WPI FENCING CLUB

What to Take to a Competition

• Food. At a minimum, I recommend bringing a snacks. We don't know whether there will be food available for purchase nearby, but even if there is you may not have time to go buy it. Breakfast/power bars and bananas are good.

• Drink. Make sure to bring whatever you'll want to drink -- you must stay hydrated. This is very important.

• A change of clothes. No one wants to sit next to you on the ride back if you didn't have clean clothes to change into after fencing.

• You may want to also bring a towel so you can shower off in the locker room after fencing.

• You'll need fencing knickers, an underarm protector, a jacket, glove, and a mask. If you're female you'll also need a chest protector. You'll grab these from the lockers in the morning before travelling. Remember that foil chest protectors must be padded. It is worn under the half-jacket.

• Everyone needs long socks. Preferably WPI Club socks!

• Everyone needs fencing knickers/breeches. No shorts.

• You may want something to put on to keep you warmed up between rounds/bouts. Preferably the WPI Fencing Club jacket!

• You'll need weapons, lame, jacket, half-jacket, mask, glove, socks, mask cords and body cords. Bring stuff appropriate for your weapon (e.g., conducting mask bib for foil). The senior fencer in your weapon will help you take care of this. Don't forget that Sabruers will need sabre lames, 800N gloves, and sabre masks. You'll need a spare weapon and spare cords. Your mask must have a strap across the back. Everything must be in good shape (i.e., no holes).

• I recommend bringing a little pocket money, in case you decide to buy food, drinks, fencing tee-shirts, etc. Equipment vendors might be at the event, so you can buy stuff there if you want (no discount though).

• Bring something to do while you're waiting until you fence again -- a book, digital music player, laptop, etc.

• Above all, get yourself to the bus on time. Set three alarm clocks at least!