The sport of agility, strength, coordination, balance, timing and mental strategy
Memberships
Regular “Open Fence” sessions will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8PM
Rates are Per Person - ages 12+
Monthly Membership - $20.00
Semi-Annually - $100.00
Annually - $200.00
This entitles you to fence on both nights each week.
Drop In Rate - $10.00 per night
The Club must have insurance. We have enrolled the Club in the USAF’s insurance program.
A requirement of this program is that all Suncoast Fencing club members must be members of USA Fencing. NOTE: we can’t allow you to fence without this enrollment!
All members must first be members of the USA Fencing association.
The minimum required membership is “Access Membership” and is currently $29 per year.
Their annual enrollment period is August 1st and lasts 12 months.
You can join online:- https://www.usafencing.org/membership
Once you have enrolled, go to your profile page and add our Club “Suncoast Fencing Club” to your membership.
Don’t forget to print your membership card after enrolling! We will need a copy on file.
Those of you who already compete in competitions (outside of our club) will already be members as it is required at most tournaments.
You can upgrade your membership at any time to the Competitive membership, more details on the USA Fencing website, here.
WAIVER & CONTACT INFORMATION FORM:
Prior to your first fencing session with us you will need to sign a waiver. Click here to download the waiver form and a contact information form.
If you are under 18 you will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian on your first visit so that they can sign the waiver on your behalf, this will need to be done in the presence of one of the club officials.
REMINDER:
On your first visit you will need:-
Signed waiver (under 18 will need parent or guardian present)
USAF membership card
Suncoast Fencing Club fee.
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS GUIDE:
Your coach will advise on what equipment to purchase – DO NOT PURCHASE equipment without first talking with your coach! The equipment required varies based upon how long a person has been with the club. The following chart lists the gear to acquire at each level. Most fencing equipment vendors offer starter kits that include several items, such as mask, jacket, glove, and weapon. They also sell electric fencing starter kits.
Experience Level Personal Equipment to Acquire
Beginner Class Student
T-Shirt, Sweatpants, Sneakers
Club Member
(within 1st month)
Glove, Jacket, Mask, Weapon, Protector
Club Member (6+months)
Choose One or More
Your coach will advise
Club Member (1+ years)
Knickers are the knee-length fencing pants that must be paired with knee-length socks in order to cover the entire leg, and replace the sweat pants. The plastron (also called an underarm protector) is a half-shirt worn underneath the jacket that protects the weapon-side underarm. The t-shirt is just something comfortable to wear beneath the plastron and jacket (some fencers wear Under Armour, a special sweat-management fabric, instead of a t-shirt). Electric equipment gives fencers immediate feedback about whether they are hitting correctly (or at all) and is also required for official USA Fencing tournaments.
General Requirements
▪ A chest protector is required for all female fencers, regardless of age or experience level, and is NOT a substitute for the plastron.
▪ Club members must have the gear listed in the table above down to and including the row matching their experience level (e.g. at 1+ year of membership the fencer must have all the items shown in the first three rows).
▪ Electric equipment is optional at the club for the first year of membership, but required after that (and at any official USA Fencing tournaments).
▪ Foil: electric weapon, body cord, foil lamé (metallic mesh vest), electric foil mask, mask cord
▪ Epee: electric weapon, body cord
▪ Sabre: electric weapon, body cord, sabre lamé (metallic mesh jacket), electric sabre mask, mask cord, glove cuff or sabre glove
▪ After buying equipment be sure to write your name or initials on it! Any unmarked equipment left behind will become the property of the club.
Optional Equipment
The following list is other fencing equipment that is not necessary but is often a good idea.
▪ Fencing shoes
▪ Fencing equipment bag (highly recommended!)
▪ Hand towel (to wipe sweat off of the inside of the mask and the fencer's face)
▪ PVC pipes (these are often used as sheaths for fencing weapons to keep them from being bent up while not in use) ▪ Tools and spare parts (for weapon maintenance and repair, more pertinent for electric fencing equipment)
Fencing Equipment Vendors
▪ Absolute
▪ Blade
There are many more! What is important is 350Nm for club level (non FIE, the FIE equipment has a higher rating and much higher price!)
Foil and Epee Weapon Grips
For foil and epee weapons there are many choices available for the grip (the part that you hold in your hand). There are two general types, French and Pistol, but there are many variations of the pistol grip with different shapes and sizes. All variations of the pistol grip can be bare metal or have an insulated coating. Also, the same style of grip can differ slightly between manufacturers, so it is important to identify both the style and manufacturer that is the most comfortable. Your coach will advise you on grips and may have samples for you to try.
Thanks to Tidewater Fencing Club
http://www.tidewaterfencing.com/
