, Balk has lived in Alaska for eight years. He became interested in ax-throwing when a former boss introduced it to him in Florida. He decided to launch his own company on the Kenai Peninsula in January.

“It has been a wonderful learning experience,” Balk said. “The heartiness and the drive and the work ethic of Alaskans inspired me.”

Ax-throwing can be experienced in any capacity from a weekend hobby to an international competitive sport. The World Axe Throwing League sponsors competitions as seen on ESPN, and is the governing body for the sport of urban ax-throwing.

Balk said he’s been communicating with different ax-throwing organizations in Anchorage in the hopes of starting an Alaska league.

Until then, he said, he’s looking forward to hosting some local tournaments and booking some reservations this summer.

“I’ve been getting a ton of interest,” Balk said. “I think it’s going to be good. I’m hopeful and confident.”

He is currently planning an event in Kenai with a transportable ax-throwing unit, and is hoping to make an appearance at the Soldotna Rodeo and Fair this summer as well.

The company offers an ax-throwing both at its mobile unit and at the lanes in the Cooper Landing location, priced per half hour or full hour. Throwing sessions include a coaching lesson about form and technique.

“I want people to be successful when they’re throwing,” he said.

Balk is planning to offer some discounts this spring and summer to locals in the area. For more information call 716-222-0556 or email axthrowing1066@gmail.com.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.