Outdoor Axe & knife Throwing Instructor Course
This course can be delivered at a site of your choice if it has a flat area of 30m+ x 30m+ and is grass.
We currently deliver the course in various regions including:
- The Peak District
- East Anglia
- Staffordshire, Burton on Trent
- Nationwide at your location, subject to min booking requirements
We are currently revising the calendar regarding dates for each region
The aim of this course is to provide best practice delivery guidelines for learners wishing to safely instruct others on an axe & knife throwing range for sport or recreational purposes. While not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that learners have prior coaching or instructor training before attending.
The course is designed to provide a standard for safe delivery & coaching as well as ensuring the overall safe management of the range and safety of participants.
This is a 2-day course, requiring a minimum of one overnight stay in the forest (tent/hammock & tarp/bivvi & tarp) or local accommodation and will be self-catering.
Important: Due to the physical demands of this course, participants must be able to stand unassisted and remain stable while throwing the tools involved. If you’re unsure whether you meet these requirements, please reach out before booking—we’re happy to discuss your suitability. Your safety is our top priority!
Mandatory Prerequisites
- Current 16 hr First Aid Certificate
- Current Enhanced DBS Check
Site Entry is not included in the cost of this course
This course is NCFE CQ Accredited
Back To Wilderness provides this course under licence from Survival School, NCFE Centre 001135
From 1st August 2022, all certification will be in the form of eCertificates.
Upon successful completion of the course and meeting the required criteria, the learner will achieve the following:
- The Survival School Level 3 Wilderness Skills Range Instructor – NCFE CQ Accredited
If the required criteria is not fully met, the learner will remain as an aspirant, with support where possible until such time a follow-up assessment can be mutually agreed.
Our qualification has been developed to meet the specific needs of our learners and has been accredited by NCFE demonstrating the quality and rigor.
NCFE are an awarding organisation recognised by the qualification regulators for England (Ofqual, Wales (Qualification Wales) and Northern Ireland (CCEA Regulation). This is an unregulated qualification and is not a nationally recognised qualification.
Note: This Survival School Accredited Level 3 CQ is not part of the Level 4 foundational syllabus and is a stand-alone course developed for personal and professional development and is delivered regionally not at every Survival School site or venue.
Richard Tarpy –
Great course, amazing instructor and a fantastic weekend! Thanks a lot Ray, looking forward to coming back and getting that practice in.
Nathan Harris –
Just completed the level 3 Wilderness Skills Range Instructor Course designed completely by Ray himself, and as I’ve come to expect from him he has done yet another fantastic job.His teaching methods are second to none and this course covers everything you would need to know if you ever wished to run such an activity yourself. He covers the background knowledge regarding legalities and law aswell as addressing issues (primarily safety) when it comes to setting up a range an ultimately how to coach your customers into achieving a consistent technique to stick the target with whatever implement they are throwing from axes to knives. Excellent job as always and I look forward to the next one.
Seth –
Brilliant experience. Ray was very knowledgable and made the experience fun and relaxing. I would definitely recommend this course. Not only did we gain the qualification Ray made sure we got a lot of time on the range to develop our own skills. Thank you Ray!
Alex –
I did the survival school level 3 wilderness skills range instructor course with Ray just after lockdown. Ray is a great teacher and made it an enjoyable and informative weekend covering all the information whilst keeping it fun and relaxed. I Highly recommend him to anyone who wants to give knife and axe throwing a go.
Outdoor Hire Centre Network – Gordon –
Ray has delivered several ‘Survival School Level 3 Wilderness Skills Range Instructor – NCFE CQ Accredited Courses’ for our team and does so in a highly professional and effective manner.
Content is precise and substantive – delivery is impeccable. Safety and skills development lead whilst maintaining the fun and enjoyment that should go with such training. These courses are thorough and ‘must have’.
Highly recommend and we will continue to book with Back To Wilderness for such training.
Thanks Ray and Team
Steve M –
I recently did a Survival School Level 3 Wilderness Skills Range Instructor – NCFE CQ Accredited Course with Ray and would recommend it for anyone wanting to get a safe and enjoyable training session. The 2 day axe throwing event was well thought out and clearly delivered. I found it more mentally tiring than I expected but Ray was alert to this and included plenty of breaks and time for reflection. Two days of axe throwing is also physically challenging for beginners so be prepared for some aching limbs!
Emily Carr –
Last week several members of staff at our centre did the Survival School Level 3 Wilderness Skills Range Instructor course with Ray. We all really enjoyed it and feel much more confident about setting it up and running it as a activity. I approached Ray as it was something we wanted to introduce but weren’t sure how to go about it. He was really helpful explaining the set up procedure beforehand, the instruction was first class and he has continued to help us afterwards. I would defiantly recommend the course for anyone else looking to run axe throwing.
Emily Carr
Steve Lock –
Ray is a professional instructor of the highest quality.
This was once again underlined when I recently attended his NCFE CQ Accredited Level 3 Wilderness Skills Range Instructor course. With tomahawk, axe & knife throwing becoming a more commonplace activity this course is now a must do for any freelance instructor or indeed anyone looking to pursue this exciting activity safely. All aspects of range management are well covered but you will also finish the course with a much higher level of skill due to the number of throwing hours as well as Ray’s experience & excellent coaching skills.
The fun factor is huge with this one, book, enjoy & leave with a big smile!
Darryl Gough –
At the weekend I attended the Level 3 Wilderness Skills Range Instructor course, centred around tomahawk, axe & knife throwing, this was by far one of the best courses I have attended in relation to the outdoors.
Ray is a superb facilitator of learning, he encourages and supports students to emerse themselves in the course and for myself, he has allowed me to realise my full potential. A great experience which will help me and my business to develop.
Ray you are a star, thanks for your commitment in this particular discipline.
Josh –
After a 22 year military career this was by far the best non-military ran course I have attended (it’s in the top 5 overall). The course is well designed, structured and delivered at a pace to suit all abilities / standards. Rays’ teaching manner is a perfect blend of credibility, passion and fun. I have already recommended this course to all of my colleagues and will continue to do so.
Josh
Andy –
The Survival School Level 3 Wilderness Skills Range Instructor – NCFE CQ Accredited – (Axe & Knife Throwing Instructor Custom Qualification)
I had a fantastic weekend; fun, thoroughly absorbing and it flew by.
Despite coming to the course already with plenty of, at least, axe throwing experience, Ray still gave me plenty to think about and I will certainly be adding some of those things I picked up into my own existing instructing sessions.
Ray has a great teaching style that keeps you not only entertained but fully engaged. He has a great depth of knowledge and is both eager & willing to pass on as much as he is able to.
As I say, I already had a good level of experience throwing axes but I know some of the guy’s who were on the course with me did not. Watching how quickly they picked up the basics and how quickly they progressed is the “proof of the pudding” regarding the quality of Ray’s tuition.
Andy
David –
I have taken part in a wide range of outdoor and education related training over the last 25 years. Ray’s delivery and course organisation is second to none. I spent the weekend taking part in the Survival School Level 3 Wilderness Skills Range Instructor. I came away feeling competent and confident to run a safe range. During my time with Ray I went from an absolute beginner in axe and knife throwing, to someone who knows exactly what they need to do in terms of developing my own skills (it will be a long and enjoyable road). Importantly though, I have the skills I need to keep others safe when introducing them to this fantastic sport.
As an instructor, Ray is patient, knowledgeable and a skilled coach. I never felt under pressure and the advice I was given helped me to improve considerably. The well organised course struck a perfect balance between challenge, focusing upon the seriousness of the activities we were learning to instruct and fun.
I couldn’t recommend this course enough!
David
Ian –
I attended the Range Master qualification over the October half-term. Currently I’m employed in further education and as a college wish to extend our provision to students. We felt axe and knife throwing would be a fantastic addition to our college course.
Having never thrown and axe or knife before, this course provided a brilliant balance of hands-on experience whilst also exploring the health and safety risks, risk assessments and legal matters involved in the activity. Mark, Ray and Matt’s tuition was fantastic. The course gave a great balance of practicing personal skills, whilst discussing the organizational structure of the activity.
A fantastic couple of days!
Ian
Phil Roberts –
Excellent practical course on axe and knife throwing. Pleanty of practical building of both personal skills and session structure practice that made the course useful for instructors of all levels of experience. Friendly and professional coaches delivered the course clearly have extensive experience and had wide variety of hardware available for participants to try.
Phil
Tim Nixon –
A great course and team, that I would recommend to everyone,
The delivery team are professional and fun, you will leave having learned many new things and enjoyed every minute.
Tim
Anne Parry & Jane Hope –
We attended the 2 day Axe & Knife throwing instructors course in the Peak District with a view to setting up a range as an additional activity to our existing business.
The whole instruction team and set up were exceptional from arrival to leaving, very clear, safe and professional whilst providing the motivation to push past your inner demons to fantastic effect. A special thanks to Ray who had just one job and did it fantastically … what a great guy!! 🙂
We left with not only a qualification and a head full of business ideas but a little bit broken (in a nice way) and having learned a little something about ourselves that will never be forgotten.
Thanks guys
Anne & Jane
David Pitcher –
Expert instructor. Thoughtful and insightful feedback and I feel well equipped to continue my learning journey! Thank You!!
David
Jasmine R –
Best Course I’ve Ever Been on!
The Axe and Knife Throwing Course led by Back to Wilderness was absolutely brilliant! The instructors Ray and Nathan were friendly and welcoming to everyone and had a wealth of experience to share.
We were clearly instructed in all of the areas of delivery including assembling the targets, setting up the range, safety briefings, how to use each of the tools and also received coaching in how to improve our technique.
The sessions were really enjoyable with a variety of different tools to use and different challenges such as point scoring on the target or a double axe throw.
It is hands down the best course I’ve ever been on, and I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.
I think people of all ages and experiences would enjoy having a go!
Would definitely recommend either to train as an instructor or just to have a go at something amazing.
Jasmine
Lisa D –
Ray and Nathan were approachable, serious (it’s a serious business) but fun, knowledgeable and took the measure of the group well; we’re experienced coaches and leaders so they didn’t need to focus on that but gave us plenty of opportunity to learn.
Would definitely recommend either to train as an instructor or just to have a go at something amazing.
Lisa
Steve R –
What a great weekend throwing axes and knives with Ray and Nathan both great teachers injecting fun and skills into the weekend
A relaxed but learning environment created with lots of cake and laughs
Superb worth doing!!
Steve
Kevin P –
Had an amazing weekend learning axe and knife throwing skills with Ray. His knowledge of the subject and professional, engaging and fun delivery style brought the topic to life in a way that made two days fly by. His passion for the subject rubs off on everyone around him. Great value for money and highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn a fun new activity or brush up on existing skills.
Kevin
Frank –
Ray from Back to Wilderness provided our team of staff with a Axe and Knife Throwing range instructors course. It was well put together, concise and enjoyable. We will be sending more of our staff to be trained with him in the future.
Ben –
Best Axe Throwing Course out there!
Best course I’ve ever been on! Ray was a great instructor who was incredibly knowledgeable but also had great humour which made the course very fun. The equipment he provided was all top tier and in great condition and I would highly suggest anyone who is interested to take part in Rays course.
Katie D –
Fantastic Instructor, Brilliant Course!
From start to finish Ray showed great professionalism, knowledge and kindness. Everything was organised down to the last detail making the whole experience seamless and enjoyable.
The two days where extremely engaging and completely tailored to all of the groups needs.
Ray made the session fun and he patience and knowledge helped the group to leave with the confidence and skills to deliver the future session.
Great value for money, would highly recommend this course!
Jon C –
There’s Axe Throwing, and then there’s Ace Throwing with Ray!
Had a great 2 days with Ray learning a brand new skill and having a lot of fun too.
Ray is one of the best instructors I’ve come across with his professionalism, knowledge, organisation and whit!
I thoroughly recommend Ray for any of his wilderness courses and can’t wait to work with him in the future.
Marley –
Very Informative
Extremely informative and very patient. It was a brilliant few days with Ray. I would 100% recommend to anyone. Five stars!
Ben the Viking –
Level 3 axe and knife throwing instructor course
I can’t begin to explain how great Ray was.
Me and my partner own an axe-throwing business and we still come away with heaps of knowledge !!!!
Such a down to earth calm individual who has a respect for all things great and small . So many stories shared of adventure by a camp fire really broke the course up nicely .
His calm attitude come through into his teachings and no matter how good you are (because I’m pretty good with 6+ years experience) this man opened my eyes to things I haven’t considered at all .
In short I cannot recommend Ray enough really !!! And I don’t often find people who are so welcoming … I honestly come home from this course so relaxed (definitely won’t be able to say that again !!)
If your looking to throw your first axe or your a seasoned professional… this guy can make you better !
David –
This weekend we completed a level three wilderness instructors course with Ray and Back to wilderness.
Ray was so professional, and safe and allowed each individual to learn in their own unique way all while having loads of fun, not even the cold weather could stop us!
will definitely be booking up some more courses and just general sessions with them.
Navigator –
Amazing Outdoor Experience
First off Ray the instructor was very funny and displayed such great knowledge whilst maintaining himself as a very humble man. The experience I had with this company was by far one of the best things I have ever done and am so happy I did. All the equipment and the way everything was set up was very professional. I learned so much and hopefully in the future I’d like to do something similar again. Really good experience overall and can’t wait to show my knowledge and create new memories with others.
Tom –
Another amazing course
Further to my last course (Bushcraft & Survival Instructor) I just did the Axe & Knife throwing instructor course this weekend. Another fantastic experience where Ray over-delivered as always with his professional, informative, enthusiastic and fun delivery style. Everyone on the course walked away very happy with a new skill set to pass on to their colleagues and clients. I’ll be sending more of my team on this course. Thank you again Back To Wilderness.
George –
Couldn’t fault Ray as an instructor. He knew exactly how to train all 10 of us and made us all feel comfortable and at ease. Kept the morale high at all times even when fatiguing and couldn’t be more informative. I had an incredible time training and learning new skills. Even learning more than what we were meant to do just for the fun of it! Would absolutely do this again in a heartbeat. Cheers Ray!
Samuel –
The experience was amazing, I absolutely loved it, it was the best thing I’ve done in a while and the value is absolutely worth it
Joshua –
Ray of Sunshine
The most enjoyable and educational course I’ve been on, from the instructor to the course content.Just amazing!!!!!!
Hannah –
Absolutely Buzzing!
Thank you so much Ray!
I have just finished axe throwing training at Hoar cross hall and I’ve loved every minute of it! We did axe, raven and knife throwing and I am absolutely buzzing. Thank you
Chris –
Ray is an amazing teacher! Great Course very enjoyable!
Ray is a great teacher and the course was loads of fun and interesting! we have already re booked for him to come back and complete more training in March! Fully recommend!
Joe –
This weekend we completed a level three wilderness instructors course with Ray and Back To Wilderness. Ray was so professional, and safe and allowed each individual to learn in their own unique way all while having loads of fun, not even the cold weather could stop us! Will definitely be booking up some more courses and sessions!
Shawn G –
A big thank you Ray,
What a gr8 course. Really enjoyed it. To be taught with out thinking I’m being taught is the sign of a gr8 instructor. Look forward to running my first class.
Thank you again Ray.
Luke –
All I can say is what a great weekend doing axe throwing ray the instructor was amazing and we all had a great laugh would definitely do it again and I’m thinking about looking into other courses they run as it was such a amazing experience and learnt alot
Josh –
Brilliant Course
Ray is an amazing instructor, every session of the course was really enjoyable and took the time to pay attention to everybody individually for personal feedback and tips. Great fun and laughs across the 2 days. No doubt I’ll be able to lead safe and fun axe throwing sessions. Thanks Ray, legend!
Richard W –
Ray introduced himself as the Range Master for the 2-day Axe and Knife throwing course held at Gunton Hall. A great location with good weather meant we had a solid 2 days of knowledge, theory but mainly practice in throwing different “tools” at wooden stand-mounted targets. Despite considerable frustration in the early hours of the course, eventually his enviable patience and sterling words of encouragement resulted in some very satisfying and accurate throwing. Ray is a very knowledgeable, polite and gifted trainer that are few and far between. I can’t thank him enough for helping me get to grips with this new sport (for me) that soon I will be delivering to guests. Highly recommended course.